Ecuador Overview

Ecuador is quickly becoming a popular South America tourist destination in the new millennium thanks to its affordability and the diverse, exotic wildlife. Plus, due to the country's small size, it's pretty easy to see most of its best attractions in a relatively short amount of time. Most travelers use the coastal town of Guayaquil as a stepping-stone to Ecuador's primary draw: the Galápagos Islands, where you can mingle with the giant turtles and the abundant wildlife that were once the subject of Darwin's research. If time or money is an issue, Machalilla National Park makes a nice alternative with its endless species of birds and entertaining sea lions. Head to the quaint, cobblestone streets of the capital city of Quito for handicrafts or venture a few hours away to the highest active volcano in the world.
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Travel Facts

Population
13,032,000

Capital
Quito

Time Zone
U.S. Central Standard Time - 1 Hour

Currency
U.S. Dollar

Weather
The average temperature in Ecuador doesn't vary much because of its proximity to the Equator. Normal highs are between 69 and 71 (F). Some people will tell you Ecuador only has two seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. But because the land has four distinct regions, they are all subject to their own weather patterns. The jungle receives rain pretty much year round. But in Quito and the highlands, the dry season (June through September) offers a break from the moisture with cooler temperatures. On the coast, the rainy season lasts from December through May and is marked by hot weather and high humidity. In the Galapagos, you can expect a good breeze year round and brief daily showers in October through May.

Entertainment & Nightlife

There are plenty of bars and discos in the major cities and towns. Visitors to Ecuador would be wise to sample some of the plentiful seafood or try the local delicacy known as "ceviche" along the coastal towns. You can even try guinea pig if you're the type with a more daring palate. The Ecuadorian culture throughout the centuries has been very well preserved in the country's several interesting museums. Just know ahead of time that prices for activities such as transportation and museums are often substantially higher for tourists than for local residents. Ecuador isn't exactly known for its shopping, but you might find a nice Panama hat made by the local artisans.

Restaurant and Cuisine Listings

Trattoria del Enrique, Guayaquil
Go for the fish tank ceiling showcasing large, live fish swimming directly over your head, but stay for the fine Italian cuisine. It's so famous, just give anyone in town the name of the restaurant and they should be able to point you in the right direction.

Ceuce, Cumbayá
Known for its tremendous salmon lasagna and Kani Kama roll, Ceuce offers vegetarian dishes in a sophisticated yet modern atmosphere. You'll find it along with its great sushi in the Mall El Jardin but beware; it is on the expensive side.

Mare Nostrum, Quito
If you want seafood in Quito, then Mare Nostrum is your kind of place. An elegant, old Spanish-style house featuring three different dining areas, travelers are encouraged to try one of their specialties such as the Parrillada de mariscos Nostrum or Langostinos en salsa de almendras along with a selection from their vintage wine list.

Culture & Heritage

About 25% of Ecuador's population is indigenous and 65% are Mestizos, a Spanish-indigenous mix. The colonial religious architecture is predominantly Baroque and visible in public buildings just about everywhere you go. Visitors should listen to the haunting quality of the traditional Andean music using largely percussion and wind instruments and an odd pentatonic scale. Ecuador's early peoples excelled in pottery, painting, sculpture, and gold and silver work. Look around and you'll still find these quality handicrafts are made today in very much the same way their early ancestors did. After the Spaniards arrived, they trained the indigenous artists in colonial religious art as well, so don't be surprised to see some of that on the walls. The last century or so has seen its share of political assassinations, revolts and political instability. As a result, there has been more military rule than civilian.

Famous Ecuadorians – Spotlight on Oswaldo Guayasamín

He is probably Ecuador's most famous artist who used bright colors, symbolism and images of pain and torment to portray the humanity and suffering of the repressed classes in the Americas. His art has been exhibited in the US, Italy, Spain, France, Brazil, the Soviet Union, Cuba, China and many other countries all over the world.