WHY VISIT ECUADOR?

If you are a nature lover, Ecuador is sure to fascinate you. Not for nothing it is one of the
most biodiverse countries in the world, with around 33,000 taxonomic species, that is,
almost 6.1% of all the species in the world.
Did you know that orchids are the oldest and most prized flowers in the world, and that in
Ecuador you can find around 4,200 known species and 1,300 endemic ones, all of them
spread throughout its territory? So, if you are a lover of these beautiful flowers, you can
admire them on your next vacation there.

Its privileged location on the equator, makes it a country without equal and possessing 4
incredible natural regions. Yes! We are talking about the mega-diverse Amazon rainforest,
the imposing Andean highlands, the rich coast and the amazing Galapagos Islands. With
places for everything and for all tastes.
The possibilities that Ecuador offers to adventure lovers are almost endless. If you are one
of them, its 4 natural regions will allow you to enjoy an unforgettable kayak through the
jungle, as well as to summit one of the snow-capped volcanoes of the Andes. If you are a
sea lover, there is no doubt that surfing off the coast or diving with sea lions in Galapagos
will give you an otherworldly experience.

ECUADORIAN CULTURES.
In Ecuador, there is not only a great natural diversity, but also a wide cultural diversity. With
32 indigenous cultures that preserve their own language, customs and traditions, we can
say that it is a multicultural country.
For this reason, this small and beautiful paradise is chosen by travelers interested in
learning about the ancient cultures of South America.
Below, we briefly tell you about two of the most representative indigenous cultures that you
will probably have the opportunity to get to know on your next visit to Ecuador.

Otavalos:
Surely you have heard of them, and is that the Otavaleños are very famous around the
world for their fabulous textiles and handicrafts. In the famous “Plaza de Ponchos” of the
city of Otavalo, considered one of the largest indigenous markets in South America, you can
buy a great variety of handicrafts.
The Otavaleños have their own language, which is Kichwa, although they also speak
Spanish, which they learn in school from a very young age. In addition, they also keep their
own traditional clothing, which is unmistakable.
they also maintain several traditional celebrations, such as the Inti Raymi (Sun Festival) at
the end of June and beginning of July and the Yamor Festival (Corn Festival) in September.

ECUADORIAN TRADITIONS:
Numerous ancestral traditions, as well as other interesting celebrations that are a fusion
between indigenous and mestizo cultures, which emerged after the Spanish colonization
starting in the 15th century, make Ecuador one of the perfect countries to enjoy incredible
traditional festivities.
Carnival in Ecuador:
In Ecuador, this traditional celebration is a time of joy and healthy fun activities. It is
characterized by the use of water, carnival foam, achiote, eggs and anything that involves
dirtying another person, because that is what the “carnival game” is all about.
In addition to “playing carnival”, many families visit the fresh and salt water resorts. Being a
national holiday, beaches, pools, rivers, waterfalls, and other similar places are visited by
national and international tourists. Therefore, it is recommended to make reservations in
advance.
Depending on the city where you want to celebrate the carnival, you will be able to observe
different activities. In Quito and Guayaquil, for example, you will see parades of colorful
floats, school bands and dance groups dancing to traditional and contemporary music.
On the other hand, in Ambato, the carnival known as the “Festival of Fruits and Flowers”.
The colorful floats that are presented in the parades of this city are decorated with bread,
flowers, and fruits of the area, becoming authentic works of art. The Ambato carnival could
be considered the most important celebration of the year in this city.
After so much joy and festivities, Ecuador’s carnival concludes on the Tuesday before Ash
Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent in the Catholic religion

The Inti Raymi:

The “Fiesta del Sol”, as the celebration of Inti Raymi is also known, lasts several weeks. It
begins with the solstice celebration that takes place on June 21 and lasts until early July.
This traditional Ecuadorian festival is perhaps the largest and most important indigenous
celebration in Ecuador. The essence of Inti Raymi, is to thank the god Inti (Sun), for having
allowed to obtain good harvests of traditional products.
Mama Negra:
It is a festival that is celebrated twice a year, in September and November. The Mama Negra
(Black Mama) is the biggest event of the year in Latacunga and is considered an incredibly
beautiful celebration, as the traditions combine Spanish, African and indigenous influences.
Many locals and tourists gather to witness this tradition that runs through the streets of
Latacunga, a city located 2 hours south of Quito.
Yamor Festival:
Easter (Holy Week):

TRADITIONAL ECUADORIAN FOOD:

Encebollado (Fish soup with onions):
This delicious soup is prepared with an exquisite selection of vegetables, and the freshest
fish you have ever tasted. Encebollado is considered a true “national symbol” and the most
effective solution for “chuchaqui” as hangover is known in Ecuador.

Ceviche:
You are probably thinking that ceviche is not from Ecuador, but rather from a neighboring
country. You should know that in Ecuador we have our own way of preparing ceviche.
Very similar to a seafood cocktail, Ecuadorian ceviche can be made with shrimp, fish,
shellfish, and a great variety of seafood. This delicious delicacy of Ecuadorian gastronomy
is preferred by those who visit the Ecuadorian coasts and are looking for a light and fresh
food.

Pork Fritada:
Fried pork is a traditional dish of Ecuador’s Andean gastronomy, however, it can be found
almost everywhere in the country thanks to its great popularity and delicious flavor.
This delicacy of Ecuadorian cuisine, consists of pork cooked in a large bronze frying pan
which are then fried in their own fat and can be accompanied by boiled potatoes, cooked
corn cobs, or include fried yucca and a fresh salad. Sounds delicious, doesn’t it?

Roasted guinea pig:

Probably, roasted guinea pig, is one of the most exotic dishes of the Ecuadorian Andes. This
small rodent has been part of the diet of our ancestors for more than 500 years.
Its high protein level and delicious flavor make it one of the most important delicacies of
traditional Ecuadorian cuisine. It can be served with garnishes similar to those of fried pork.

PASILLO, A TRADITIONAL ECUADORIAN MUSIC:

The traditional Ecuadorian pasillo is the national musical genre par excellence and was also
declared as one of the “Intangible Cultural Heritage” of the country. It is so popular that
Ecuadorians of all social strata sing this musical rhythm throughout the country.
It is important to mention that the pasillo has several characteristics acquired in Ecuador
that make it unique and special; and that distinguishes it from other varieties of pasillo
performed by artists in Colombia or Venezuela. In addition, its peculiar rhythm has made it
a fundamental musical genre within the so-called “national music” of Ecuador.

Ecuador, country of northwestern South America. Ecuador is one of the most

environmentally diverse countries in the world, and it has contributed notably to the
environmental sciences.

Economically, Ecuador became known for exporting Panama hats (straw hats so named
because they were shipped to Panama in the mid-18th century and bought by traveling
gold seekers ) and agricultural products, notably cacao , bananas, and flowers. It is a major
exporter of petroleum and an increasingly important tourist destination.

Religion

Ecuador is overwhelmingly Roman Catholic. The Roman Catholic Church plays a significant
role in education and social services and influences the selection of significant places for
festivals and pilgrimage sites, such as Quinche in the north and Biblián in the south.
Economy

Ecuador is a country of enormous economic potential. Development has focused on

agricultural, marine, and mineral resources, with industry playing a more limited role.
The subsequent production of primary goods has been subject to cycles of boom and
bust, however, and Ecuador has sought to diversify its resource exports and to seek new
markets. The country has improved standards of living, but it is still characterized by
marked inequalities of wealth and well-being.

Local government
The president appoints governors to administer each of Ecuador’s provinces. Provinces
are divided into cantones (cantons); these in turn are divided into parroquias (parishes).
Ecuador’s government has become increasingly decentralized. The mayors (rulers of
cantons), elected by local vote, are particularly important for initiating
local infrastructure projects and environmental controls.

Local government
The president appoints governors to administer each of Ecuador’s provinces. Provinces
are divided into cantones (cantons); these in turn are divided into parroquias (parishes).
Ecuador’s government has become increasingly decentralized. The mayors (rulers of
cantons), elected by local vote, are particularly important for initiating
local infrastructure projects and environmental controls.
Justice

Ecuador’s judicial system is composed of provincial courts, higher or divisional courts, and
a Supreme Court. Despite attempts at reform, the Supreme Court has historically been
plagued by inconsistent rulings and is viewed as being susceptible to outside influences.