20 interesting facts you didn’t know about Ecuador

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The Galapagos Islands, its volcanoes, its delicious food… Ecuador is incredible no matter where you look at it. And is also full of interesting facts that attract the attention of travellers.

So, here are 20 things you probably didn’t know about the country and that will be good to know for your next Ecuador trip.

1. Ecuador is so small that it has the most plants and animals per square kilometer on the planet.

2. Its name refers to the line of the Earth’s Equator, which crosses the country and delimits the northern and southern hemispheres.

3. The Andes Mountains region crosses the Ecuadorian territory and has 84 volcanoes of which 25 are active. That is why we say that Ecuador is a country to touch the sky. You can access some of them by doing for example an Cotopaxi climb, the second highest volcano in the country.



4. One of the most famous volcanoes and the highest point in Ecuador at 6310 masl you will find it by making an Chimborazo climb, which is also the closest point to the sun on Earth.



5. Ecuador is considered one of the countries with best climate on the planet. This is thanks to its geographical location.



6. Quito is the second highest capital city in the world, after La Paz, Bolivia, with an altitude of 2850 meters above sea level.

7. The city of Guayaquil is the largest and most populous city in Ecuador and its urban area is one of the largest in Latin America.

8. The gastronomy of Ecuador is one of the best in South America. and specifically in Guayaquil you can try one of the most delicious dishes in Ecuador, the encebollado. It is a soup made with fish and onion, delicious!



9. Yasuní National Park in the Ecuadorian Amazon is the most biodiverse area on the planet. It is considered a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO and has an impressive wealth of amphibians, birds, mammals and plants.



10. Ecuador is the king of bananas. Almost 30% of the world’s consumption comes from this wonderful country.

11. Quichua is the most common indigenous language and is still taught in some schools and universities. Although it is not the only one, there are more than 15 indigenous languages.

12. If you’re in Ecuador you should take a tour to the Galapagos Islands. Is one of the most incredible reserves on the planet where thousands of species of animals live together.



13. In Ecuador you eat Cuy, one of the most exotic foods in Latin America. You will be surprised to know that it is a guinea pig or guinea pig cooked in stew, al palo, baked or fried. Would you dare to try it?



14. Traveling to Ecuador and not visiting its markets is unforgivable. Especially the Otavalo market, the largest and most famous in all of South America. It is full of handicrafts at very affordable prices.

15. The Church of San Francisco de Quito has more than 3500 pieces of art from the colonial era. It is definitely worth a visit!



16. The Virgin of Panecillo or Virgin of Quito is the only virgin in the world with angel wings designed by Bernardo de Legarda.

17. Since 1998 its official currency is the dollar. The economic crisis that the country went through caused the Sucre, the former currency, to be devalued and caused its disappearance.

18. Ecuador is known as the world capital of orchids as it has more than 4,000 species of this plant.



19. It is the country with the most birds per square kilometer with 1632 different species confirmed. In addition, they hold the world record for having the most species of hummingbirds.

20. It preserves thebest colonial architecture in America. Strolling through its streets is like reliving the country’s past history.

After knowing these interesting facts about Ecuador you will have been able to realize how fascinating it can be to visit this amazing city. Are you already preparing your bags?