Ecuador
Country Overview
Ecuador earns its name from its proximity to the Equator, which runs through the country. It is bordered by Colombia to the north, Peru to the south and east, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. While Ecuador is known for its UNESCO heritage capital city of Quito, it is probably better known for its incredibly biodiverse Galapagos Islands.
The Galapagos sit about 500 miles west of the mainland in the Pacific Ocean. Here Charles Darwin monitored new species and established his theory of Natural Selection. The Galapagos Islands is one of the few places in the world without an indigenous population. In fact, the islands attracted a large number of German and Norwegian immigrants in the late 19th and early 20th centuries who account for much of the current population.
Distinctively, the mainland of Ecuador comprises vastly different atmospheres which accounts for the diverse population and cuisine. On the coast, seafood is most popular, while in mountain regions hearty meats such as chicken, beef, and cuy (guinea pig) are served as main courses. Inland and Amazonian Ecuador rely on the fruits and vegetables of the area, which consist of plantain and peanut-based dishes. This can include yucca, tree grapes, peach palms, and bananas.
While the grand majority of Ecuadoreans is mestizo, which is a combination of indigenous and Spanish heritage, a rivalry between the mountain and coastal regions does exist.
Culture
While Spanish is the main language spoken in Ecuador, 98% of Ecuadoreans also speak an indigenous dialect, most notably Quechua. The frequent use of indigenous language is more common in remote Amazonian communities, but can be found even walking the streets of metropolitan cities.
95% percent of Ecuador is Roman Catholic, which accounts for the large number of churches that are present in the cities. However, it is not infrequent for indigenous communities to syncretize native ideologies with Catholicism. Religion does play a large role in everyday life, but even more stress is put on family, both nuclear and extended. This is most apparent during family gatherings, festivals, and holidays where the entire family will unite to celebrate.
The music of Ecuador is also quite distinct with heavy use of pan pipes, flutes, and drums. This music is similar to what one might find in the mountains of Peru, as the indigenous population in both countries comes from the Incas.
Travel Tips
Because the weather in Ecuador varies so drastically due to the varied topography, it is hard to predict. Be sure to bring the appropriate clothing for the regions to which you will be traveling. Also, remember to bring clothes to cover your shoulders and knees if planning to venture into churches or cathedrals. While some establishments are becoming more relaxed regarding dress, it is always best to prepare than to be turned away
The local currency in Ecuador is the US dollar so you will not need to exchange money upon arrival. The Ecuadorean voltage is 120, so if traveling from the US you will not need to bring a special adapter.
Host families will go out of their way to provide you with delicious meals, which will typically consist of grains and meats. Should you decide to venture to a restaurant, be sure to leave a tip of at least 10% as is customary.
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