Although Ecuador is one of the smaller countries in South America, especially compared to giants like Brazil, it’s small but mighty. Its biodiversity is second to none: Ecuador contains 8% of the animal species in the world and 10% of the flora. Ecuador is known as “four worlds in one” as it holds four distinct climate zones, all in one place.
When it comes to nature, Ecuador is a paradise. But Ecuador is also known and famous for so much more!
Yes, Ecuador is famous for its amazing biodiversity: from the Galapagos to the Amazon and the Andes. Ecuador is also known for its colorful wool textiles, colonial architecture, ancient indigenous traditions, and diverse regions that grow everything from chocolate to orchids to coffee.
Want to know more? Here are 32 things Ecuador is known and famous for, such as its flowers, bananas, coca leaves, Darwin, textiles, American expats, and the equator!
Table of Contents
1. Galapagos Islands
You can’t even mention Ecuador without mentioning the Galapagos Islands! The islands that spawned Darwin’s theory of evolution are (quite a ways) off the coast of Ecuador, and considered one of Ecuador’s four separate climate zones. The Galapagos are a national park, a UNESCO heritage site, and part of a marine reserve.
Thanks to their remote location, their volcanic soil, their steady temperature, and their spot as a meeting point of several major ocean currents, the Galapagos have many species that are found nowhere else.
2. Four worlds in one
Speaking of climate zones, Ecuador is known as “four worlds in one,” due to its four distinct regions: the Galapagos Islands, the Amazon Basin (El Oriente), the Andean Mountains (La Sierra), and the coastal lowlands (La Costa).
3. The Amazon
Oh, the mighty Amazon! Yes, this beast of a river, over 4,000 feet (6,500 kilometers) long, flows through a part of Ecuador, surrounded by the lush and wildlife-rich Amazon rainforest.
This region in Ecuador is brimming with biodiversity, jungle vistas, and local indigenous groups, including uncontacted tribes.
4. The Andes
In about two hours after leaving the steamy Amazon jungle, you could be in the snow-capped Andes. Quito, Ecuador’s capital, is the second-highest in the world at 9,350 feet above sea level, and is surrounded by even taller peaks (including quite a few volcanoes).
5. Indigenous groups
Ecuador is known for having a rich cultural heritage, upheld by many surviving indigenous groups. There are 14 surviving indigenous languages still spoken in Ecuador, such as Quichua.
There are also several uncontacted tribes in the Amazon Rainforest, especially in the Yasuní Reserve, that have special government mandates to preserve their way of life and wish to avoid outsiders.
6. Bananas
Bananas, next to petroleum, are one of Ecuador’s biggest exports. Ecuador actually exports more bananas than any other country. So, chances are you’ve been eating bananas from Ecuador and you didn’t even know it! (Or maybe you did. Props to you).
7. Sacred Valley of Longevity
A small valley town deep in the Andes, Vilcabamba, is known as the Sacred Valley of Longevity, or the Valley of the Immortals, thanks to the purported long lives of its citizens.
Although the actual length of Vilcabambans lives’ is hotly debated, it is true that they are an extremely healthy population, with almost no cases of common diseases, like cancer. Some think it’s the water, some think it’s the lack of pollution, but who knows—maybe there is just something in the air!
8. Alpacas
Alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas (a close, undomesticated relative) can be found throughout the Andes. They’re primarily raised for the amazingly soft, cashmere-esque fleece that is often turned into the intricate textiles Ecuador is famous for.
9. Artisan markets & textiles
Artisans in Ecuador produce gorgeous, brightly colored textiles and handicrafts that are famous the world over.
The best place to find them is at the local markets scattered all over the country, such as in Otavalo. They’re also a good place to sample local specialties, or buy yourself another quintessential Ecuador souvenir: Panama hats!
10. Panama hats
Here’s a fun fact for ya: Panama hats are actually from Ecuador!
They’ve been handwoven there for centuries, in fact. They gained the name “Panama hats” in the 1830s when all of Ecuador’s exports passed through Panama before heading to their final destinations.
Of course, America’s then-president Teddy Roosevelt was also spotted wearing one of these while visiting the Panama Canal, so the name really stuck.
11. Isla de la Plata
If you can’t afford the Galapagos (in time or money), but still just gotta see those blue-footed boobies (you should! They’re adorable!), try out the Poor Man’s Galapagos, aka the Isla de la Plata.
Isla de la Plata is part of Parque Nacional Manchilla off the coast near Puerto Lopez, and is also a spot to see many other types of birds, giant sea turtles, and even humpback whales, depending on the time of year.
12. Flowers
Ecuador is known for being the Orchid Capital of the World, with around 4,000 recorded species. In addition, one of Ecuador’s biggest exports is cut flowers.
Roses (around 60 varieties) grow especially well in Ecuador’s varying climes. And one of the best flower markets in the world is found in the Andean town of Cuenca.
13. Colonial architecture
Old Town Quito is considered to be one of the best-preserved examples of colonial architecture in South America, and boasts some incredible cathedrals (including one lined with gold).
Some of these even incorporate Inca ruins, such as the Plaza de San Francisco. The mountain town of Cuenca is also well-known for its charming cobbled streets and soaring Spanish buildings.
14. Haven for expats and retirees
Ecuador, in recent years, has gained a reputation as a hotspot for American expats and retirees, attracted by the low cost of living, the beautiful nature, and the relaxed lifestyle. So don’t be surprised to find a lot of older gringos on your tour of this beautiful little country.
15. Chocolate
Some think that the humble little cocoa bean originated in the hills of Ecuador. Wherever it started, there is evidence it’s been grown in Ecuador for around 5,000 years. Nowadays, Ecuador is known as one of the countries that produce the finest chocolate in the world.
16. Cuy
If you’ve ever had a guinea pig as a pet, you may want to steer clear of cuy, an Ecuadorian specialty.
Just like people keep chickens for eventual consumption, guinea pigs are raised in Ecuador the same way. They taste just like chicken, too! (Well, a really greasy, rodent-shaped chicken…).
17. Coffee
Ecuador grows and exports both the two main species of coffee (Arabic and Robusta). Due to the volcanic soil, cool winds, and wide range of climates, the coffee produced in Ecuador is well-balanced and well-rounded.
18. Most biodiverse country per square kilometer
Thanks to those “four worlds in one,” Ecuador is one of the most geographically diverse countries in the world. This fosters the evolution of many, many different species.
Some of these are 132 species of hummingbird (the most in the world), 1,600 species of birds, and over 25,000 species of plants scattered all over the country! And these are just some fun stats—there are tons of mammals, amphibians, insects, and fish as well.
19. Yasuní National Park
If Ecuador is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, then Yasuní National Park has some of the largest varieties of flora and fauna found within Ecuador.
Known as an “ecological bulls-eye” for its unique convergence of climates, geography, and weather, you can find the wonders of Yasuní in the Amazon Basin.
20. Coca leaves
Although coca leaves derive from the same source as cocaine, the tea that is made from these leaves, known as mate de coca, is not at all the same!
Mate de coca is a stimulant, but it’s equivalent to a strong cup of coffee. It’s also common to chew the coca leaves to gain the benefits. Both can be effective treatments for altitude sickness (hint, hint).
21. Scuba & surfing
From surfing to scuba diving, if you’re looking for some adventure on the water, Ecuador is calling you!
You can snorkel or scuba right off the coast, or travel further out to the challenging waters around the Galapagos. If you’d rather stay (mostly) above the water, Montañita has some world-class surfing.
22. Ceviche
Ceviche is an Ecuadorian (and Peruvian) specialty that is made from raw fish, marinated in lime or lemon juice. You can find it anywhere, but, pro tip: it’s best when the fish is caught right from the water!
23. First country to give nature constitutional rights
Ecuador is the first country in the world to include the “Rights of Nature” in its constitution.
Although the referendum was added in 2008, the long tradition of sumak kawsay—or buen vivir, in Spanish—has informed Ecuadorian environmental policy and the general Ecuadorian way of life for hundreds of years.
Buen vivir is a philosophy that promotes the balance of the environment and the good of the community over the wants and needs of the individual, and is now reflected officially in Ecuador’s constitution.
24. Devil’s Nose Railway
The Devil’s Nose Railway has got to be one of the most dramatic and scenic train rides in the world (prove me wrong!). And it’s definitely an impressive engineering feat!
The train winds through the Andes, and has one section that climbs over 1600 feet (500 km) in less than 7 miles (12 km). Might need some mate de coca for that trip!
25. Ecuador = equator
Ecuador’s name, translated, means the Republic of the Equator, since the equator runs right through the middle of the country.
You can visit the equator near Quito at the Mitad del Mundo monument, although, spoiler, the actual equator doesn’t actually lie on this spot.
26. Climbing
Climbers rejoice! Ecuador offers an enticing number of peaks to conquer (or at least attempt).
Whether you want an easier hike or some serious glacial climbing, Ecuador is famous for its climbing and hiking. Just don’t forget that altitude acclimation is recommended for most climbs, and even the less strenuous hikes!
27. A little something for the cola
Ecuador has the dubious distinction of being known for both low-level and high-level corruption. As the saying goes, “a little something for the cola” can ease your way through that pesky red tape.
28. Pasillo
Music in Ecuador is as wide and varied (and essential) to their way of life as their natural world.
One of these music genres is pasillo, which has been designated the “national style of Ecuador.” Pasillo is slow and moody and often deals with melancholic themes such as heartbreak and regret.
29. First UNESCO sites
Ecuador is famous for having the world’s first UNESCO Heritage Sites.
The very first UNESCO site in the world was the Galapagos, as these incredibly unique islands are also incredibly vulnerable. Quito Old Town, with its historical center full of colonial architecture, was also added to the list.
Conclusion
As you can see, Ecuador may be small—you can get from El Oriente to La Costa in one (long) day, after all—but in every other way, Ecuador is made for living large.
Ecuador is a great introduction to South America, and gives you some of the best of the continent: the Andes, the Amazon, the coast, amazing food, coffee and chocolate, rich cultural heritage, plus unique flora and fauna.
Have you been to Ecuador? Share the wealth of your experience below. If not, do you want to? What’s on your Ecuador bucket list? Tell all in the comments!
I just don’t think I can ever top the idea if drinking coffee on my verown balcony while watching whales mate in the distance !
That is definitely in my retirement bucket list!