Ecuador is one of the world’s most biodiverse countries. Located in South America it is home to the Andes mountains, the Amazon, the Galapagos Islands, multiple indigenous groups, the equator, great outdoor activities and some of the world’s most wild nature. 

Here are some unique and fun facts about Ecuador and tips for visitors exploring Ecuador for the first time. 

Fun Facts about Ecuador

1. The language of Ecuador is Spanish but there are 13 native languages in the country. Quechua is the main native language spoken by the indigenous people of Ecuador and the Peruvian Andes.

2. Ecuador means equator in Quechua and the Equator runs right through Ecuador.

3. Quito, Ecuador’s capital is one of the highest capitals in the world sitting at 9,350 feet.

4. Visitors can walk on the equatorial line at Mitad del Mundo and the neighboring Intinan Equator Museum where they also have interactive experiments to showcase the equator.

5. Ecuador is home to 5 World Heritage Sites including the old city of Quito, the Historic Centre of Santa Ana de los Ríos de Cuenca, Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System, the Galapagos Islands and Sangay National Park.

6. The Panama hat was invented in Ecuador, not Panama. Straw hats woven along the Ecuadorian coast were taken to Panama initially to be sold to canal workers and, after the canal opened, to affluent westerners passing through the Panama Canal.

7. Always bring an umbrella as it rains often, especially in the Amazon region.

8. The sun is also really strong as you are on the equator (make sure you wear your sunscreen).

9. Ecuador is really cheap and everything is in US dollars as there is no local currency used.

10. Ecuador’s flag is made up of three stripes of yellow, blue and red with the coat of arms in the centre. The flag is based on the flag of Gran Colombia, with yellow representing sunshine, grain, and mineral wealth; blue the sky, sea, and rivers; and red the blood the patriots spilt in the struggle for freedom and justice.
(Source: CIA World Factbook)

11.  Charles Darwin visited Ecuador’s Galápagos Islands in 1835 and largely based his theory of evolution on the discoveries he made there even though he was only there for a short period. 
(Source: Darwin Online)

Now that we know a few fun facts about the country of Ecuador, let’s learn a little more about the history, biodiversity and food of this incredibly unique place.

History and Culture of Ecuador

The territories of modern-day Ecuador were once home to a variety of indigenous people who became parts of the Inca people by around the 15th century. Spain colonized the country in the 16th century, in 1820 they gained independence as part of Gran Colombia a large area that consisted of much of Northern South America as we know it and became its own sovereign state in 1830. Today Ecuador has an ethnically diverse population with around 17 million people, many being mestizos, but also large portions of Europeans, Africans, Native Americans and different Quechua people.

Ecuador’s Biological Diversity & Rights of Nature

Ecuador is one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world. It has more than 23,056 species of animals and plants which makes up 6.1% of all the species reported on Earth. This includes 15% of the world’s bird species. The Ecuadorian Amazon and the cloud forests of Mindo are two great places for bird watching.

Ecuador is home to the Galapagos Islands, a grouping of 17 main islands, and one of the most well-preserved island ecosystems in the world. It is a migration route for hundreds of species of marine life like whales, sharks and even penguins. Some of the islands are completely uninhabited, leaving room for birds, iguanas and sea lions to live as naturally as possible.

Ecuador is the first country in the world to give nature rights. As of 2008, the country put into the constitution ecosystem rights that help created legally enforceable rights for nature.

Things to Know Before you go to Ecuador 

• Weather: You will be close to the Equator so the climate is consistent year-round, however higher altitude regions ( like Cotopaxi volcano and mountainous regions) will be cooler and others like the Galapagos and Amazon are more temperate rainforest. Weather can be unpredictable from day to day, so packing layers is best.
• Food: One of the most popular dishes is ceviche, raw fish marinated with citrus juice. You will find this dish everywhere, often served with a side of popcorn, Andean corn nuts, or plantain chips. Cuy asado, or roasted guinea pig, is another very popular Ecuadorian dish. As for water, it’s best to avoid tap water.
• Money: The American dollar is the official currency. Make sure to have plenty of small bills as most vendors won’t have change for large bills. Most small businesses only accept cash. Tipping is customary for restaurant service and tour guides.
• Altitude: If you are planning on hiking the Andes, or even exploring Quito, remember to plan a couple of days to acclimatize to the high altitude to prevent altitude sickness.
• Getting Around: Public buses are a popular and budget-friendly option for getting around, but be alert for pickpockets that roam the terminals and buses. Uber is available in the larger cities, and prices are affordable. As for taxis, they are very easy to find in larger cities and are safe and more affordable than what you would pay in North America.

 

Food & Drink in Ecuador

Quito has a long tradition of serving great local food, called comida típica. Unlike in the US, most Ecuadorians eat their large meals at lunchtime.

There are three main regions in Ecuador each with its own style of cooking: 

1. Highland cuisine: warm, hearty dishes, such as roast guinea pig or locro, a delicious potato, cheese and corn soup, typically found in the mountain regions of Ecuador. 
2. Coastal: seafood-rich dishes of fish, shrimp and ceviches, often served with popcorn. 
3. Oriente: rice, banana, yucca and fish like Piranha which are found in the Amazon regions. 

The food in Ecuador is incredibly fresh, local and traditional. Some things that might take you by surprise:

• The use of popcorn on many dishes like ceviche, and its use as a side dish at many lunches and dinners.
• Guinea pig is a local delicacy that you will see being roasted on a spick in many places in Quito and in the mountain regions. It is known locally as coy, and tastes much like a cornish game hen.
• Expect to also find lots of delightful fresh juices made from blackberries, papaya, passion fruit and papaya.

Ready to Visit Ecuador?

Ecuador is an incredibly wonderful country, full of wildlife, culture and unique adventure activities. Ready to visit? Check out some of the other guides here on the Galapagos, Cotopaxi and Quito to learn more about places to stay, eat and visit in the beautiful country of Ecuador.

I also have a full video series on this beautiful country, check out the overview below.