|
Culture
| |
 |
Cultures of the Coast |
The oldest Ecuadorian cultures are located on the coast. Many of these have already disappeared, and the ones that still exist live in a constant struggle to continue practicing their beliefs. They have a deep and stretch relationship with nature, a connection that now a days is vanishing from a lot of peoples’ minds.
|
| |
 |
Ecuador Cultures of the Highlands |
| The indigenous cultures of the highland are the best known Ecuadorian cultures, especially because of the location and the easy access. Eventhough they are deeply influenced by other Ecuador cultures, it is still possible to see them with their typical costumes, continuing with their traditions and festivities, and speaking their mother language, Quichua. They are proud of their art, and you will discover their union and the value of communitarian work in these impressive Ecuadorian cultures. |
| |
 |
Ecuador Cultures of the Amazon Region |
| Probably some of the most interesting Ecuador cultures are located in the Amazon Region. They are more pure and untouched because of the location and lack of access possibilities combined with the dense rainforest. These groups maintain their belief, assuring that the human being is a part of nature, and not the center of it. In Ecuadorian cultures, specially in the tropical rainforest, everything is possible, plants have power, and even rocks have a spirit, myths and legends are all around and respect for the environment and other people is what really matters. |
 |
Galapagos Islands (Galapagos)
Nature at its purest
Galapagos is one of the most important national parks in the world. It has 13 main islands and
dozens of islets and minor volcanic islands. This archipelago, 97% of which is protected by the
government, is located almost 620 miles from the Ecuadorian coast and is characterized by its
white-sand beaches, cactus forests, giant turtles, and colored birds – such as the blue-footed, redfooted
and masked boobies, flamingos, and penguins. The Islands are also home to finches, frigate
birds, albatrosses, and pelicans.
The islands are a living laboratory of animal species that do not exist anywhere else on the
planet. The capital of the Galapagos Islands, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, is located on San
Cristóbal Island. Its attractions include El Junco Lake, León Dormido (Kicker Rock), Lobos
Island, and Cerro Tijeretas (Frigate Bird Hill).
On Santa Cruz Island, the Charles Darwin Research Station has been working on various
conservation projects for several decades. There, you can see the ancient giant Galapagos tortoises,
which live for an average of 150 years. Floreana, Genovesa, Santiago, Española, Seymour Norte,
Plazas, Santa Fé, and Isabela islands are all home to a large range of endemic species that live in
this paradise.
The marine reserve, which like the archipelago was declared a UNESCO World Natural
Heritage Site, features on the list of the seven best places in the world to snorkel and scuba dive.
During such trips, visitors can swim with whales, rays, manta rays, swordfish, marine turtles, sea
lions, hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, and other impressive species.
|
Pacific Coast (Costa)
Where the green beaches meet the sea
Beautiful beaches are found from north to south on the Ecuadorian Pacific coast. Alongside ports,
fishing villages, and modern cities, dense protected forests grow with their gigantic and moist terracotta
roots. The tallest mangroves in the world (64 meters / 194 feet) are found in the Majagual
forest in the Cayapas-Mataje Ecological Reserve. In Machalilla National Park, the sea, virgin
beaches, and forests combine with the history of pre-Incan cultures. The waters around Isla de la
Plata are a paradise of multicolored fish and the island’s fauna is similar to that found on the
Galapagos Islands. From Puerto López, you can see the humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae)
that arrive from the Antarctic waters to mate between June and October of each year. The
biggest refuge for marine birds in Ecuador is Santa Clara Island off the southern coast.
Enjoy the sea breeze as you travel along the Ruta del Sol (Route of the Sun), which takes in
deserted beaches, picturesque fishing villages, and beautiful and modern beaches, such as Salinas
and the impressive fishing and tourist port of Manta. Bahía de Caráquez, a beautiful eco-city on
the Pacific coast, is the departure point for visiting tropical dry forests and archaeological sites.
In Esmeraldas, lush tropical landscapes combine with long beaches. In Atacames, tourism
blends with the happiness and hospitability of the Ecuadorian people.
|
Andes
Avenue of the volcanoes
In the mythical Andes mountains, there are volcanoes that are more than 16,400 feet/5,000 meters high
and are permanently covered with snow and glaciers dating back to ancient times. The tallest active volcano
in the world, Cotopaxi (19,350 feet/5,897 meters above sea level), is the perfect setting for charming villages
and fertile valleys. Chimborazo (20,702 feet/6,310 meters above sea level) has five summits on flanks
of rocks and an extensive Andean plateau. Cayambe (18,996 feet/5,790 meters above sea level) is the only
snow-capped mountain in the world that is located at zero latitude. Iliniza Norte (North) (16,784
feet/5,116 meters above sea level) and Iliniza Sur (South) (17,267 feet/5,305 meters above sea level) are
considered by the indigenous people to be a couple: male mountain and female mountain. The impressive
Antisana (18,713 feet/5,704 meters above sea level) has two cones joined together by a shallow ridge.
In the north, extensive forests of Polylepis, the original trees of the area, are found next to flat plateaus
of frailejones in “El Angel” Reserve. Meanwhile, in the northwest, in the Mindo-Nambillo protective forest,
you will find the most important bird reserve in the world. Here, you can see hummingbirds, parrots,
horneros (ovenbirds), sparrowhawks, and cock of the rocks, to name but a few. In the Andes, in the south
of the country, 18 miles from Cuenca, el Cajas National Park is spread out over a protected area of more
than 28,000 hectares (69,189 acres) and contains some 232 glacial lakes.
Throughout the Andes mountain range, you will find impressive plateaus, lakes, rivers, waterfalls,
hot springs, cloud forests, valleys, indigenous markets and picturesque villages, and historical and modern
colonial cities.
In addition to this enchanting panorama, a number of haciendas dating back to colonial times can be
found along the “Avenue of the Volcanoes”.
|
Amazon Rainforest (Amazonía)
From the Andean peaks to the Amazon Rainforest
Visitors will find that Ecuador offers the easiest access to the Amazon. In just a few hours, visitors
can travel from the Andean peaks to the jungle. Volcanoes such as El Sangay and El Altar,
with their numerous and sharp peaks, can be seen from the exuberant and dense vegetation of the
Amazon. Reserves and national parks are home to hundreds of bird and fish species. They are also
home to tapirs, anacondas, boa constrictors, turtles, lizards, armadillos, bears, monkeys, giant
rodents and infinite bird species. Ecuador is home to the largest diversity of animals and plants
per square kilometer in the world, and it is third in the world for its variety of amphibians, and
fifth for butterflies.
Tropical rainforests and immense lakes make up the Reserva de Producción Faunística
Cuyabeno (Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve), a unique place that is home to reptiles and pink dolphins
alike. In the Reserva Biológica Limoncocha (Limoncocha Biological Reserve) you will find
Limoncocha Lake, famous for being home to the black caiman. Another natural beauty is
Sumaco-Napo Galeras National Park, which, along with the Yasuní National Park, has been
declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. There, visitors walk along a path that passes through
six altitudinal ranges until reaching the Sumaco Volcano.
The hot springs of Papallacta, surrounded by the Andes mountains, possess legendary curative
powers. The Ecuadorian jungle, with its numerous medicinal plants, has served as a “natural
pharmacy” for indigenous communities for centuries. The local indigenous communities have
proudly retained their social practices and ancestor’s beliefs, traditions, and customs.
|
Multiethnic
 |
| |
Cultures in the Coast Region |
Cultures in the Andes Region |
Cultures in the Amazon Region |
Awas
Tsatchilas
Chachis
Huancavilcas
Afro-Ecuadorians
Mantas
Epera |
Mountain Quichuas
Afro-Ecuadorians |
Cofan
Secoyas
Sionas
Huaorani
Amazon Quichuas
Zaparo
Achuar
Shuar |
|
| |
| |
|
Wonderful and various climate! |
Pronostico del tiempo>>
Weather forecast >> |
Warm and subtropical, clear and cold, rainy and windy!!! That is the Ecuadorian weather. The climate varies due to the Andes mountain range and coastal currents having a wide range of microclimates. Andean regions are cooler and it is especially cold at night in the mountains. Rainfall is high in coastal and jungle areas. In the Galapagos the weather is dry and mild. Since Ecuador is located in the middle of the world, it does not have four seasons, there are only variations related to rainfall.
The Pacific coast has a rainy season between December and May and a dry one from June to November. The temperature oscillates between 23 and 26 degrees centigrade. The highlands, on the other hand, has a rainy, cold climate from November to April and a dry one from May to October. The temperature here is between 13 and 18 degrees centigrade. In the Amazon, the climate is rainy and humid between January and September, with temperatures between 23 and 36 degrees centigrade, and it is dry between October and December. The Galapagos has a temperate climate with temperatures ranging between 22 and 32 degrees centigrade. |
Ecuador Geography
|
|
|
Cuicocha Logoon |
Laguna Cuicocha |
Ecuador is located in South America crossed by the equator line. It borders Colombia to the north, and Peru to the south and east, and to the west is the Pacific Ocean. Ecuador is divided into four natural and unique regions, the Coast, the Andes, the Rainforest and the Galapagos Islands, each with its wonders.
The Coast, with its spectacular beaches is home for thousands of birds and other kind of wildlife - just waiting for you to explorer it! Enjoy the culture of the fishing villages, the sun and the fertility of its soil.
The Rainforest, located in the eastern part of the country, is characterized for its endless greenery with a special diversity of fauna and flora. Find out about the cultures in the Oriente, their amazing Cosmo vision and way of life.
The Andes region awaits to show its mountains and glaciers, views and diversity. If you like hummingbirds, in the Andes you’ll find the most diverse bird species. Explore the Ecuadorian Sierra and its valleys surrounded by the fantastic Andes. |
|
|
Galapagos Islands |
Machalilla Beach |
|
Amazon Jungle |
Ecuador History |
 |
The area we now a days call Ecuador, was earlier inhabited by indigenous tribes. Throughout Throughout the times different cultures have lived and ruled the Ecuadorian lands, as for example the the Valdivia culture which is the oldest known in the Ecuadorian Pacific coast, and the Cañaris that followed it. It is knowned that Ecuador was inhabited at least 4500 years before the Incas arrived, but many people believe that these lands where inhabited 10 000 years B.C.
By the fifteenth century, all parts of Ecuador was conquered by the Incas, with Huayna Capac leading, until the first Europeans reached the Pacific Coast in year 1526. The Inca Empire had a great extension, from the highlands to an area near Quito, but with Francisco Pizarro and Diego de Almagro, finally the first Spanish settlement was established in the year 1534. Since then, interactions between the two cultures where born, specially in art, even though the indigenous population suffered far worse under Spanish force than under the Inca rule. Centuries passes by until the 17th century, when Spanish colonial economy began to fall, meantime the population was developing ideas on equality and freedom. Independence really began to take form when pure Spanish men, born in the New World began to participate in the revolution. The first uprising against the Spanish rule took place in 1809, but not until May 24th, 1822 in the Pichincha Battle, did Ecuador gain independence as a part of the Federation of Gran Colombia, from which it withdrew in 1830. Ecuador then became a Republic and ever since it has suffered many problems and crisis, but this country with its culture, natural resources and positive people just keep going on, and have learned to value everything about this wonderful country. Equadorians have a history that can explain many aspects in contemporary life. Now that we know who we are and value what we have, we invite you to visit Ecuador and discover our secrets… |
| |
 |
| |
 |
| |
|
Actividades
- Quito, 1st cultural patrimonial of human kind.
- Combination of sightseeing, culture and fun.
- Design your individual weekend.
- Relive adventure at your weekend.
Ecuador
- Ecuador is a real sustainable paradise, through their megadiversity species, culture and ethnicities
- The Sangay and Galapagos National Parks, as well as the Galapagos Marine Reserve, have been declared UNESCO World Natural Heritage Sites.
- Quito and Cuenca were declared UNESCO World Natural Heritage Sites, for their beautifulcolonial centers.
- Ecuador is the most diverse country in the world in proportion with the size of its territory.
- Located on zero Latitude, Ecuador is divided into four distinct regions, where four seasons can accur in a single day.
Culture
- Ecuador has a rich culture and history.
- Ecuador’s great ethnic diversity.
- Intercultural Spanish.
- The multi-ethnic culture that exists in Ecuador, offers you a better understanding of Latin American
Explore
- Students do a test teachers know what to focus on.
- Conversation classes to practice skills learnt in One-to-One classes.
- Flexibility of classes when do you want to study?
- Perfect combination of studying Spanish and traveling.
- Climb volcanoes, raft in the jungle, relax at the beach.
General info
- Easy booking and paying.
- Contact us directly over the Homepage.
- We support you with all needed information’s.
- Links to interesting topics around Ecuador.
Lenguage
- Spanish is the most widely spoken of the Romance languages
- Spanish is the second world language
- About 325 million people in the world speak Spanish as their first language
- Spanish is the official language in 21 countries
- Approximately another 100 million people speak Spanish as second language
- About 5.8 percent of the people who use the Internet speak Spanish
- Spanish is pronounced phonetically!
- Inflection, declination and grammatical gender are important features of Spanish grammar
- Learning a foreign language and other culture is to enjoy a new life experience!
Main
- Long experience in combined language programs.
- Highly personalized and individualized classes.
- Integral education.
- Clear structured steps to get into Spanish.
- Spanish conversations after 3 weeks classes.
- The best way to learn quickly and effectively.
School
- Equinox has the Quality Certificate of the Ecuadorian Ministry.
- Offer high Quality with 23 years school Experience.
- Students are able to choose the studying program fits best.
- Top Spanish school in South America
- No accent in Quito – best place to study Spanish.
Services
- Learn Spanish and more with us – traveling, volunteering dancing…
- Use of learning methods experienced by universities.
- Receive a language diploma after taking classes.
- Enjoy Spanish by living Ecuador.
Spanish program
- Study Spanish with “Satandar Program”
- Explore Ecuador with “Explore Program”
- Comprehensive spanish program give you the opportunity to learn the languge quickly.
- Combination of One-to-One and conversational classes.
- Students evaluate teacher, guarantee high quality.
- Customized classes for special interests.
- Study grammar by having conversation with inhabitant.
|
