Ecuador Inspiration

Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and rich heritage of Ecuador through its finest exports. From captivating films and enchanting books to mouth-watering cuisine and essential key phrases, our guide will prepare you for an unforgettable holiday in this awe-inspiring country. Discover the heart and soul of Ecuador before you even set foot on its soil. Let the journey begin!

Watch 📺

Follow biologist Monty Halls in the Channel 4 series "My Family and the Galapagos," where he relocates his wife and two young children to the Galapagos Islands. Together, they participate in conservation projects across the archipelago, experience the challenges of island life, and have incredible encounters with the local wildlife. For another excellent insight into the flora and fauna of the islands, watch the 2013 mini-series "Galapagos with David Attenborough."

Read 📖

"The Ecuador Reader" is a comprehensive anthology that offers a rich collection of essays, folklore, historical documents, and contemporary writings, illuminating various aspects of Ecuadorian society, politics, and culture. "Galápagos: The Islands That Changed the World" by Paul D. Stewart delves into the unique biodiversity, ecology, history, and evolution of the Galapagos Islands, which inspired Charles Darwin's theory of natural selection. Jodi Picoult’s New York Times bestseller "Wish You Were Here" is a book of two halves: the first set in New York, then, as the pandemic changes everything, the second set on Isabela Island in the Galapagos during lockdown.

Taste 😋

Cuy, or roasted guinea pig, is a traditional dish in the Andean regions of South America, typically grilled whole on a spit over hot coals, cuy is often served with potatoes and rice or fried plantains. Potato soup is a favourite among Ecuadorians, and while it may sound simple, it is delicious and warming, especially in the cooler highland regions. Be sure to try unusual fruits in the Amazon, sample the chocolate available throughout the country, and enjoy fried plantain as a snack or side dish.

Listen 🎶

In Ecuador, the melodies of the Andes blend seamlessly with the rhythms of the coast, creating a musical mosaic as diverse as the country itself. From the haunting melodies of Sharon La Hechicera to the poetic musings of Paola Navarrete, the energetic tunes of Danilo Parra, and the rhythmic magic of Papa Roncón and Urkumanda, this collection celebrates Ecuador's rich musical tapestry—a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation that invites you to immerse yourself in the vibrant sounds of Ecuador. 

Say 🗣️

‘Amiguero’ - Derived from the word amigo, amiguero means friendly or a people-person. It’s definitely something you want to be known as in Ecuador!

‘Achachay!’ - To sound like a true local, use this word to express that you feel cold, especially when visiting the high altitude of Quito.

‘Biela’ - This term means beer and can be used as an alternative to ordering cervezas. Use a phrase like, "Por favor, tráigame dos bielas" to say, "Please bring me two beers."