Which Country Can Access Space Most Easily?

When we think of “closest to space,” most of us imagine rockets launching from Cape Canaveral or space stations orbiting the earth! But the answer to which

country on Earth is physically closest to outer space starts much closer to sea level: Ecuador. According to reports, Ecuador holds the title of being closest to space, thanks to Mount Chimborazo, a dormant Andean volcano whose peak sits at the farthest point from the center of the Earth. This isn’t because Chimborazo is taller than Everest but because of its position on the equator, it bulges a little, which pushes it closer to the stars! But beyond this bragging right, Ecuador actually has a bounty of experiences that make it a worthy stop for travellers. There is the Amazonian jungle, cobbled colonial cities, Andean highlands as well as volcanic islands. If you’re thinking of a journey where you can explore the diversity of this world, this is your place.

Places To Visit In Ecuador

Mount Chimborazo

You may not summit it (it requires glacier gear and altitude acclimatisation), but even viewing Chimborazo is worth the pilgrimage. From the town of Riobamba, the volcano rises like a pale planet above the plains. Guides here run acclimatisation treks to the base refuges and you can hike to Refugio Carrel.

Quito

At 2,850 meters, the capital Quito practically floats. Its historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a time capsule of baroque churches, sun-warmed plazas, and steep streets. Take the TelefériQo cable car to 4,000m from where the sky actually feels closer!

Other sites worth visiting include the La Compañía de Jesús Church which has gold interiors, as well as the Plaza Grande from where you can watch the city move around you. The city also boasts rooftop coffee terraces that offer golden hour views.

Stand On The Equator

A short drive from Quito, Mitad del Mundo literalises the idea of being between hemispheres. This monument has been built in the middle of the equator and this is where the globe splits between north and south hemispheres. This equatorial line is what gives this country its name, and hence, is one of the most popular tourist spots in Ecuador. You cna also visit the Intiñan Solar Museum, where they demonstrate how water swirls differently on each side of the line.

The Amazon Rainforest

From the highlands, descend into the Amazon Rainforest, one of the world’s richest ecosystems. You can head to Tena for river rafting and jungle walks or put your base near Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve that's famous for pink river dolphins and macaws.

The Galápagos

All Schitt's Creek fans will recognise this one! No trip to Ecuador is complete without acknowledging the islands that rewrote biology. Here, sea lions nap on sidewalks, iguanas sneeze salt, and blue-footed boobies dance their goofy courtship jig. You can snorkel with turtles one morning and walk volcanic rock paths with giant tortoises by afternoon.