Welcome to Ecuador

Though it is the smallest country in the Andean highlands, Ecuador is rich in the multitude of experiences that it offers. This will be the highlight of your holidays in Ecuador. Lively local tradition rubs shoulders with the vestiges of the colonial era; beautiful islands, lush rainforests and volcanic landscape meld to provide an otherworldly aura - and all this in a country that is probably the same size as the State of Nevada in the United States of America.

Ecuador was an erstwhile banana republic; to this day, Ecuador's politicians are known to pocket the riches accumulated from this prosperous country. With its picture-perfect capital, the overpowering Amazon jungle, spectacular wildlife reserves, old historic sites, far flung indigenous villages and beautiful tropical beaches, Ecuador tours offer something for everybody.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Ecuador is that it has a variety of cultures and landscapes, allowing people with different interests to truly enjoy their visit. Ecuador is bisected by a large stretch of the northern Andes as can be seen on our map of Ecuador , which affords the mountaineer some thrilling challenges. The jungle enthusiast can revel in the biological motherload that lies within the Amazonian Oriente. Those with a penchant for the sea will be thrilled with the vast miles of the Pacific coastline and the marine wonders of the Galápagos Islands. Not only are these regions extremely defined, but with the exception of the Galápagos, they are also quite close to each other. In just about two hundred miles, you can traverse most of the mainland's central regions - the volcanic central highlands, the coastal lowlands lying to the West, the Oriente and the verdant rainforests of the East.

The mainstream culture in Ecuador is characterised by its mestizo majority. Society is a thorough mixture of Amerindian and European influences, with strong African influences from the region's historical slavery.

One of the most distinctive features of Ecuador is its traditional music genre known as Pasillo. Largely Latin in origin, it is regarded as being the 'national genre of music'. It is also prevalent in Colombia, Venezuela and Panama . The modern-day variation, however, incorporates strong elements of European classical dance like the waltz. In fact, the Pasillo seems to have imbibed features from a variety of sources. For instance, its popularity during the Gran Chaco period ensured that almost every village has its own version.

Even while each variation has its own tone, style and tempo, the basic elements remain the same, making the genre simultaneously heterogeneous and homogeneous. In its waltz, the pasillo changes the classical European form to keep tune with the mandolin, the guitar and other stringed instruments. While you are organising your tours in Ecuador, allow some time to have a look at the Pasillo in action and why not even give it a try.

'Jacchigua', the National Folkloric Ballet, is emblematic of Ecuador's folk culture. Encompassing the poor and the rich, the big and the small, the fat and the lean, the black, the Indian and the mestizo, it signifies the spirit of Ecuador. It is always held at the National Theatre Sucre as a cultural attraction for tourists.

The food lover will be pleased with the food and cuisine in Ecuador ; moreso if he happens to be a non-vegetarian. Ecuador has a diverse assortment of delicacies that have evolved with the varying altitudes and agricultural conditions. So, tickle your taste buds with generous servings of chicken, beef, pork, seafood and cuy.

The shopaholic will be thrilled with the local crafts, woollens, souvenirs and traditional Panama hats. These hats are of Ecuadorian origin and are known as Jipijapa or Sombrero de paja toquilla. They are usually made in Montecristi (Pampas, Pile, Cruces) in the Manabi Province. The craft is considered rather esoteric, particularly the Montecristi superfino.

Read what Ecuador accommodation reviews fellow travellers like you have left, to help you choose the perfect place to stay. Be it service, charm, location, friendliness or a place that cares for their destination, these Ecuador hotel reviews listed below are not like other web sites. Only those travellers who have actually stayed in hotels in Ecuador can leave feedback, so information provided is always impartial.