Ecuadorian Cultural Tips and Recommended Literature

Ecuadorians are very harmonious and welcoming people. One of the 10 wonders of this country is their peaceful political revolution. No other place on earth change their governments and presidents as often as the Ecuadorians Nevertheless, only in the last 10 years did they begin to experience political stability. Ecuador has attracted international attention due to its fertile soils, an abundance of water and natural resources. There is so much to see and experience in Ecuador.

The indigenous community

Over 40 percent of the population lives in indigenous communities with traditions dating back hundreds of years. Even today, some indigenous communities in the Amazon lowlands continue to live without any contact with the outside world. A visit to the rainforest allows visitors to immerse in the world of the indigenous community and get to know more about their culture, traditions and way of living. We offer short tours to visit the Shaman from the Shuar indigenous community in the Amazon rainforest.

Another indigenous community which has achieved economic success is the Otavaleños, from the Andes province of Imbabura. Their weaving products are sold throughout entire South America. The Otavalo market located at Plaza De Poncho is one of the most frequently visited indigenous markets in all of South America.

The Incas

There are pre-colonial cultural sites in the Andes highlands as well as the Ecuadorian coast. These sites never fail to impress visitors with their pyramids and artefacts. Nevertheless, the remnants are far from what they were in their glory days. The Incas ruled Ecuador for only 50 years until the arrival of the Spanish, who set up the countless magnificent churches in Ecuador. An Inca ruin with the sun temple from Ingapirca is located in the south of Ecuador.

Colonial Heritage

There are two main colonial heritage cities in Ecuador, and they are Quito and Cuenca. Quito was named in 1978 as world cultural heritage centre by UNESCO. Cuenca is the capital city of Azuay province in the south. The churches and buildings in both cities are definitely worth a visit, and they were restored with great care. The walls of the monasteries exhibit impressive religious artworks, and countless museums are in Quito.

Recommended Readings

If you are interested in reading more about the diverse culture and traditions in Ecuador, we recommend the following books to our travellers.

• Confessions of an Economic Hit Man by John Perkins
• Culture Shock! Ecuador: A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette by Nicholas Crowder

For more information, you can check out other pages under our travel information categories such as the Top Ten Tourist Attractions in Ecuador, Language and Culture and Safety and Security.