Ecuador is geographically separated into three distinct regions: the coast or costa; the central region of Andes and altiplano called the sierra; and the rainforest known as oriente. Each of these mainland regions is close enough to Quito, the capital, that visitors to Ecuador can easily reach varied terrains and adventures in a matter of hours.
At one time, the rainforest area extended much deeper east, but territorial boundaries have changed with border disputes.
Nevertheless, the rainforesst region has much to offer: wildlife adventures, jungle lodges, rivers and rainforest to explore.