Scenic Ecuador, beyond the Galapagos Islands

In 1998, Robert M. Ryerson established New Century Planning Associates Inc., where he continues to serve as the New Jersey-based company’s president.He assists clients with a variety of estate, retirement, and Social Security planning matters. Robert M. Ryerson also enjoys travel, with Ecuador being of special interest.

Rich in diverse natural beauty, Ecuador encompasses thee main geographic regions in addition to the Galapagos Islands: the tropical rainforest, the Andes, and the Pacific coastline. Each region has its own unique climate profile. Hence, a trip to Ecuador offers the opportunity to explore, in effect, four worlds within a single country.

The rich biodiversity of the humid Amazonas region is home to lush greenery and a range of wildlife that North Americans seldom see. Visitors can travel the area in a dugout canoe, as local Ecuadorians do. Situated in a sparsely inhabited area with portions inaccessible to humans, the  Yasuni National Park  is among the most biodiverse locations on Earth.

The cooler temperatures of the mountains offer the chance to visit the country’s historic capital of Quito, more than 9,000 feet above sea level. And with warm temperatures year-round, the Pacific coast encompasses some 1,000 miles of beaches, caverns, and forests.