10 Interesting Facts About Ecuador!

Ecuador offers such a diverse cultural background which has created some unique traditions.

In this short post, I have picked out ten interesting facts about Ecuador that contributed or represents the country’s rich culture! I’ve said it before & I will say it again Ecuador is a MUST see on your Bucket List! These fun facts about Ecuador will hopefully add to your thirst to learn more about this extremely beautiful country! Let’s get started!

My Top Ten Interesting Facts About Ecuador!

1] Gran Colombia

Did you know that at one time Ecuador was part of the short lived Gran Colombia from 1819-1830? Panama, Venezuela & parts of Peru, Brazil & Guyana were also included.

2] Guinea Pig

Guinea pig, also known as cuy, is a very traditional Ecuadorian delicacy! I am a firm believer of trying new dishes when visiting a country but this is one I was able to avoid during this trip. With a firm base in the indigenous culture, the cuy is not going anywhere soon. I found this article where one Quito local has taken it to another level making Guinea Pig Ice Cream.

3] Quito Altitude

It took us a few days to get use to the altitude in Quito – mostily just a daily headache for the first week. Quito sits at 2,850m above sea level making it the second highest capital city in the world behind La Paz, Bolivia but Ecuador gets to claim fame as the capital city closest to the Equator.

4] Mount Chimborazo

Speaking of altitude, Mount Chimborazo is Ecuador’s highest mountain making its summit the closest to the Sun!

5] Darwin’s Theory of Evolution

Darwin’s Theory of Evolution was a big discussion WAY BACK in my Junior HIgh Science class but to tell you the truth I really didn’t like science BUT the Galapagos Islands [and turtles!!]have always held a fascination for me. Did you know that Darwin’s Theory of Evolution was based on his visit to the Galapagos Islands in 1835?

6] UNESCO Site

Every world heritage site has a number assigned to it. Galapagos Islands is #3 followed by Quito, Ecuador as #4! Enough said! AWESOME!

There are five UNESCO sites in Ecuador besides Quito & the Galapagos Islands. Santa Ana de los Rios de Cuenco, the Andean Road System & Sangay National Park complete the list.

7] Ecuador Exports

With the U.S. on the receiving in of about 31% of Ecuador’s exports it is not surprising to learn what the States receives. Ecuador’s top five are bananas, crude oil, lobsters, preserved fish & flowers!

8] Languages in Ecuador

Of course, it should be no surprise that Spanish is the main language of Ecuador but I didn’t know that there are at over 10 different indigenous languages recognized!

9] Choice for Retirement?

Ecuador is consistently ranked in the top ten countries for expats to retire as seen in this article by International Living. After having been here a month so far, I can easily see what that is! Depending on what is on your ‘wish list‘ to retire, Ecuador has a multitude to offer expats looking to reture or merely looking for a piece of paradise!

10] Julian Assange

Ok, this fact I found as being very interesting- you may not? Back in 2012 Julian Assange was granted political asylum in the Ecuadorian Embassy in the U.K. Ok that is not the funny part. By the end of April 2019 the Embassy was so tired of Assange’s stunts & just all out spoiled brat shenanigans, the hospital Ecuadorians could take no more & ended his asylum status allowing the UK entry to arrest Assange per this article.

I really could have gone on for pages of fun & very interesting facts about Ecuador I still have sights to see. If nothing else maybe you learned a fact or two that you didn’t know before reading this post, I know I did!

Safe travels, peace & good health!