Which physical regions make up mainland Ecuador?

The Ecuadorian mainland is divided into three distinct physical regions:1

• The Costa (coastal region): This area consists of lowlands extending from the Pacific Ocean to the western edge of the Andes Mountains. It ranges from sea level to an elevation of 1,650 feet (500 metres) and includes small coastal mountain ranges and interior valleys.1
• The Sierra (highland region): This region comprises two high, continuous mountain chains of the Andes, featuring many volcanic and snow-covered peaks. These ranges are connected by transversal chains that enclose large isolated valleys or basins known as hoyas.1
• The Oriente (eastern region): Located to the east of the main Andean ranges, this region includes the eastern slopes of the Ecuadorian Andes and the lowland rainforests of the Amazon basin.21