ECUADOR CULTURE THE LAST GUIDE: CULTURE, GASTRONOMY & MORE

This Ecuador culture last guide shows you everything you have to know about Ecuador and the reason why you have to visit this incredible country. 

Ecuador is a country full of history and diversity thanks to the mixture of customs, traditions and lifestyles. Everything originates in the Andes, the coast and the Ecuadorian Amazon. Each city in the country has its own charms. Magical places to visit, many stories and sensations to transmit from every corner. 

ECUADORIAN CULTURE 

The culture of Ecuador is as beautiful as the handmade tapestries and handicrafts. Colorful ponchos of Otavalo, colonial architecture and the beautiful paintings in the churches of the Historic Center. Ecuador’s history is a combination of indigenous and European practices. The Inca Empire extended its reign to Ecuador for many years, until the Spanish Empire conquered the region. 

Ecuador has a population of 18 million. 71.9% of the population is mestizo (mixed Indigenous and white), 7.4% is Montubio (peasant from the Ecuadorian coast). The 7% is Amerindian. 6.1% is white, 4.3% is black, 1.9% is mulatto, 1% is black and finally other races are 0.4%.

ECUADOR SHAPED BY GEOGRAPHY

Ecuador, located in western South America, is the second smallest South American nation. The country is bordered by Colombia to the north. Peru to the east and south, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. 

The country’s geography is divided into regions. The Highlands, surrounded with high mountains and majestic volcanoes. The Coast, characterized for its beautiful beaches and warm climate. The Amazon, a world of diversity and nature and finally The Galapagos Islands, a natural paradise.

Each of these regions has its own cultural characteristics that make them unique. 

INDIGENOUS GROUPS OF ECUADOR 

In the 3 continental regions of Ecuador there are 15 nationalities, each with its own traditions and cosmovision. 

Among the best known Amazon groups are: 

• Huaorani
• Achuar
• Shuar
• Cofan
• Siona
• Sequoia
• Záparo
• Shiwiar
• Tagaeri and Taromenane (communities in voluntary isolation).

Most recognized indigenous populations of the Ecuadorian Highlands:

• Otavalo
• Salasacas
• Cañaris
• Saraguros 

On the Ecuadorian coast coexist:

• Awa 
• Chachi
• Huancavilcas
• Tsáchilas

LANGUAGE – CULTURE OF ECUADOR 

Spanish is the official language of Ecuador (93% of Ecuadorian people speak spanish). Then follows the main indigenous languages Kichwa and Shuar.

There are also 10 languages spoken exclusively by certain ethnic groups. So Kichwa is the language spoken mostly in the indigenous communities of the Highlands. Shuar comes from a group of indigenous people of the Ecuadorian Amazon.

RELIGION IN ECUADOR

The predominant religion in Ecuador is Roman Catholic, accounting for 74.8%. This is followed by 15.2% as evangelical and 1.2% as Jehovah’s Witnesses. The indigenous Ecuadorians, however, have mixed Catholicism with their traditional beliefs. 

GASTRONOMY 

Food is without a doubt one of the most relevant aspects of Ecuador culture. Its typical dishes are a fabulous mix of natural and organic flavors grown and raised locally in different areas. As a result, a rich national gastronomy.

The diet in Ecuador is based on a main protein. For exampleu pork, chicken, beef or fish, soup and starch, such as rice and potatoes. 

Each region has its own specialty: 

Pacific Coast: 

• Encocado
• Viche
• Encebollado

Highlands 

• Locro de papas
• Hornado
• Fritada
• Llapingacho 
• Mote

Amazon Basin

• Maito de pescado 
• Ayampaco
• Casabe de yuca

Here you can find more information about the delicious gastronomic culture of Ecuador. 

FESTIVITIES 

Ecuador culture is full of unique richness. In other words, it is a country of folklore, color and warm ecuadorian people. It offers locals and visitors the opportunity to enjoy the sound of music and dance in the various festivals.

Some of the most outstanding festivals are: 

• The Diablada of Píllaro
• Carnivals
• The Holy Week
• The pilgrimage of the Virgin of the Swan in Loja
• The pilgrimage to the Virgin of Quinche, 
• The Mama Negra in homage to the Virgen de las Mercedes in Latacunga.
• The Rodeos Montubios in the provinces of Guayas and Los Rios. 
• El Pase del Niño in Cuenca
• Festivities of new year

Now you know more about the richness of Ecuador culture. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit this wonderful country and enjoy all its beauties!