Customs and traditions of Ecuadorians. Culture and traditions of Ecuador

Ecuador ( Ecuador) - a republic located in the northwestern part South America (South America). The republic includes the Galapagos Islands ( Galapagos Islands). The capital of Ecuador is the city of Quito ( Quito).

The entire western part of Ecuador is covered by the Pacific Ocean ( Pacific Ocean). Ecuador shares borders with Colombia (Colombia) and Peru ( Peru).

There are four climatic zones adjacent to Ecuador. The flat part of the country and the coast are subject to a hot and humid equatorial climate. The average annual temperature in this zone does not fall below +28 °C, and the hottest and rainiest season falls from December to May. In the eastern part of Ecuador, the air temperature reaches +38 °C. The mountain region has a temperate equatorial climate, while the south and the Galapagos Islands belong to the subequatorial climate zone.

The majority of the population are Catholics. The official language is Spanish.

If tourists and their travel companions prefer a beach holiday, we recommend paying attention to Atacames ( Atacames), Baia de Manta ( Bahia de Manta), San Vicente ( San Vicente), Playa de Montañita (Playa de Montanita), Salinas (Salinas) and the Santa Elena Peninsula ( Santa Elena Peninsula). In these resort towns you can not only relax on well-groomed beaches, but also engage in extreme tourism (diving, snorkeling and surfing). National Natural Park "Galapagos Islands" ( Galapagos National Park) - a favorite place for surfers and divers.

Those who plan to devote their vacation to excursion tourism will like Quito, Cuenca ( Cuenca) and Guayaquil ( Guayaquil) - cultural centers of Ecuador, where vacationers can enjoy exploring significant historical sites, architectural monuments, and also visit natural parks, nature reserves and a memorial complex where the equator lies (zero latitude).

Travelers choosing an active country holiday should go on an excursion to the Chimborazo volcanoes (Chimborazo Volcano), Cayambe ( Cayambe Volcano) and Cotopaxi ( Cotopaxi Volcano), where they will be invited to practice mountaineering or go hiking along the mountain routes of Ecuador.

How to get there

Traveling to Ecuador for tourists from EU and CIS countries can be tiring.

Airplane

From Madrid ( Madrid) companies Air Europa, LAN Airlines, Air Madrid And Iberia organize direct flights to Ecuador (Quito, Guayaquil). There are no other direct routes from Eurozone cities. There are no direct flights between Ecuador and the CIS countries.

Regular flights with transfers in Lima, Peru ( Lima) from Moscow ( Moscow) and Paris ( Paris) are provided by Aeroflot airlines and Air France. The company's planes fly to Ecuador KML with connection in Amsterdam ( Amsterdam). You can also get through Amsterdam via the air route proposed by UIA, departing from Kyiv ( Kiev).

Railway connection

Travelers can travel from the capital of Peru to Ecuador by train. The duration of such a trip will be about a day.

Visa

Tourists who are citizens of CIS and EU countries do not need a visa to travel to Ecuador.

This provision applies to all travelers planning to spend less than 90 days in this country. In this case, the procedure for entering Ecuador is simple: at the airport, guests of the country are given a stamp in their passport indicating the number of days allowed to stay in the country.

If desired, the initial period of stay in the country can be extended (up to 90 days) through the immigration service in Ecuador. A similar service is provided by the Ecuadorian service free of charge.

Customs

According to Ecuadorian customs legislation, the amount of currency imported into the country is not limited in any way. In this case, any imported funds are subject to mandatory declaration. Export of currency from the territory of the country is permissible in the amount that was indicated when filling out the entry declaration.

Guests of Ecuador and their traveling companions can bring into the country tax-free:

• personal belongings;
• tobacco or alcoholic products;
• goods falling under the “gifts” category (total value no more than $200).

The import of uncanned food into Ecuador is prohibited.

Without the appropriate accompanying documents, items of cultural or historical value cannot be exported. If travelers plan to bring jewelry, souvenirs, woolen or leather goods from vacation, they must have a receipt confirming the purchase.

Kitchen

Holidays in Ecuador will provide tourists with a unique opportunity to try a variety of authentic dishes of Indian tribes that lived in the country before the discovery of America.

Exotic soups are especially popular among Ecuadorians and guests of the country: “Locro” (potato soup with avocado and cheese), “Jaguarlocro” (potato soup with the addition of fresh blood) and “Caldo de pata” (broth cooked in fried veal hooves).

Ecuadorian cuisine will delight travelers who come to the country on vacation with its intricate meat dishes. Just look at the traditional Ecuadorian dish “Cuy” - fried guinea pig meat. And “Fritada” (pork fried in melted lard) will appeal to all gourmets. Original taste Seco de Chivo (roasted or well-stewed whole goat carcass) will be a gastronomic discovery for any traveler.

The cuisine of Ecuador will make a pleasant impression on those guests of the country who are interested in seafood dishes. We recommend trying “Supe de mariscos” (exotic seafood stew) and “Ceviche” (seafood marinated in a mixture of lime juice and hot pepper). The most tender fish “Encocados”, stewed in coconut milk, will leave a pleasant impression on guests of Ecuador.

A trip to Ecuador will delight those with a sweet tooth. A variety of desserts await them: Humitas (sweet corn), Colada (a delicious soufflé flavored with Andean naranjilla) and spicy Chucula(creamy mousse with cinnamon and vanilla, sprinkled with salted cheese shavings).

They don’t make wine in Ecuador, but everyone can try the local Pilsner or Biela beer, as well as the sugar cane-based alcoholic drinks Canesalo and Pisco.

Money

The national currency of Ecuador is the American dollar (USD). In circulation among Ecuadorians are:

• banknotes from 1 to 100 dollars;
• coins (cents) in denominations from 1 cent to 1 dollar.

Guests of the country and their fellow travelers will be able to take advantage of bank cards in tourist areas and hotels in Ecuador. Remember that an additional tax of 8% is charged for servicing plastic cards in the country. Small shopping and entertainment establishments, small hotels and hostels do not accept cards for payment. Travel checks can only be cashed at bank branches.

As a rule, retail chains in cities are equipped with ATMs. In small populated areas You can only withdraw funds at a bank branch. It is for this reason that the most common method of mutual settlements in Ecuador remains payment in cash.

Generally crime situation the country is stable.

What you need to know

You are ready to travel to distant and mysterious Ecuador. What do you need to consider? What surprises should you prepare for before going on vacation?

Customs and traditions of Ecuador

Ecuadorians are very calm, balanced and hospitable. Hospitality among Ecuadorians is valued as highly as piety. If tourists and their traveling companions come to visit an Ecuadorian, they should give the owner of the house a small gift as a token of gratitude for the invitation.

IN small towns people greet everyone they meet on the streets.

Smoking ban in in public places no, but we do not recommend drinking alcohol outside recreation areas. Ecuadorians consider restraint in drinking alcohol to be a good form.

You should not photograph Ecuadorian residents without obtaining their consent.

Sights of Ecuador

• Those planning a vacation in Ecuador should pay attention to the Quito Cathedral (Cathedral of Quito). The cathedral was located on Independence Square (Independence Square), was built in the 17th century in Baroque style.
• Avenue of Volcanoes (Avenue of Volcanoes) is a mountain range located south of the capital of Ecuador. This is one of the most attractive places for tourists and enjoys special respect among climbers.
• Village of Otavalo (Otavalo) is the most popular tourist attraction among travelers who value souvenirs. There is an Indian market in Otavalo, open only on Saturdays. At this market, vacationers can buy souvenirs self made and haggle to your heart's content.
• Cotopaxi is not only the tallest volcano in the world, but also an active volcano, located 200 km south of Quito just beyond the Avenue of Volcanoes.
• Urbina Bay ( Urbina Bay) on Isabela Island ( Isabela Island) - home to the world's largest turtles, colored iguanas and penguins. Isabela Island is the largest of the Galapagos Islands and is named after Isabella of Castile, Queen of Castile and Leon.
• The Galapagos Islands are an archipelago located in the Pacific Ocean. In the area of ​​the islands, volcanic and seismic activity is still observed, causing continuous changes in the landscape. The Galapagos Islands, together with their waters, form a natural park, which is often called a “working museum of evolution.”
• Trip to the Sangai National Natural Park (Sangay National Park), which includes two active volcanoes, will leave an unforgettable experience for visitors to Ecuador. The park preserves such rare species of fauna as the Andean condor and mountain tapir.

What souvenirs to bring from your trip?

• Tourists buy warm sweaters, blankets and other products made from natural llama wool at the market in Otovalo.
• Vacationers buy boxes, dishes and national costumes decorated with ethnic ornaments in Cuenca.
• Silver jewelry travelers typically bring from Quito's mini market.
• Figurines made of special light wood will be offered to guests of Ecuador in Balsa and Salinas.
• Hats and panamas, pipes made from tagua nut, carnival masks and national musical instruments everyone will find it in Guayaquil and San Vincent.

Ecuador is located in northwestern South America. The name of the country translated from Spanish means “equator”: the zero line runs through the entire territory, ensuring uniform heating by the Sun. Ecuador borders Colombia and Peru and is washed in the west by Pacific Ocean. The country is famous for its volcanoes (including the tallest active volcano in the world, Cotopaxi), mangroves and tropical forests, but the main attraction is the Galapagos Islands, where Charles Darwin conducted his research. Now tourists can visit this unique archipelago and see the most unimaginable species of plants and animals.

In the lowland areas and in the northern part of the Pacific coast, an equatorial climate prevails. Daytime temperatures throughout the year do not fall below +28°C. The hottest and wettest time is from December to May: during the day about +31°C, precipitation 200-250 mm monthly. In the Oriente region, the climate is hotter and more humid: during the day up to +38°C, the annual precipitation rate is 4500 mm. In the south of the Pacific coast and in the area of ​​​​the Galapagos Islands, the cold Peruvian Current passes, which reduces the amount of precipitation. The Galapagos Islands are cool and dry from May to December, with about 10 mm of rainfall per month.

Money of Ecuador

The national currency is the Ecuadorian sucre. However, since 2000, US dollars have been in circulation - banknotes of 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 dollar, coins of 1 dollar, 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 cent.
1 USD = 7 UAH

Ecuadorians are one of the few peoples of South America who have inherited the features of their Indian ancestors. Despite the strong influence of European culture, ancient rituals and traditions have been preserved. Clergymen enjoy unquestioned authority and often act as mediators in many controversial issues. Marriages without a wedding are unthinkable, although legal, and Sunday service is an important event in public life. Another tradition is hospitality. A guest is always a long-awaited participant in the feast, even if he arrived at the wrong time. Far away from major cities It is considered polite to greet everyone you meet. It is not recommended to photograph local residents without their consent (interior Indians agree to pose only for a fee).

The basis national cuisine- soups and stews, dishes made from grains, rice, eggs and vegetables. The recipe for local soups is entirely based on the centuries-old traditions of our ancestors. The most popular dishes are locro soup with cheese, avocado and potatoes, chicken caldo de galina soup and chupe de pescado with fish and vegetables. Potatoes and other “European” side dishes are replaced with fried bananas, yuca, cassava and other fruits.

Sights of Ecuador

The capital of Ecuador is considered one of the most beautiful cities in South America. Quito is located at an altitude of 2850 m above sea level and just 22 km south of the equator and is famous for its pleasant climate and breathtaking panoramas of snow-capped mountains. Founded by the Cara Indians in the 10th century AD, Quito in its heyday rivaled the Inca capital of Cusco and was one of the largest cities of this ancient empire. But at the beginning of the 16th century the city was completely destroyed. In 1534, the Spaniards began building a new capital on the site of ancient Quito. Today, Quito is a picturesque mixture of colonial buildings and modern structures. To the main attractions of the Old Town, which was included in the List in 1978 World Heritage UNESCO, refers to a complex of historical buildings around Independence Square, Santo Domingo and San Francisco. Just 15 minutes' drive north of the capital is the equator, where the cultural and entertainment complex Ciudad Mitad del Mundo ("Middle of the World") is located, with a 30-meter monument marking zero latitude. Nearby are the picturesque ruins of Rumicho Inca, the archaeological site of Cochasqui (13th century) and the hot springs at Oyacachi.

A long and narrow valley south of Quito, which Alexander von Humboldt poetically dubbed the "road of the Volcanoes", stretches between two mountain ranges. Nine of Ecuador's ten highest peaks are found here, including Chimborazo (6,310 m) and Cotopaxi (5,897 m). Half (about 7 million people) of the country’s population lives in the valley. Almost the entire valley runs along the Pan-American Highway, which provides the opportunity to see the most famous volcanoes. The local colorful towns are worth a visit: Cayambe and the nearby Ecological Reserve, " White City" Ibarra with its good-natured and cheerful population, Otavalo (world famous for its Saturday market in Plaza De Ponchos), as well as the ecological reserve of El Angel and the nearby town of the same name.

Cuenca - shining example European colonial urban planning. The city was founded by the Spaniards in 1557 on the site of the Incas Tomebamba. Cuenca has much in common with Quito's Old Town - the same narrow cobbled streets, colonial buildings with balconies, the same abundance of white temples and museums. The city's attractions include the Catedral de La Inmaculada Concepción with its azure domes and marble façade, the Cathedral of San Francisco, the Church of San Sebastian, the monastery and church of the Convento de Las Conceptas, the Monastery of Carmen de la Asuncion , the Central Bank Museum, the Intidad Canari Museum and the Art Populares Museum with a rich collection of art objects.

Guayaquil

The port of Guayaquil is called the heart of the southern coast. The city's convenient location makes it an excellent starting point for trips to southern Ecuador. Tourist attractions include the picturesque colonial district of Las Penas, the coastal Malecon boulevard, Plaza Civica, the Clock Tower, the glass and steel indoor market Mercado Sur and the botanical gardens complex. The city's museums are especially interesting: the Municipal Museum, the Abirto Museum in the building of the San Carlos Fortress (1629), as well as the Museum of Anthropology and Art with a rich collection of ceramics, ritual accessories and gold items from the ancient civilizations of South America. Northeast of the city, in La Puntilla, is the Historical Park.

February-March (dates vary)- Water Carnival (3 days)

March-April (dates vary)- Maundy Thursday (Easter) and Good Friday (Good Friday) and Holy Saturday (Holy Saturday).

May 24- Day of the beginning of independence. Anniversary of the Battle of Pichincha. Batalladel Pichincha.

June (dates vary)- Feast of Corpus Christi. Corpus Christi.

The main carnival in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands

Most tourists and locals prefer to celebrate Carnival in Ambato. Colorful parades (Fiesta de las Flores y de las Frutas) are held here instead of throwing water on each other. main topic carnival in Ambato - flowers and fruits.

Holy Week in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands

Feast of Corpus Christi in Ecuador and Galapagos

Jean-Baptiste Day in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands

Saint Peter and Paul's Day in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands

All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands

Christmas in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands

New Year in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands

But the most exciting action takes place in Salinas. It is there that tourists come from many countries of the world and Ecuador. Huge figures of the old year sweep through the city streets. After this, they are burned with great noise in the courtyards of houses or in the square. Some men continue to celebrate the end of the old year even after they have celebrated the New Year. They put on widows' clothes and go from house to house, collecting money for their loved one who passed away that night - the old year.

There are many more local celebrations throughout the country. Here are some of them:

September 23-24– Fiesta de la Mama Negra. Feast of the Black Mother, patroness of the province of Cotopaxi. The festival takes place in the provincial capital of Latacunga. Religious processions take place, folk music sounds, folk dances are performed

Rules of conduct in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands

For example, never refuse an invitation to dance, drink, or eat. It is better not to visit places or families where a particular holiday is celebrated unless you want to dance, eat or drink, and most Ecuadorians are happy to drink more than just soft drinks. Alcohol is present at all holidays in Ecuador. And how they love to dance! But if you find yourself in such a situation, try to be polite, plead your health, try any dish you like, smile at overly hospitable people and calmly leave home.

Far away and therefore mysterious country, so different from Russia... The Latin American flavor determines most of the features of life in Ecuador. There are few Russian-speaking immigrants there, but they exist, despite the difficult naturalization due to differences in mentality and appearance between Russians and Ecuadorians. For an immigrant who comes from the temperate climate of central Russia to the tropical heat of Ecuador, even the weather can be a shock. There is no snow at all in Ecuador, not counting the mountains, and the Ecuadorians themselves, with their unique way of life, are descendants of local Indians and Spanish conquistadors.

Ecuador is a Catholic country, and the local population is very religious, like most residents of other Latin American countries. However, despite this, the crime rate in Ecuador is very high, as in the region as a whole. Not as high as in, for example, Venezuela or neighboring Colombia, but much higher than in more prosperous Chile and Uruguay. The typical Latin American temperament characteristic of Ecuadorians also contributes to this - lazy, slightly roguish, but at the same time explosive and hot-tempered. In addition, the mafia is strong in the country, really strong. However, the latter circumstance most likely will not have any impact on the life of an ordinary immigrant.

In appearance, Ecuadorians are also similar to other Latin Americans, and a person of European appearance will attract a lot of attention, sometimes not at all necessary. A light-skinned immigrant will most often be mistaken for an American, and the US is not liked here, so if it comes to such questions, it is better to immediately say where you came from. People here treat Russia with indifference, unlike Russia, and some people only know about it that it is some big country on the other side of the world. But if there is a need to contact someone with a question, it is better to do it in bad Spanish than in good English - they will be more willing to help.

In general, Ecuadorians are characterized by a kind of laziness and idleness. They do not like to rush anywhere, leaving life to put everything in its place, which gives some advantages to an enterprising immigrant who is not afraid of work. The majority of Ecuadorians are open and friendly. They are very emotional, which can be expressed both positively and negatively. An Ecuadorian who is grateful to you for something is a model of cordiality who does not hide his joy, but an offended man will easily grab a knife.

Yes, perhaps one of the most striking features life in Ecuador are the Ecuadorians themselves. They have a very developed sense of humor, they laugh a lot and willingly. But we should not forget that Ecuadorians are a very proud people. Their emotionality is a double-edged sword; they are easily offended, but they also make peace willingly, without harboring resentment. If you have a quarrel with someone, the best way will smile broadly and shake hands. Most likely, anyone is not too serious conflict this will be the end of it. Ecuadorians highly respect the customs and traditions of their country, and when communicating with them one should not forget about this. There is no need to publicly discuss, much less criticize, the way they live. All national events, holidays, customs, traditions and historical facts and trends are a source of pride for Ecuadorians.

Ecuadorians for the most part earn very little, but poverty does not oppress them, although vanity is not alien to them. It makes sense to move to Ecuador to open your own business, or if you have a permanent income from outside. It makes little sense to look for a job here on your own, given that the normal salary here is considered to be about three hundred dollars.

The locals are one of the few peoples of South America who have inherited most of the features of their Indian ancestors. Despite the strong influence of European culture, Ecuadorians have retained most of their rituals and traditions. And phenotypically, they are still closer to the Indian population of pre-Columbian America than most of their neighbors on the mainland. Accordingly, in all aspects of social life, in one form or another, traits traditional for the Andean peoples appear. Most Sierra Indians are officially considered Catholics, but there are very strong echoes of the ancient religions of pre-Columbian America. Animist religions dominate among the peoples of the Oriente. And at the same time, Christian religious institutions have a very great influence on social life countries. Local clergy usually enjoy unquestioned authority among the population, and often act as mediators and magistrates in many controversial issues. Marriages without a church wedding are still unthinkable, although legal, and Sunday service is one of the main events in public life.

The Ecuadorians themselves are very calm and balanced, even somewhat slow. Even the Spanish influence could not eradicate in these mountaineers the centuries-old habit of conserving energy, which in the conditions of the highlands is not at all a whim. Even the noisy and always bawling local markets cannot be compared in terms of sound pressure level with those in Brazil, for example, or Venezuela. Sedateness and slowness in business are considered a sign of good manners here. Also, many travelers note in Ecuadorians pride and a special sense of self-worth along with some truly Christian humility towards external circumstances. The Ecuadorians themselves are not at all touchy. You can stop a quarrel or compensate for an alleged offense right there, on the spot, with minimal effort. But in this matter one should not go too far - the pride of local residents both for themselves and for their country is often quite sincere and serious. Even local fashion, which, as we know, is a fickle entity, is a source of special pride for local residents.

The basis of local life is family. This is both a “unit of society”, and the home and fortress of every Ecuadorian. The respect for elders is simply amazing - many old people live in the families of their children (usually with youngest son or daughter) in care and kindness. Accordingly, in Everyday life respect for elders can be seen everywhere, from communication on the street to political life. A special aspect of local life is the system of "compadrasco" (godparents). This is a complex and sometimes extremely confusing system of mutual obligations (including financial ones) between godparents and godchildren, which in small local settlements sometimes includes almost all residents. Godparents provide support and advice throughout the godson's life. He, in turn, is almost a family member for them and is obliged to provide reciprocal attention and care. Often such relationships permeate even local businesses and political system, and are very strong in people's daily lives. It is also the basis of education social groups, which often form rather isolated societies.

Hospitality in local families is as much a tradition as going to church. Going to visit each other is a certain ritual and even an obligation. A guest is always a welcome member of a family feast, even if he arrives at the wrong time (although Ecuadorians themselves are usually very punctual). The guest's reciprocal gesture can be a small gift, and regardless of which family member it is intended for, he is greeted with joy. A woman in a local family has the same rights as a man, so reasonable courtesies to the mistress of the house will be considered as respect for the whole family.

In Ecuador, especially far from large cities, it is considered polite to say hello to everyone you meet, even strangers, especially in a group or at a party. It is not recommended to photograph local residents without their consent (interior Indians often agree to pose only for a certain fee). You can smoke almost everywhere, but the attitude towards alcoholic drinks is quite peculiar - you can buy them everywhere, and you can often meet a tipsy person on the street local resident, but a sign of good form is restraint in this aspect.

There are no strict standards regarding clothing, but people in “sports” clothes are simply not allowed into most good restaurants, much less at official events. Evening wear is quite informal, but conservative, and is based on local traditions. For a foreigner, compliance with local clothing standards for such cases is not at all necessary - long trousers or a dress, as well as a shirt or blouse in classic style, For business meeting It is recommended to choose clothing appropriate to the occasion.