45 fun and weird facts you might not know about Ecuador

Here are 45 interesting, quirky, fun and weird facts about Ecuador you'll be shocked to know about! Did you know that…

1. The origin of the name Ecuador comes from the equator - an imaginary line that divides the earth into two hemispheres, north, and south.
2. Ecuador is sometimes misspelled as Equador, Ecuator, or Equator.
3. It does not have four seasons. Ecuador only has two seasons: dry (June-Sept, cool weather) and wet (Oct-May, warmer temperatures, rainfall, and higher humidity).
4. Ecuador experience 12 hours of direct equatorial daylight 365 days a year.
5. It has been on the list of top countries to retire or live in Latin America. Reports made by organizations such as Inter Nations and International Living.
6. This country has the eighth largest economy in Latin America.
7. Ecuador is the biggest banana exporter in the world.
8. Guinea Pigs are a delicacy in the Ecuadorian Andean. Guinea pigs are locally known as "cuys" are roasted and served with potatoes.
   
9. The worldwide famous "Panama" hats are made in Ecuador.
10. Chivas are the ultimate party buses. They offer tours around the city stopping in the main tourist attractions. During the trip, you hear music that invites you to dance. They also offer you a drink or "canelazo".
11. Ecuador is a megadiverse country. It is the 9th most biodiverse place in the world. The factors that influence biodiversity include altitude, temperature, and rainfall, among others.
12. Ecuador's geography is impressive. This small country has four main and unique geographical regions: Pacific Cost, Andes highlands, Amazon rainforest, and the Galápagos Islands.
13. There is no national food as cuisine varies from region to region. Each region has its own diets. Coast region enjoy more fish, plantains, and beans. Andes region prefers meat, potatoes, and white hominy (mote).
14. Lunch is the largest meal of the day with a two-course dish and a beverage.
    
15. You won't get malaria at Ecuador highlands. There are not so many insects.
16. Ecuador has a healthcare system that can be the envy of many countries. It Healthcare System is ranked 20th in the world for quality.
17. Pasillo is the traditional music of Ecuador. Pasillo is played in main festivals.
18. Ecuador is one of the most peaceful places in South America.
19. Ecuador and Chile do not share a border with Brazil.
20. Cotopaxi volcano is the highest active volcano in the world, and it is in Ecuador.
21. Ecuador is the closest country to space. It is home to Mount Chimborazo that has an elevation of 6,263 m (20,548 ft) considered the furthest point from the Earth.
22. Ecuador is the third-largest exporter of flowers. In fact, Ecuador is the Orchid Capital of the World. It has more than 4,000 species of orchid.
23. The Galapagos Islands belong to Ecuador, which is 620 mi (1000 km) from the mainland.
24. The Galapagos Islands holds the title for being the first-ever UNESCO World Heritage Site.
25. Quito holds the title for being the first city to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site
26. The length of days does not vary much during winter or summer. In Ecuador, sunrise and sunset happen every day between 6:00 to 6:30 am/pm.
27. Ecuador has one of the greatest densities of volcanoes on earth.
28. Ecuador's national tree is the cinchona tree (cascarilla or quina). Cinchona tree produces Quinine, a drug used to treat and prevent malaria.
29. Ecuador is the first country to declare that 'nature' has constitutional rights. This is part of an amendment to the constitution in 2008. This means that that nature has the "right to exist, persist, maintain and regenerate its vital cycles."
30. Ecuador was the first country in the history of the world to eliminate the death penalty in 1906.
31. Many Ecuadorians don't have access to a bank account. Many people rather use cooperative banking.
32. Ecuador flag has three colors: yellow, blue and red. They symbolize Soil, Sky, and Blood respectively.
33. Ecuador is ranked as one of the best places to live in or to retire in South America.
34. From 1822 to 1830, Ecuador was part of Gran Colombia. It was joined with Colombia, Venezuela, and Panamá.
35. Ecuador was part of the Inca Empire. In 1533, the Spanish overthrew Inca rule.
36. The first female President of Ecuador served for only two days from February 9 to 11, 1997.
37. Voting is mandatory for Ecuadorian citizens.
38. Ecuador is a peaceful country, it considered safe to travel. However, visitors should take the same precautions that they would in any tourist destination.
39. Ecuador uses 110 volts, 60 cycle electricity, the same as the USA and Canada.
40. The Embassy of Ecuador in London granted political asylum to WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange from 2012 to 2019.
41. Some interprovincial buses, which travel from one city to another, either do not have a bathroom or they are used only to urinate. Go to a bathroom before taking a long trip.
42. Some natural areas (parks) or bus terminals charge for toilet paper. They may have a toilet paper dispenser that works for 10 or 25 cents. Sometimes there is an assistant at the entrance that sells sheets of toilet paper for 10 or 25 cents. Always carry toilet paper or some change.
43. In coffee stores, coffee cup sizes are different from those used in the United States. In Ecuador, the normal cup of coffee is 6 or 8 ounces. A large coffee can have only 12 ounces.
44. Informal restaurants, as well as taxi drivers, don't expect you to leave any tip.
45. Most vegetables and fruits are "organic". You don't hear so much about "organic food".