To Do in Ecuador : Culture

The large diversity this South-American country knows in its landscapes, resulted in an equally rich diversity in its cultural heritage. No matter where in Ecuador you’ll go or what you’ll do, there is always culture to explore and discover.

If you love culture, each region of Ecuador has something different for you to do. In the Amazon jungle, you could visit indigenous communities.Or if you like arts and history, Cuenca and the UNESCO city of Quito in the Andes would be interesting destinations. From Quito, it’s only a 2-hour drive to the artisan handicrafts market in the highlands of Otavalo, which you don’t want to miss. To say nothing of the food lovers among us, they should definitely try Ecuadorian ceviche at the beaches of the Pacific Coast.

“When the Spanish imperialists concurred Ecuador in 1531, their modern European weaponry could not compensate for their lack of knowledge of the inaccessible Amazon jungle. They were defeated by the long-range bow and arrow shots of the indigenous warriors. The indigenous long-haired and beardless appearance created the, still existing, myth of the Amazonas (female) warriors. They have still managed to maintain their cultural roots until today.”

Visit an indigenous community in Amazonian jungle. Explore Ecuadorian arts and histories in the UNESCO oldtown of Quito or in Cuenca in the Andes. Visit the Otavalo artisan handicrafts Market in the highlands. Taste ceviche (traditional cuisine) at the beaches of the pacific coast.

When the Spanish imperialists concurred Ecuador in 1531, their modern European weaponry could not compensate for their lack of knowledge of the inaccessible Amazon jungle. They were defeated by the long-range bow and arrow shots of the indigenous warriors.

The indigenous long-haired and beardless appearance created the, still existing, myth of the Amazonas female warriors. They have still managed to maintain their cultural roots until today.

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Chocolate

Enjoy a wide variety of chocolate right on the farm where it was produced, while the farmer gives you a personal tour.

Quito

The colonial old town of Quito, in the middle of the mountains, offers great panoramic views. There is an abundance of beautiful churches.

The Andes by Train

Sit back and enjoy the view: mountains, volcanoes and an immense variety of landscapes. The train gives you a comfortable tour.

Culture in Ecuador by Region

Let’s break Ecuador’s cultural diversity further down and let’s have a look at what there is to do in Ecuador to discover its culture by each individual region.

Culture in the Amazon Rainforest

Communities in the Amazon Rainforest live very different lives from the rest of Ecuador. The deeper you’ll go into the jungle, the more the indigenous communities have maintained their authentic cultures. The Spanish ruling of almost 3 centuries have impacted Ecuador’s culture of today a lot. However, the Spanish control stopped where the Amazon Rainforest started. Amazonian communities have maintained their own traditions, religions and languages today. Some of these communities are open to tourism. These communities are happy and proud to share their traditions, cultures and beliefs. Tourism with Amazonian communities is very small scale and far from commercialized mass tourism. Ecuadorian authorities support the communities to keep it that way. Protection of their lifestyle and the surrounding jungle always remain the main priority. Community tourism is interesting and unforgettable, but not a luxurious stay. However, those facilities exist in the Amazon Rainforest as well. Keep in mind, the one doesn’t exclude the other.

Cultural Activities in the Andes (Sierra)

Culture in the Andes is shaped by Ecuador’s Incan roots, the Spanish ruling for centuries and the country’s battle for freedom. In Otavalo and Cotacachi, you’ll find handcraft markets run by indigenous communities. These towns are close to Quito and in one day, you can easily visit both to stroll over the markets and shop for souvenirs. Quito is not just the country’s capital, but also the center for cultural things to do in Ecuador. The city center is centuries old and South-America’s best maintained colonial old town. It’s characterized by beautiful plazas, cozy streets, many extravagant cathedrals and plenty of museums about colonial, Incan and pre-Colombian times. Quito is a mountain city with variation in elevation through the city and surrounded by astonishing volcanoes. This gives Quito exceptional panoramas. A visit to Incan ruins is another great cultural activity to do in Ecuador. The Ingapirca is Ecuador’s most famous Incan ruin, but it’s not the only one. There are several sites throughout the Andes.

Culture at the Costa (Pacific Coast)

Many people who think of Ecuador, think of beaches and a coastal setting. In the Andes and the Amazon, this is obviously not the case. However, the typical coastal culture and beach life is what you’ll encounter at the Costa. Flip Flops all day, cocktails at the beach, a laid-back surf vibe, fishermen towns and amazing fresh fish dishes is the best way to describe the Costa in Ecuador.

To Do in Ecuador : Culture

The large diversity this South-American country knows in its landscapes, resulted in an equally rich diversity in its cultural heritage. No matter where in Ecuador you’ll go or what you’ll do, there is always culture to explore and discover.

Visit an indigenous community in Amazonian jungle. Explore Ecuadorian arts and histories in the UNESCO oldtown of Quito or in Cuenca in the Andes. Visit the Otavalo artisan handicrafts Market in the highlands. Taste ceviche (traditional cuisine) at the beaches of the pacific coast.

Articles about Culture in Ecuador

What To Do in Ecuador to discover its Culture?

Culture in Ecuador Off the Beaten Path | Modern Ancestors