More than beautifully intricate, the meshy roots of the mangrove offer protection to the spawn of oceanic fish, which come to the forests to breed. In the branches above, colorful toucans and a host of other birds provide dizzying acoustics. Its fiercely independent and progressive populace has at times rebelled against the government in Quito. Today, it is a city of 2 million, and some historians explain that the reason Guayaquil is not the nation's capital is because the Spanish found Quito easier to control. Guayaquil's history of trading dates back thousands of years, and its markets are still a big attraction.
People come from all over Ecuador to hawk their goods here, and bargains abound.
The most dramatic geographical feature of Ecuador is its central highlands. Here, a soaring stretch of the Andes splits into two local ranges, demarcating a magnificent central valley. Many wear snowy crowns all year round. The highest peak is Chimborazo, rising 6,310 meters. At the northern end of the valley is Ecuador's capital city, Quito.