Ecuador is a small country in South America, located along the equator.
Capital: Quito, located in the Andes Mountains, is the highest capital city in the world
Ecuador has a diverse geography, including the Andes Mountains, Amazon Rainforest, beaches, volcanoes, rivers, and plains: Ecuador's name comes from the Spanish word for the equator.
The official language is Spanish, but Kichwa and Shuar were also made official languages.: Ecuador uses the US dollar.
Ecuador is a democracy and republic.
Most people in Ecuador are Christians
Megadiverse: Ecuador is one of 17 megadiverse countries in the world, with many endemic plants and animals.
Galápagos Islands: The Galápagos Islands are part of Ecuador and are famous for their many animals, including the world's largest turtle.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Ecuador is home to 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Nature's rights: Ecuador's 2008 constitution was the first in the world to legally recognize nature's rights.

John Jr visits Ecuador 

John Jr. standing with a packed bag and a teddy bear, looking up at the night sky with wide, excited eyes.

John Jr. with eyes so bright, packed his bag one sunny night. To Ecuador, he'd take a flight, an adventure in his sight. With his teddy, held so tight, he dreamed of lands with great delight.

Off to Ecuador

John Jr. standing in the middle of Quito, surrounded by mountains, looking up in awe.

In Quito, high and grand, John Jr. made his stand. Among the mountains, vast and wide, his heart swelled with pride. 'So high!' he joyfully cried, in the city where the clouds reside.

Quito's Heights

John Jr. in the Amazon, sitting and listening to the river, with a look of wonder.

Next was the Amazon, green and vast, where the trees tell stories of the past. John Jr. listened, eyes aglow, to the river's endless flow. 'It's a magical place,' he whispered low, where nature puts on its greatest show.

The Amazon's Call

John Jr. on the beach, building sandcastles with a peaceful expression, holding seashells.

On Ecuador's sunny shore, where the waves gently roar, John Jr. built castles in the sand, in this beautiful, faraway land. With seashells in his hand, he felt peace throughout the strand.

Beaches and Shores

John Jr. looking up at a towering volcano, feeling small but excited.

To a volcano, next, they'd go, where the earth's heart beats slow. John Jr. gazed at the peak, feeling small, feeling meek. 'It's so tall!' he'd squeak, a new adventure to seek.

Volcano Adventures

John Jr. watching giant turtles on the beach, clapping his hands in joy.

The Galápagos, islands of dreams, where nature's beauty truly beams. John Jr. saw turtles, big and grand, on the beaches' golden sand. 'So unique!' he'd exclaim, clapping his hand, in this magical, far-off land.

The Mighty Galápagos

John Jr. in a historical site, holding an artifact, with a look of fascination.

In sites where history is unfurled, Ecuador's tales were told and twirled. John Jr. learned of cultures old, of nature's rights, brave and bold. 'It's a treasure,' he'd hold, more precious than gold.

Heritage of the World

John Jr. waving goodbye to Ecuador, dreaming of his next visit, with a backdrop of mountains and ocean.

With stories to tell and memories to keep, John Jr. left, but did not weep. 'I'll return,' he said, 'to explore the deep, where the mountains and oceans sleep.' Back home, into dreams, he'd leap, of Ecuador, a memory to forever keep.