6 Amazing Facts You Never Knew About Ecuador

We love Ecuador. With its stunning landscapes, incredible culture and friendly locals, it is rightly at the top of any serious South American travel bucket list! Before you jet over there, check out these amazing facts about the country!

The Name

The name ‘Ecuador’ means equator, referencing the fact that the Equator runs right through the country. Expect hot weather while you’re out there!

Multilingual

While Spanish is the official language of Ecuador, there are in fact 24 languages spoken in the country! (Why not improve your language skills with one of our Spanish courses in Ecuador?)

The World’s Highest Active Volcanos

Ecuador is home to some of the world’s highest active volcanos. Galeras (4276m), Sangay (5300m) and Cotopaxi (5897m) are all in the world’s top ten!

On the Boil

Quito, at 2850m above sea level, is the highest capital city in the world (London is just 8m above sea level). You will certainly notice the difference when you arrive. One major difference is that, due to the lower atmospheric pressure, water boils at just 90 degrees C instead of 100 degrees C. This means that your pasta will take longer to cook as it will be cooking at a lower temperature!

Guinea Pigs

Pet lovers look away now! Guinea Pigs are considered a delicacy in Ecuador. Roasted over an open fire and sprinkled with spices, cuy, as it is called in Ecuador, is a popular dish that is said to taste like chicken…

Galapagos Islands

The Galapagos Islands were the world’s first ever official UNESCO World Heritage Site. These incredibly biodiverse islands are home to some fantastic animals, including giant tortoises, penguins, seals and iguanas. No wonder Charles Darwin developed his revolutionary theory of evolution here! Check out these awesome islands on our Galapagos Islands Adventure.

Fancy visiting Ecuador? Give us a call on 01892 527392 and get the ball rolling on an incredible South American adventure!