Overview

Located in South America Ecuador is the most diverse country by square feet. It is unique because this country is named after a geographical feature. After the arrival of the Spanish, Ecuadorian identity incorporated Catholic traditions, which is still deeply engraved in their culture. Famous for the country's three geographic regions, the Amazon, the Sierra, the capital (Quito) and the Pacific coast, Ecuador has many more places to go sight-seeing.

Daily Life

Ecuadorians have to work hard to help provide for their family. Walking down the streets you’ll see kids and families selling candy and fruits and would walk in the middle of the streets with cars and try to make people buy from them. Kids who go to school have to go back home around lunchtime because most schools don’t provide lunch. When it’s the weekend most people go out to party, everyone in Ecuador loves to dance. You can see tons of kids having a soccer or volleyball tournament.

Art

Having a rich tradition in folk art metsizo and indigenous communities in Ecuador specialize in particular crafts. Oswaldo Guayasamím, a famous artist from here, was known for painting distorted, suffering indigenous figures. Guayasamím’s cubism made some people call him the “American Picasso”. Not only known for their visual art Ecuador has beautiful architecture. Quito has Spanish colonial structure, mostly churches (La Inmaculada, Ingapirca, La Basilica, etc.)

Cuisine

Famous for their beaches, rainforest, and cities Ecuador has multiple foods depending on which region you are in. Ceviche is one of the most typical dishes if you are headed to the beach with a side of yummy Agua de Coco (Coconut Water). The Amazon has tons of unique dishes to serve. From chontacuros (worms!) to trucha (trout) various more foods can be found in the Amazonia. The most common food that you can find anywhere in Ecuador is cuy (guinea pig), llapingacho, and tons of soups!

Fashion

Ecuador has a distinctive fashion code. If you are familiar with the native dress you could tell what region a local is from. In Quito you can see men wearing a blue poncho, a fedora (or a felt hat), and white calf-length knickers. Men have long braids coming to their waist (the Shimba) symbolises the pre-Inca time but it mostly shows that they are indigenous. As for women, they dress most like a Incan. This is mostly a white blouse, a blue skirt, and a shawl. The most important fashion piece is jewelry that is usually hand-made. A fun fact is that the Panama hats were actually made in Cuenca, Ecuador even though they have Panama in their name.

Music

The Incas played a big part in Ecuadorian music. Flutes are one of the most important instruments. When the Spanish came more instruments came: mandolins, violins, and other brass instruments. Several of these instruments are still used today in the Andes. The Ecuadorian coast has a different style of music than the Andes. Their music is inspired by African rhythms. You’ll most likely also listen to cumbia music (music from Colombia). But if you ever hear music don’t forget to dance!

Transportation

Ecuador relied heavily on horse and mule transport or on canoe transport. All though these methods of transportation aren’t used as frequently you will see them in the Andes and the coast. Their railroads are a hit for tourism; it isn’t great for transportation of goods due to floods, landslides, and earthquakes. Air transport has now grown for Quito-Guayaquil’s international travels. Their airlines help fly to only major cities in Ecuador.