Fun Facts of Ecuador
If you are here for 10 facts about Ecuador, you will get 30 fun facts for Ecuador.
It's a small country with some of the best colonial architecture in the world.
It is one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet, produces a large portion of the world's bananas, and is delightful for both culture vultures and adventure seekers.
Ecuador is located on South America's western coast and has a vibrant culture, history, and breathtaking natural beauty.
It is also one of the destinations that Aurora Expeditions offers tours to.
Whether you're hiking the Andes, eating in Quito, or visiting the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador has a lot to offer the adventurous traveller.
Here, we'll review some lesser-known facts about this wonderful area.
Ecuador has a vibrant culture that cherishes nature.
Despite its modest size, the country boasts incredible sights such as a portion of the Andes Mountain Range, coastal areas, rich cuisine, the Amazon jungle, and much more!
Flag of Ecuador
Ecuador's flag consists of three horizontal bands:
- the top band is yellow and spans half of the flag's height to represent the nation's sunlight, grain, and natural riches.
- The blue middle band is for the sea and the sky;
- the red bottom band stands for the blood lost for independence.
- A large representation of the national coat of arms can be found in the middle of the flag.
Fun Facts for Ecuador
You will get thrilled to know interesting fact about Ecuador. So, Keep reading, enjoy and enrich your knowlege.
1. It was named after the equator.
The Spanish phrase meaning the equator forms Ecuador's name.
Found roughly 24 miles from the city of Quito in San Antonio de Pichincha, the nation, which straddles the equator, even boasts a monument honouring its position in the middle of the world.
Modern GPS technology has revealed, however, that the Mitad del Mundo marker is rather off on the equator.
In fact, it is around the corner at the Intiñan Solar Museum, almost a 10-minute walk away.
Ecuador is officially known as República del Ecuador, which translates to "The Republic of the Equator."
Not only is the country named after a natural feature, but it is also one of only few like it.
You may span the Southern Hemisphere and the Northern Hemisphere in Ciudad Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World City). Psst: The actual equator is a minute's walk away.
2. Ecuador is one of the world's leading producers of maize, chocolate, rose, banana, and orchids.
Ecuador's official currency is the US dollar; however, the unofficial currency may be the fertility of the soil, especially in the Sierra region.
3. Ecuador exports 25% of bananas.
Several countries in the tropical region grow bananas, but 25% of all bananas exported come from Ecuador.
This is nearly as much as the next three countries combined.
It is also earn revenue for this country.
4. Peru and Spain ruled Ecuador.
Ecuador had been ruled for 300 years by Peru, followed by the Spaniards.
They introduced their religion, built structures, and languages to the region.
Ecuador gained independence in 1822, but the Spanish influence remains strong.
5. Ecuador Has Four Unique Geographic Regions.
Ecuador's four distinct geographic areas contribute to the country's economy in various ways.
- The mountain highlands are referred to as La Sierra,
- the coastal lowlands are referred to as La Costa,
- the Galápagos Islands are referred to as La Región Insular, and
- the eastern rainforest lowlands are referred to as La Amazonia or El Oriente.
6. Ecuador is the home to the world's best orchid flowers.
Ecuador may be the best area in the world to find orchid blossoms, as the flowers contain many indigenous qualities that distinguish them.
Nearly 4,000 orchid species exist; some bloom for six months, some for perhaps a few hours, and some can endure for up to a century.
Ecuador is acknowledged as the global capital of orchids.
7. The Middle of the World City, Ciudad Mitad del Mundo, is located there.
Ciudad Mitad del Mundo | © Wikimedia Commons
The fact that Ecuador is the only country in Latin America where you can simultaneously be in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres is an intriguing fact about the country.
There is a queue in the middle of the World City where you can stand with one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and the other in the Southern Hemisphere.
This tourist destination in Ecuador is located 26 km (16 mi) north of Quito, the nation's capital.
8. The biggest tortoise in the world lives in Ecuador.
In addition to being the largest living species of turtle in the world, the Galapagos tortoise is used as a symbol of the Galapagos Islands worldwide.
This tortoise can grow to be 5 feet (1.5 m) tall and weighs more than 900 pounds (408 kg).
On the islands, fifteen different kinds of tortoises have been found.
Four of those species are no longer alive, and many more are in danger of going extinct.
9. There are two ways that families can take shape.
There are different ways to start a family in Ecuador, which is another interesting fact.
One way is the more traditional way, which is a civil marriage.
In this case, both people (boy and girl) are formally married.
The second is a "free union," which is when two people get together to start a family without getting married.
It is commonly known as a live-in relationship. The rights and responsibilities of both unions are the same.
10. Take a chiva, which is a party bus on wheels.
Chivas used to be school buses that have been turned into party buses.
For a party, a public holiday, or just because, locals rent one and drive around town while dancing and drinking.
Canelazo, a tasty Ecuadorian hot alcoholic drink, is usually the drink of choice.
On Saturday evenings, the sidewalks of Quito, the largest city in Ecuador and one of the Unor Guayaquil cities, are crowded with Chivas.
11. Roses are a significant contributor to the country's economy.
Roses hold significant value for the nation's economy.
Ecuadorian roses are renowned for their vivid hues, elongated stems, substantial blossoms, and delightful aroma.
Ecuadorian rose cultivators have advanced their techniques by infusing natural hues into the stems, producing vibrant multi-hued petals.
Ecuador's optimum climate, fertile soil, and elevated altitudes establish great circumstances for rose cultivation.
12. Ecuador possesses five UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The Cinchona is the official tree of Ecuador.
Another intriguing fact about Ecuador is that its distinctive national tree is a flowering plant, including over 20 types.
It can reach a height of 50 feet, and its bark yields quinine, the first recognised treatment for malaria.
Many Ecuadorians assert that this medicinal tree alleviates bloating, leg cramps, and gastrointestinal issues.
13. Ecuador possesses five UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Ecuador features numerous intriguing cultural and environmental sites, five of which are officially designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
Among Ecuador's UNESCO World Heritage Sites are :-
- the Galapagos Islands — You can explore the astonishing biodiversity and stunning natural beauty of the Galápagos Islands, home to unique species that inspired Darwin's theory of evolution
- the City of Quito — It has stunning colonial architecture, vibrant plazas, and significant historical landmarks that make Ecuador's capital a must-visit destination.
- Sangay National Park — It is famous for unique volcanic landscapes and diverse ecosystems, where hiking and wildlife watching come together in a breathtaking natural setting.
- Santa Ana de los Ríos de Cuenca — The charming streets of Cuenca, famous for its well-preserved colonial architecture, alongside a rich tapestry of indigenous culture and history.
- Qhapaq Ñan — the Andean Road System running into Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, and Peru.
14. Ecuador possesses 10% of the world's plant species, 8% of its animal species, and 18% of its bird species.
Ecuador exhibits considerable diversity among species distributions.
Ecuador harbours 10% of the world's plant species, 8% of its animal species, and 18% of its avian species.
Ecuador has 360 mammalian species, including 130 bats.
15. Ecuador's National Animal Is the Andean Condor
Since 1958, Ecuador's national animal has been the Andean condor, a member of the vulture family.
Its wingspan is 10 feet (3 meters) and its average weight is 15.4 pounds (7 kg).
Striking to behold, they are the biggest flying birds. Look for this amazing bird if you travel the Andes.
16. Ecuador is a small country with only four regions.
Four separate areas call Ecuador home:
- the Mountains (La Sierra),
- the Coast (La Costa),
- the Amazon (El Oriente), and
- the World Heritage Site-worthy Galapagos Islands.
Particularly in rural indigenous groups, every area boasts its own traditional culture, attire, language, and cuisine.
While highland food is usually guinea pig and maize-based, traditional coastal cuisine is coconut and fish-based.
Most Ecuadorians these days speak Spanish.
17. Ecuador always honours the rights of the natural world.
In the year 2008, Ecuador became the first country that recognises environmental rights as constitutional rights for every citizen.
Under Article 71, the nation's constitution declares that nature has the right to "exist, persist, maintain and regenerate its vital cycles, structure, functions and its processes in evolution".
18. Quito boasts the highest official capital city worldwide.
1830 saw the birth of Ecuador.
Among three nations founded following Gran Colombia's collapse is this one.
Along with bits of current Peru, Guyana, Brazil, Venezuela and New Granada, the others were
Among the two nations in South America without borders to Brazil is Ecuador.
The other is Chile. The capital of Ecuador, Quito, is 2850 meters above sea level, ranking highest among capital cities worldwide.
Guayaquil along the coast is the largest city in Ecuador.
19. The country that comes closest to outer space.
Mount Chimborazo is one remarkable inactive volcano, rising beyond 6,000 meters.
It's also the highest point on Earth.
The reason Chimborazo tops out before you counter with Mount Everest is an odd event at the equator where the world bulges out in the middle, creating an uneven spherical.
The equator bulges out in the middle of the earth since it is not a perfect sphere, so the point on planet Earth furthest out into space is the peak of the mountain.
At 20,564 feet (6,268 meters), this extinct volcano is the actual space mountain.
This geographical anomaly provides Ecuador's volcano enormous strength so that, measured from the Earth's core, it would readily loom above all other mountains.
Because its highest peak, Mount Chimborazo, is somewhat higher than Everest, Ecuador is geographically closest to space.
20. The hat isn't from Panama; it's from Ecuador
The Panama hat is made in Ecuador.
It was first called the "Sombrero de Montecristi."
These hats are made by skilled weavers in their homes and businesses in Montecristi, which is in the province of Manabi.
In the late 1800s, these hats were sent to Panama, where workers liked how light and comfortable they were, which was perfect for the warm weather.
When Theodore Roosevelt visiting the Panama Canal in 1906, he wore one.
This is how the hat got its name, the Panama hat.
21. Guinea pigs create snack-sized meals or fur-midable buddies.
The Spanish language calls guinea pigs "cuy."
Guinea pigs are food as well as pets in Ecuador Since the flesh in roasted or fried cuy is tender and delicious, it is rather common in the Andes.
Cuy is usually eaten on special events and celebrations.
22. Ecuador is a bird lover's dream come true; environmentalists come together
The nation's unique biodiversity is enhanced by its several habitats and national parks, which range from the Amazon rainforest to the Andes mountains to the breathtaking Galapagos Islands.
Discovering the Galapagos Islands is like entering a documentary where you may view uncommon and unusual species and close-up evolution wonders.
Ecuador's national tree is the Cinchona tree, which generates quinine, the first medicine meant to stop and cure malaria.
With 1,632 documented species and perhaps up to 48 more probable species, Ecuador boasts more birds per square kilometre than any other country in the world.
With an amazing 132 (out of 340) different hummingbird species calling Ecuador home, the nation boasts the global record for this count.
Yasuní National Park, a protected national park in Ecuador, is home to many different kinds of amphibians, birds, mammals, and plants, making it one of the world's most biodiverse regions.
This park, which lies in Ecuador's far east, is home to some of the most animal species per square hectare.
23. Charles Darwin got ideas from the Galapagos Islands
Charles Darwin was one of the smartest scientists of all time.
He made some important discoveries about evolution that have changed the way we think about it.
In 1835, he went to the Galapagos Islands and made a lot of notes, especially about how the bird and tortoise types were different from one island to the next.
After 24 years, he wrote the groundbreaking book On the Origin of the Species, which used observations made in the Galapagos to describe natural selection.
24. Ecuador is where the Panama hat is made.
The well-known Panama Hat, or Ecuadorian Hat, as they call it there, is made in Ecuador.
To protect them from the sun, coastal artists made straw hats for people who worked on the Panama Canal.
Even after the Panama Canal was built, workers and tourists still liked them.
25. Ecuador gave nature constitutional rights
Ecuador was the first country to give nature constitutional rights in 2008.
Article 71 of the constitution says that nature has the right to "preserve, continue, restore, and renew its vital cycles, structure, functions, and processes in evolution."
In other words, nature should be able to live without people getting in the way.
Ecuador's choice shows how to protect the Earth and fight for the rights of nature.
26. Snowfall in Ecuador is Rarely
Ecuador experiences occasional snowfall since their winters are colder than most people would have expected.
Though it is rare for it to snow in Ecuador, the exception coated in snow all year long are the high heights of Chimborazo.
27. Ecuador has four different climates;
none of which is a misprint. Ecuador's three separate mainland areas—
- the Costa,
- the Sierra, and
- the Oriente—
These areas have their own unique "microclimates."
With tropical humidity, the Costa stretches from the ocean to the foot of the Andes.
Whereas the Oriente comprises the Amazon Rainforest, the Sierra region across the Andean highlands experiences lower temperatures.
One thousand kilometres off-shore, the Galapagos Islands likewise have their own temperature with year-round agreeable conditions.
28. Is the US Dollar Ecuador's Official Currency
Waves of immigration and invading armies bearing their own cultural influences have profoundly affected Ecuador during its past.
The nation first consisted of indigenous tribes solely, but Ecuador welcomed immigration from Italy and the United States after the Spanish invaded in the 1500s.
The US dollar is Ecuador's designated currency.
29. Charles Darwin was inspired by the Galapagos Islands.
The Galapagos tortoise is the largest tortoise in the world and is a critical species on the Galapagos Islands.
These tortoises can grow as long as 5 feet (1.5 meters) and weigh more than 900 lbs (400 kg).
Tragically, four of the fifteen Galapagos tortoise species have become extinct, and numerous others are in peril of extinction.
In 1835, Darwin visited the Galapagos Islands and observed variations in the same species, such as giant tortoises and animals, across different islands.
Famous biologist Charles Darwin gave his famous theory of natural selection, which he subsequently elaborated upon in his work "On the Origin of Species."
30. Trees in Ecuador are capable of movement.
The Sumaco Biosphere Reserve, one of the UNESCO protected locations, is home to trees that can "walk" 20 meters annually by establishing new roots.