Ecuador tours & travel

Ecuador has a predominately Mestizo population of mixed indigenous and Spanish descent. Since the Spanish settled in the area in the 1500s, most of the population has been Roman Catholic, and this is clearly visible in the country’s slew of old and new churches. Despite the dominance of Spanish and Catholic traditions, many Incan languages are still spoken, and the indigenous community still celebrate their traditional customs. The minority African population also form an important part of Ecuador’s national identity, and they are widely known for their marimba music. 

The coastal country of Ecuador enjoys a pleasant year-long climate and shares borders with Colombia and Peru. Ecuador’s terrain spans four main geographical areas, including the Amazon rainforest, The Andes mountain range with surrounding highlands, the coast and the Galapagos Islands. This latter part of the country is a famous grouping of volcanoes where Charles Darwin once studied animal life. Ecuador is one of the world’s megadiverse countries, and it includes animals such as the huge Galapagos tortoise, tropical fish and exotic sun-loving butterflies. 

Complete your Ecuador tour with a trip to the local markets. You can find authentic handicrafts that reflect the cultures of the region, beautiful souvenirs and items for the home. Visit places like Otavalo Market and La Mariscal Artisan Market where you’ll find hand-knitted alpaca sweaters, decorative rugs and wall hangings, as well as wooden artifacts, paintings and handmade jewellery. Some of the finest quality leather products come from Ecuador, especially the city of Cotacachi. 

New Years Eve

Not just another wild South American party, New Years in Ecuador has its own mysterious local traditions. The cities and towns are strewn with effigies of public figures which are burnt in a symbolic cleansing of the previous year’s negative energy.

Festival of the Sun

Inti Raymi is an ancient festival that has survived the ages. Th eIncan population gather in the town of Otavalo, dress in their native costumes and celebrate their ancestry.

Carnival

Ecuador’s carnival is a bit like the festivities of its neighbouring Latin states, but infused with indigenous traditions of the natives. The colourful parade of floats, dancers and costumes is complemented with an older tradition of throwing water, flour and flowers. 

Ecuadorian cuisine is comprised of rich hearty stews, sides of starchy root vegetables and exotic meats. Hungry diners order meals like the seco de chivo which is stewed goat meat with a side of rice, and Ecuadorian ceviche made with lemony shrimp and tomato sauce. In the mountainous region, the locals eat cuy, or guinea pig, which is traditionally roasted. Out on city streets, tasty snacks such as crispy corn pancakes are sold by stall vendors. Have your meal the Ecuadorian way – with a generous slathering of Aji chilli sauce. 

The Ecuador Effect by David E Stuart

• Galapagos at the Crossroads by Carol Ann Bassett
• The Queen of Water by Laura Resau and Maria Virginia Farinango
• Living Poor: A Peace Corps Chronicle by Moritz Thomsen
• The Panama Hat Trail by Tom Miller
• Darwin in Galapagos: Footsteps to a New World by K Thalia Grant and Gregory C Estes
• Galapagos by Kurt Vonnegut