Are you planning a trip to Ecuador? Here you have 30 interesting facts about Ecuador, so you can learn more about this amazing country.
1. What is the full name of Ecuador?
The official name of Ecuador is the Republic of Ecuador.
Ecuador comes from the word Ecuador. The equator is located 16 mi. (26 km.) north of Quito, where you can stand in the northern and southern hemispheres.
2. What is the capital of Ecuador?
The capital of Ecuador is Quito, a beautiful colonial city located in the Ecuadorian Andes.
3. What is the largest city in Ecuador?
Guayaquil is the largest city, the largest international port and commercial center of Ecuador.
4. What are the main cities of Ecuador?
Quito, Guayaquil, Riobamba, Ambato, Machala, Portoviejo, Manta, Ibarra, Santo Domingo, and Loja.
5. What is the population of Ecuador?
Ecuador has an estimated population of 17,128,156 in 2019.
6. How are the citizens of Ecuador known?
The citizens of Ecuador are called "Ecuadorians"
7. What languages are spoken in Ecuador?
Spanish is the official language of Ecuador. Indigenous peoples also speak an additional dialect such as Quechua, Colorado, Shuar, Waorani, among others.
8. What is the currency of Ecuador?
Since 2000, the currency of Ecuador is the dollar of the United States of America. Invoices are the same as those used throughout the world, however, some denominations of currencies (10, 25, 50) are issued in the country.
9. Where is Ecuador located?
Ecuador is a country located on the Pacific coast of South America. This is between Colombia and Peru. Ecuador is part of the Andes Mountains, as well as Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, and Chile.
10. What are the main tourist attractions in Ecuador?
Ecuador has many places that are worth visiting. This diverse country has beaches, mountains, and rainforest just a few hours away from each other. The main tourist attractions are:
- Galapagos Islands.
- Chimborazo volcano, Cotopaxi volcano, and Quilotoa volcano.
- The historic center of Quito and Middle of the world.
- Devil's nose (train ride).
- Cuyabeno wildlife reserve.
- National Park of Cuenca and Cajas.
- Guayaquil seafront (Malecon 2000 and Malecon del Salado).
- Otavalo market and nearest lakes.
- Baths of Holy Water Baths.
- Salinas, Bahía and Montañita beaches.
11. How big is Ecuador?
Ecuador covers 106,889 mi2 (276,841 km2) of land and 2,595 mi2 (6,720 km2) of water. Although Ecuador is the smallest country in the Andes and South America (after Uruguay, Suriname, Guyana, and French Guyana), it is one of the most diverse places in the world.
12. What is the geography of Ecuador?
Ecuador has four distinct geographical regions:
- Galapagos Islands off the coast. An amazing place known as the Enchanted Islands. In fact, an unmissable place in the world. Home to unique species such as giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies.
- Pacific Coast (Coast) in the west. In these lowlands, you can enjoy beautiful beaches, excellent water sports and whale watching.
- Cordillera de Los Andes (Sierra) in the center. Known for its picturesque mountainous areas and pleasant weather.
- Amazon Jungle (Amazonia) in the east. Famous for its diverse wildlife, virgin jungle, and indigenous groups.
13. How many provinces are there in Ecuador?
Ecuador has 24 provinces, including the Galapagos Islands. Ecuador is divided into provinces instead of states or territories. A province is a unit that is created with an administrative point of view.
14. What religions are there in Ecuador?
The main religion of the people in Ecuador is the Roman Catholic, followed by evangelicals (Protestants) and Jehovah's Witnesses. Other small groups are Jews, Buddhists, and Mormons.
15. Why is Ecuador famous?
Ecuador is famous for its Galapagos Islands. It is also known because it has five UNESCO world heritage sites:
Natural (2)
- Galapagos Islands (1978,2001)
- Sangay National Park (1983)
Cultural (3)
- City of Quito (1978)
- The historic center of Santa Ana de Los Ríos de Cuenca (1999)
- Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System (2014)
16. Do the Galapagos Islands belong to Ecuador?
Yes, the Galapagos Islands belong to Ecuador. They are located in the eastern Pacific Ocean in South America. At first, Ecuador named Galapagos as "Archipelago of Ecuador", then changed its name to "Archipelago of Columbus".
17. Where are the Galapagos?
The Galapagos Islands are 620 miles (1000 kilometers) off the Ecuadorian coast. About 98% of the islands are part of the Galapagos National Park.
18. What is the dialing code of Ecuador?
The international dialing code of Ecuador is 593. To make an international call to Ecuador, dial +593 followed by the dialing code of the city and the local seven-digit number. Here are some dialing codes of the most visited places.
- Quito, Santo Domingo 2
- Riobamba, Ambato, Latacunga, Bathrooms 3
- Guayaquil, Samborondon, Santa Elena 4
- Galapagos, Portoviejo, Manta 5
- Ibarra, Tulcan, Otavalo, Esmeraldas, Coca, Lago Agrio 6
- Cuenca, Loja, Machala 7
19. What is the time zone of Ecuador?
The time zone of Ecuador is GMT-5 / UTC-5 (continental) and UTC-6 / GMT -6 (Galapagos)
20. How many stations does Ecuador have?
There are only two stations in Ecuador: dry and wet. The dry season or summer runs from June to September; while the wet season or winter runs from October to May with rains and warmer temperatures. Ecuador's climate varies by region, due to differences in elevation and proximity to the equator.
21. Does Ecuador have international airports?
It has several international airports, as well as many locals. The busiest airports are José Mariscal Sucre in Quito, Joaquín De Olmedo in Guayaquil and Seymour in the Galapagos Islands.
22. What is the elevation of Ecuador?
The Ecuadorian Andes or highlands contain the highest points in Ecuador. Here the elevations of some important cities.
- Ambato 8,454 feet (2,577 meters)
- Cuenca 8,398 feet (2,560 meters)
- Latacunga 9,022 feet (2,750 meters)
- Quito 9,350 feet (2,850 meters)
- Riobamba 9,035 feet (2,754 meters)
- Tulcan 9,776 feet (2980 meters)
23. Is Ecuador a good place to retire?
Ecuador is considered one of the best places in the world to retire or live in Latin America. In fact, it has been on the list of major countries to retire, according to reports from organizations such as Inter Nations and International Living. Ecuador is a country where expatriates can retire with little money and live very well. As a result, many retirees from the U.S. and Canada are established here. This country is popular with expatriates due to the use of the US dollar, stable government, easy permanent residence, and visas.
24. Is Ecuador a poor country?
According to the World Atlas, Ecuador's economy is the eighth largest in Latin America and the 69th largest economy in the world. The Ecuadorian economy is based on oil production, manufacturing mainly for the domestic market and agricultural crops for both national consumption and for export. Ecuador is the world leader in the export of bananas and bananas. It is also an important player in the world market for shrimp, flowers and canned fish.
25. Would you eat guinea pig in Ecuador?
Although guinea pigs or "guinea pigs" are considered a local delicacy in many villages in the Ecuadorian highlands, not everyone eats them. Its consumption is an ancestral tradition practiced mainly by indigenous people. Guinea pigs are roasted on a grill and served with potatoes or mote (dried corn).
26. Are Panama hats made in Ecuador?
Yes, Panama hats are made in Ecuador, especially in Monticristi (Pacific Coast) and Cuenca (Andes). In the mid-1850s, Ecuador did not receive much tourism, so it exported its hats to Panama to sell from there.
27. When does the sunrise and set in Ecuador?
In Ecuador, the sun rises and sets almost at the same time every day. This is between 6:00 - 6:30 am and pm.
28. Do I need a converter or a plug adapter for electricity?
Ecuador uses 110 volts, 60 cycles of electricity, the same as the United States and Canada. Electric plugs are typically 2-pointed flat types. North American teams do not need a converter or adapter, but European teams need a plug adapter to use them in Ecuador.
29. How much do you pay for taxes in Ecuador?
There is only a 12% tax applicable to almost all purchases. Usually, prices include taxes. There are no federal or provincial taxes. Optionally, when making a transaction, you may be asked if you want an invoice in your name, in that case, an identification number is required, this is used for the Ecuadorian tax return.
30. Where to buy organic food?
Most vegetables and fruits are natural and organic in Ecuador. Many farmers cannot afford pesticides, they grow everything organically.
