The Diversity of Ecuador Up Close

Bordering Colombia and Peru on the western Pacific coast of South America, Ecuador is an intriguing destination for European visitors. Once colonised by the Spanish, Ecuador is a place immersed with Latino flavour; however, it still manages to retain its indigenous roots.

To understand the proud people of Ecuador and their unique culture, it is perhaps best to start at the capital of Quito, where you’ll gain a valuable insight into the history that shaped the country. Almost 10,000 feet above sea level, it is one of the highest capital cities in the world and is located only 15 miles south of the equator. A UNESCO World Heritage City, Quito still displays its colonial roots in a number of buildings dotted throughout the city, especially at the Cathedral Primada.

Like most of South America, Ecuador faced the unwelcome advances of the Spanish in the early 16th century. Indeed, the original city of Quito was dramatically razed to the ground by an Inca leader in 1533 to prevent the Spanish from taking it, and in the process erased all traces of the indigenous city. However, such drastic action failed to deter the invaders and they simply re-established the city under colonial rule. Almost 300 years later in 1809, a movement to win independence from Spain was launched which led to 12 years of turmoil and conflict before the city finally won its independence in 1822.

It is important to understand that Quito is now a bustling capital with a population in excess of 2 million. And to appreciate its size, visitors can get a stunning bird’s eye view of the city by riding the cable car to the top of Cruz Loma; the mountain that overlooks Ecuador’s capital. From there visitors can get stunning views of the Andes mountain range, Quito and the nearby volcano of Pichincha. Although, officially an active volcano, apart from a minor eruption in 2006 which badly affected flights to Ecuador at the largest international airport at Quito, there has been little activity from Pichincha since the 17th century.

Further afield from Quito, there are some stunning beaches such as Las Salinas, Esmeraldas and Bajia de Caraquez on the Pacific coast in the La Costa region, as well as some incredible nature reserves. And 600 miles out to sea is the Galapagos Islands, where Darwin found so much evidence for his theory of evolution, but is also under the domain of Ecuador.

Almost half the population of Ecuador is classified as Mestizos, who are of both Spanish and native indigenous descent. Most of them reside in the larger cities of Guayaquil and Quito, but it is the blend of such diverse cultures that helps explain the unique ambience that Ecuador offers; Spanish in language and feel, but also intriguing and noble in culture.
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Andrew Regan writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.