Despite being smaller than its neighbors, Peru and Colombia, Ecuador has a rich history, diverse culture, delicious food, and beautiful scenery. The earliest signs of human existence date back thousands of years. Ecuador’s lifestyle, architecture, and cuisine have all been impacted by indigenous, African, and European cultures due to history. Ecuador is known for its gorgeous scenery, diverse animals, and historical significance. The following material will outline all the benefits of planning a trips to Ecuador if you are on the fence or want to learn more about this beautiful nation.
Diversity of Culture2 weeks in south america
The past of Ecuador had a significant impact on and formed the country as it is today. It was a component of the Incan Empire and, later, the Spanish Empire, two enormous empires. It also has a long history as a different country, though.
Spanish is Ecuador’s official language. However, other Indigenous languages are also used. There are still indigenous people in Ecuador, and the locals actively preserve their heritage. The marimba music and dances of the Afro-Ecuadorians are well known. Due to their position of dominance, the Europeans also had a considerable impact, mainly on issues of religion and language. With all of this in mind, it is a given that Ecuadorian culture is a fusion of several civilizations that contribute to its distinctiveness.
Tourist attractions are not people or their cultures. However, living in such a diverse environment provides a beautiful opportunity to discover different cultures, histories, and practices.
Magnificent World Heritage Sites
Five UNESCO World Heritage Sites may be found in Ecuador, three cultural and two natural; it is one of the main reasons to book a 2 weeks South America tour.
The first World Heritage site was the capital city of Ecuador, Quito. On top of the remains of the former Incan city, the Spanish constructed it in the sixteenth century. It possesses Latin America’s best-preserved historic center, according to UNESCO. Mountains and volcanoes surround it, and the city’s appearance displays a lovely balance between man and nature.
Another city with a historical core under UNESCO protection is Cuenca. The city is in the valley of four rivers, right in the middle of the Andes. The Spanish constructed the historical center in the 16th century. The old town’s parks, atriums, squares, and churches are breathtaking. Pumapungo, an Incan archaeological site and museum with various exhibits is located inside the city.
A second cultural World Heritage site is the 30,000-kilometer-long Andean road network known as Qhapaqan. Over several centuries, the Incans and the pre-Incan tribes constructed it. It links the coast, valleys, deserts, and mountains covered in snow.
The Galapagos Islands and Sangay National Park are the two natural locations. Darwin was greatly influenced by the long period of isolation on the Galapagos Islands while formulating the theory of evolution. There are many species, two volcanoes, and stunning landscapes at Sangay National Park.
The Land of Chocolate
Did you know that Ecuador’s chocolate is renowned for its high quality? For a considerable time, the nation exported the most premium cacao beans worldwide. One of the world’s oldest varieties of cacao beans is the indigenous Nacional bean from Ecuador. But Ecuador does not simply produce chocolate beans. Additionally, some of the world’s finest and most expensive chocolates are made there.
Dark, excellent chocolate from Ecuador is frequently more expensive. To’ak chocolate, however, is the chocolate that is most well-known. Prices for this premium dark chocolate range from $35 to $450. The best and rarest cacao beans in the world, heirloom Nacional cacao beans are used to make high-end chocolate.
When visiting Ecuador, you must sample domestically manufactured chocolate, regardless of whether you want to try the renowned To’ak luxury chocolate or one of the more affordable varieties.
Plan a trips to Ecuador today and enjoy the one-of-a-kind state in South America.
