About Ecuador:

Officially known as the Republic of Ecuador (República del Ecuador), it is named after the equator, which runs right through it—making it one of the few places on Earth where you can literally stand with one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and one in the Southern. Despite its relatively small size (about the size of Nevada or Colorado), Ecuador boasts incredible diversity:The towering Andes mountains in the center (home to active volcanoes like Cotopaxi and Chimborazo, the farthest point from Earth’s center due to the equatorial bulge)….the lush Amazon rainforest to the east……Pacific coastal lowlands…and the world-famous Galápagos Islands.

It’s often called one of the most biodiverse countries per square kilometer on the planet.

Ecuador blends Indigenous, Spanish colonial, and African influences. Spanish is the main language, with Quechua and other Indigenous languages spoken in rural areas. It’s known for exports like bananas, shrimp, flowers, cacao (it’s called the “Land of Cocoa Origin”), and oil. Tourism is big, especially to the Galápagos, Andes hikes, Amazon eco-lodges, and colonial cities.

Ecuador has faced serious security challenges from drug trafficking gangs and organized crime in recent years, leading to high violence levels in some areas (especially coastal provinces and border zones with Colombia). President Daniel Noboa (re-elected in 2025) has taken a hardline approach, declaring “internal armed conflict” against gangs and launching major military operations.

As of mid-March 2026, there are active U.S.-backed joint operations against narco groups, including logistical/military support from the U.S. Southern Command. Nighttime curfews are in place in several coastal provinces (like Guayas, Los Ríos, etc.) to support these efforts. The government has imposed tariffs on Colombian goods over border/drug issues and is pushing aggressive anti-crime measures.

Travel advisories often recommend high caution, especially near borders and in high-crime zones, though tourist areas like Quito, the Andes, and Galápagos remain popular (with normal precautions).

Catholic Shrines and Sites of Ecuador

The country of Ecuador has a long history of Catholicism dating back to the Spanish conquest of the 17th Century.

Even today the population is over 80% Catholic, and you find many beautiful churches, monasteries and convents scattered throughout the county.

Here are a few highlights for Catholic visitors:

Baños de Agua Santa:  Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Holy Water

Biblian: Sanctuary of The Virgin of Rocio

El Cisne: Basilica of Our Lady of El Cisne

Guayaquil: National Shrine of Divine Mercy

Quinche: Our Lady of the Presentation

Quito: Our Lady of Good Success & incorrupt body of Mother Mariana de Jesus Torres