Carnival is a festival of many names. It is referred to as Fat Tuesday in English, Mardi-Gras in French, and Carnaval in Spanish or Portuguese. But whichever word you use, Carnival has become an exciting international phenomenon extending from both Catholic and, many scholars think, ancient Rome or even Sumer cultural traditions.

Ecuador Carnival (Carnaval or Carnavales) is one of the nation’s most electric celebrations, with residents anxiously marking their calendars in preparation every year. Let’s take a look into what makes Ecuador Carnival tick compared to the layered string beads and Cajun feasts in New Orleans Mardi-Gras, or fantastical feather costumes of Brazilian Carnaval. Perhaps, you will feel so inspired to plan your next Ecuador trip during Carnival!  

What is the Ecuador Carnival, and why is it held?

Ecuador Carnival aligns with the Roman Catholic calendar and tradition. But what’s truly special and unique about Carnavales in Ecuador lies in how local communities have always made the tradition their own, mixing Catholic origin post-conquest with pre-Hispanic cultures and traditions.

The earliest recorded evidence of Carnival in Ecuador is from newspapers dating back to 1860. These stories cite people celebrating by having water fights on the coast and flour fights in the Andean highlands. Then from the early 1900s, there are reports of kitchen staff and cooks saving their eggshells until Carnival to fill with colored water, seal with wax, and use in a good-natured water fight during the celebration.

Today, Ecuador Carnival means two full days of unbridled joy manifested in water and foam fights, allegorical figures on parade, and lots of feasting before Lent. For Kichwa communities in the Ecuadorian Andes, it is also a time to celebrate the end of the solar year and give thanks to Mother Earth.

When do people celebrate Carnival in Ecuador?

According to the Roman Catholic Calendar, the two official days of Ecuador Carnival are the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday in late February or early March. And until 1963, Kichwa communities of the Sierra (highlands) celebrated Carnival a month earlier in connection with the Pawkar Raymi festival, in which they celebrate the solar New Year.

1963 marked the year that the dictator Ramón Castro Jijón forcibly changed the date of Carnival in the Andes to give preference to the Church and the Catholic meaning of the celebration before Lent. However, despite this discriminatory ruling, Kiwcha communities never stopped celebrating Pawkar Raymi and still do every year to mark the solar New Year.

Must see places during the Ecuadorian Carnavales

Ecuador is an incredibly culturally and geographically diverse country, and it is also quite a compact one. So, the fact that Carnival regional celebrations in Ecuador are as similar as they are distinct makes for an enlightening and rich experience.

– Quito

As Ecuador’s high-altitude capital, Carnival celebrations in Quito do not disappoint. The most typical signs of Carnival in Quito include 1) children of all ages wielding cans of foam and not afraid to spray any unsuspecting passerby, 2) lively water fights, and 3) surprising flour bombs.

– Guaranda

Guaranda, together with Ambato, are the Ecuadorian regions known for the most representative Carnival celebrations. In Guaranda, they pull out all the stops. We’re talking streamers filling every corner, flower pedals galore, flour and water games, lavish floats promenading through the streets, dances, and live music.

No one sleeps, and they don’t care! The giddy happiness of being covered from head to toe in a combination of water, confetti, foam, and powders is only matched by the incredible parade of food. Carnavales in Guaranda is the most anticipated event of the year.

– Ambato

Ambato, Ecuador, celebrates Carnival with their own regional name for the festival: La Fiesta de las Frutas y las Flores (The Fruit and Flower Festival). In Ambato, you won’t need to dodge any water balloons, buckets, nor foam spray, because, in Ambato, people only play Carnaval games with flowers, as well as eat plenty of locally harvested fruit, and dance the night away.

– Guayaquil

Being on the coast and having one of the most pleasant climates in Ecuador affords Guayaquil an entirely different kind of Carnival. Thus, Guayaquil holds the Ecuador Carnival, probably most reminiscent of Brazil.

Carnival in Guayaquil wouldn’t be complete without the famous parades showcasing la reina de carnaval (the queen of Carnival) and the local city mascots of Juan y Juanita Pueblo. There is also a parade dedicated to ornately decorated giant ships representing different aspects of Guayaquil local culture; this parade is called el naútico en la isla Trinitaria.

Other fun tidbits about the Ecuador Carnival

In addition to the raucous flour and water games, ornate decorations, larger-than-life floral arrangements, never-ending parades, and palpable excitement in the air, Ecuador Carnival would never be the same without specific foods, music, dance, and traditional costume.

– Food and beverage

Each region boasts its own distinct recipes and variations on the classic foods served during Ecuador Carnival. Some of these classics include la fritada, savory fried pork stewed with orange juice, cumin, garlic, onion, and other local spices, and the chigüil, a snack made of cornmeal, stuffed with cheese and wrapped in corn leaves – not the husk, but the green leaves of the stalk.

Throughout the country, people drink plenty of beer and other types of recognizable libations during carnavales; however, the two beverages represent the festivities above the rest: jucho and canelazo. The former is a hot non-alcoholic beverage made from a type of black cherries called capulí in Ecuador and Peru, apricots, and plenty of spices like cinnamon and clove, while the latter is a hot alcoholic beverage made from cane alcohol, cinnamon, and other spices.

– Popular music and dance

Dance and live music are ubiquitous during Ecuador Carnival. Coordinated dancers lead the way, promenading down each street as live bands trail behind each dance troupe. Every individual becomes entranced by the local melodies.

On the Ecuadorian coast, you will hear traditional Afro-Ecuadorian sounds of the marimba. In contrast, in the central Andes, traditional flutes, string instruments, and bombo drums dominate. Guaranda even has a traditional song dedicated to Carnival with the refrain, “Qué bonito es Carnaval,” How beautiful is Carnaval!

– Traditional costumes

Just like the party itself, the costumes are loud and incredibly colorful. The dancers color-coordinate within their troupe, so if the dress is predominantly yellow, they will wear yellow hats and plenty of embroidered flowers. Some costumes are even meant to represent giant flowers or fruits of all kinds.

If you’re thinking of taking a trip to the equator, visiting the Galapagos, and/or any of the other incredible sites Ecuador has to offer (such as Volcano Alley!), consider coordinating it with Carnival.

For just a couple days in late February or early March, depending on the year, you can indulge your inner child, let loose in the streets, dancing and playing, and living for the festive moment! Contact us to learn more about how to incorporate Ecuador Carnival into your next vacation.

The Galapagos Islands have become synonymous with biodiversity and wildlife conservation, and with good reason. This 19-island archipelago is home to over 4,000 animal species, 40% of which are endemic – meaning they are found nowhere else in the world! When Charles Darwin landed in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Cristobal Island in 1835, his theory of evolution could finally take root and start to materialize. And the rest is history.

Today, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno continues to serve as the Galapagos’ capital city and port and is the second-most populated point in the archipelago after Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island. But the laid-back surfer energy of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno compliments the remaining islands nicely, where the animals reign and the humans are simply guests in their kingdom.

There are quite a few reasons why an overnight, or two, in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is the perfect addition to your Galapagos adventure. In this article, we would like to highlight the following four reasons in particular!

4 reasons to discover Puerto Baquerizo Moreno (Ecuador)

1. Pairing Puerto Baquerizo Moreno with Guayaquil

The only way to directly fly into or out of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is through Ecuador’s coastal city, Guayaquil. And Guayaquil, in its own right, has so much to offer in terms of beautiful weather, diverse sights, and experiences on Ecuador’s pacific coast. Some of the top Guayaquil attractions include the breathtaking beaches of General Villamil, the Malecon 2000 lively boulevard, and the fantastic restaurants stocked with the freshest seafood and traditional Ecuadorian dishes.

Guayaquil is also Ecuador’s largest city. Their international airport receives just as many, if not more, flights from the United States as Quito. The direct domestic flight from Guayaquil to Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is just about two hours. Whereas if you were to start in Quito, you will always have a layover in Guayaquil before arriving in Puerto Baquerizo; and the total travel time is more or less six hours.

2. Unique and luxurious accommodation in Puerto Baquerizo Moreno

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno hotels do not disappoint! A trip to the Galapagos Islands means you will either be taking a cruise from one island to another or staying in a hotel on Puerto Ayora or Puerto Baquerizo Moreno and then taking day excursions to nearby islands. This is called Island Hopping. And many consider Puerto Baquerizo Moreno the best spot for island hopping because of the fabulous accommodations here; the following three hotels are some of our absolute favorites.

The Golden Bay Hotel and Spa strives to provide a five-stay luxurious stay in the Galapagos. Golden Bay offers impeccable hospitality, an excellent restaurant, a minimalist design, and minimal environmental impact as an ecological property focused on sustainability and humanism.

Hotel Casa Opuntia is an intimate first-class hotel with an excellent location. They are positioned right across from some of the most coveted sea kayaking circuits in the archipelago, in addition to two of the best surfing breaks.

Seaside Inn is another quaint property with premium oceanfront views. The hotel itself is actually a boutique villa with a clean-cut modern design and a fabulous pool. Some of their suites even have direct access to this pool and jacuzzi, overlooking the serene ebb and flow of the tide.

3. Prime surfing spot in The Galapagos

Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is known for being the adventure activity hub within the entire archipelago and is especially a surfer’s paradise. For catching the best waves, you will want to plan your trip between December and March and head to Punta Carola Beach for its famous ten-foot waves!

There are also plenty of beaches for surfers of all levels, including beginners, such as the Manglecito Beach, typically pumping out six-foot waves, and plenty of sea lions to cheer you on! La Lobería and Tongo Reef are two other popular surfing beaches worth mentioning; all of these beaches are less than thirty minutes away from Puerto Baquerizo Moreno’s city center!

4.Prime diving spot at Kicker Rock

If you are a licensed scuba diver looking to get in some quality advanced diving time while in the Galapagos, Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is the place to be. There are a couple of exclusive diving cruises you can book well in advance for your trip; however, the benefit of staying on Puerto Baquerizo Moreno is that you will be able to take a diving day-trip to Kicker Rock from your hotel. We still recommend booking this in advance, but the benefit is that spots aren’t as limited.

Kicker Rock is considered the best diving spot in the entire archipelago, right off the coast of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. The depth ranges from 30-130 feet, and the difficulty ranges from moderate to advanced, which is the case for all diving in the Galapagos. What makes Kicker Rock truly special, though, is the abundance of marine wildlife in this one spot. You should expect to see hammerhead sharks, sea turtles, Galapagos sharks, eagle rays, sea lions, and schools of Salema fish, just to name a select few.

So, if you already know you want an island-hopping program and/or have a couple extra days on hand for your Ecuador adventure, consider Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Whether you are island hopping or someone who enjoys a bit of downtime during your travels, this extremely relaxing place allows you to rest and reflect on your multitude of quirky animal encounters in the Galapagos – with the famous blue-footed boobies, for instance!

Contact us to learn more about customizing your once-in-a-lifetime journey to the Galapagos and how to incorporate its capital port into your bespoke itinerary.

Ecuador has opened its borders to travelers, and though there are some things you need to know if you plan to take advantage. As of August 6th, 2020, the US State Department has Ecuador from a Level 4: Do Not Travel to a Level 3: Reconsider Travel, due to the global COVID-19 situation. If you are healthy, have a high-risk tolerance, and feel ready to get back on a plane, travel to Ecuador and the Galapagos may be an option. Here is what you need to know if you’re thinking of taking that trip (this information is updated as of August 28th, 2020. Check the US Embassy in Ecuador website for the most current information available.):

Arrival to Ecuador

As of June 1st, international flights have been arriving in Ecuador. In order to be allowed to enter the country, you do need to show a negative COVID-19 PCR (molecular diagnostic) test within 10 days of arriving in Quito or Guayaquil. As long as you aren’t showing any COVID-19 symptoms when you arrive, you’ll be free to move around continental Ecuador, no problem. If you show any COVID-19 symptoms, you’ll be required to take the RT-PCR test at the airport at your expense, and quarantine in an authorized hotel until your test results come back.

If you show up at the airport without having a negative PCR test result, you’ll be required to take a test upon arrival, at the airport, at your own expense. You’ll then be required to quarantine in an authorized hotel until the test results come back. If the test is negative, you’ll be free to go on your merry way. If the test comes back positive, you’ll have to stay in quarantine at the hotel, and any health care you may need will be provided.

Also, you must have proof of insurance covering COVID-19 related costs. When you look for insurance, make sure to choose the ‘cancel for any reason’ option, and read the fine print to ensure COVID-19 is specifically covered. Some insurance companies get sneaky with the fine print.

If You Want to Visit the Galapagos Islands

As the Galapagos Islands are very isolated, anyone wishing to travel there has some special, additional requirements to follow. First, you must arrive in Ecuador with the negative PCR test, just as if you were traveling only into Ecuador. Then, once you arrive, you’ll need to take a second PCR test at the airport, and then quarantine at a local, authorized hotel while waiting for the test results. If you are traveling within continental Ecuador before heading to the Galapagos, you’ll need to be sure to have a PCR test within 96 hours or 4 days of travel to the archipelago. In all, you will need two negative PCR tests in order to be allowed to travel to the Galapagos – one before your arrival to Ecuador, and one before heading out to the islands.

You will also need to have an itinerary and reservations for the Galapagos in hand – this can be a cruise or island-hopping option. The Ministry of Tourism just wants to be sure everyone traveling to the Galapagos can be accounted for.

As with traveling anywhere in the world right now, including the store down the street from your house, you will want to take the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of disease – wear your mask when you’re around other people, stay distant from other people whenever you can, don’t touch your face, and wash your hands often. When you return home, you will want to follow the CDC recommendations, and be extra careful when around others, especially anyone who is at higher risk. This includes staying home as often as possible for 14 days after you get back, and you may want to take one more PCR test, just in case.

If you are ready and rearing to travel now, some places are ready and rearing to welcome you. By taking the proper precautions, and respecting everyone you come across during your travels, a trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos may be in the cards sooner rather than later. Hopefully, the rest of the world can follow suit, allowing us to carefully, thoughtfully, and respectfully explore our world again!

With a population of 17 million people and a surface area slightly smaller than Nevada, Ecuador is a small but mighty country. The Amazon, Andes, Coast, and Galapagos Islands all fit snugly inside its borders, making for a rich cultural history and profound level of biodiversity. The following are some key takeaways from Ecuadorian culture to help prepare you for your once-in-a-lifetime trip to the Equator!

A bit of cultural history

In the 15th century, the territory now called Ecuador became the last and most challenging frontier to conquer for the Incas. Inca leaders Pachacuti Inca Yupanqui and then his son Tupa Inca Yupanqui were met with resistance and resilience from local Quichua populations, such as the Cañari, Cara, and Quintu tribes. Eventually, however, under the rule of Huayna Capac (Tupa’s son), these tribes, amongst many more, fell into the great Inca Empire called Tahuantinsuyu.

That early tribal opposition can be felt today in modern-day Ecuador, where a strong indigenous presence maintains particular local traditions. Many Quichua communities clearly state they are not descendants of the Incas, and proudly declare their autonomy from both Inca legacy and lingering Spanish influence. However, many Ecuadorian festivals and beliefs have been inevitably influenced by both.

A fascinating example of religious syncretism between pre-Inca, Inca, and colonial life in Ecuador is the San Juan festival (aka Inti Raymi – Sun Festival – for descendants of the Incas, and Hatun Puncha in the Otavalo region of Ecuador). San Juan (meaning Saint John the Baptist), represents the Spanish attempt at Catholic conversion in many Quichua communities. But the tribes within the Otavalo region of Ecuador claim that the holiday predates even the Inca conquest. This multi-day festival is held in late June during the equatorial solstice. Local lore recounts the origin of the Otavalo festival to the first person to read the stars and understand human existence in the universe. So this origin diverges even from the Inca celebration of Inti Raymi honoring the Sun God, and a renewed agricultural bounty.

The heart of Ecuadorian cuisine

Akin to the now world-famous Peruvian cuisine, Ecuadorian dishes bring together an abundance of ingredients from the jungle, mountains, and coast. Staples from the jungle include fruits such as naranjilla and plantains, whereas quinoa and tubers abound in the mountains, and seafood reigns on the coast.

Ceviche is ubiquitous throughout the entire country, and more specifically, shrimp ceviche. However, unlike the Peruvian classic of white fish quickly marinated with a powerful combination of lime juice, aji (hot pepper), garlic, onion, and fish broth, the Ecuadorian version curiously features the tomato. Some other local favorites include patacones (fried green plantains), a delectable potato pancake called llapingachos, a potato chowder called locro de papa, and a sinful plate of goodies called churrasco. Other South American countries feature a churrasco dish. But the Ecuadorian version specifically combines fried skirt steak, french fries, two fried eggs, half an avocado, salad, and rice… all in a single serving!

Art as Life in Ecuador

If art truly does imitate life, Ecuador’s Oswaldo Guayasamín encapsulates life in Latin America, with every single brush stroke. He has earned international acclaim for his intimate examination of the human experience, reflected not only in the faces of his people but also of people throughout Latin America.

Born and raised in Quito in the 1920s in a family of ten children, Guayasamín began exploring his own culture through painting at age six. His father was an indigenous man, and his mother mestiza (of both European and indigenous descent). This identity informed his artwork and indigenista images and connected him to indigenous communities throughout Latin America. He traveled extensively through other Latin American countries after graduating from the School of Fine Arts in Quito in 1941.

During these travels, he began to draw significant parallels between Ecuador and its neighbors in the poverty of indigenous people inflicted by the state, as an extension of Spanish rule. With his work, he brought something equally unforgivable and invisible into the light. Travelers to Quito have the opportunity to access his lifelong search for human justice in the museum he created to preserve his work called the Fundación Guayasamín.

Social Interaction

Class structure in Ecuador is still very much defined by race, which is a problematic cultural aspect leftover from Spanish rule. You will find the main divide between the indigenous Quichua communities and Catholic Spanish-speaking mestizos. Considering this tangible power dynamic, light-skinned tourists and expats are automatically treated with reverence and respect by members of every social class in Ecuador.

This is an important social reality to keep in mind as a tourist occupying a cultural space that is not your own. For instance, when purchasing a souvenir from the extensive Otavalo market, or engaging with a local community during a festival, you may not receive eye contact. In contrast, people belonging to the middle and upper classes might be more inclined to talk with you. They may want to practice their English or learn more about North American and European cultures.

Traveling offers the unique opportunity to come into contact with the surface and deep culture of the people who call each country home. With this introduction to Ecuadorian culture, you have a head start connecting not only with Ecuador’s breathtaking landscapes but also with the people you are sure to meet during your journey!

When you’re spending a lot of time out in the hot sun, one of the best things to have with you is a light-weight, wide-brimmed hat. One of the most famous sun hats out there is the stylish Panama hat. Well-loved by sun worshippers everywhere, there is more to the story of this comfortable piece of headwear.

Despite being called “Panama hats,” these hats have never actually been made in Panama. At the start of the 1600s, hat-weaving emerged as a home-grown industry along coastal Ecuador and in small Andean villages. The making and wearing of these woven hats increased in popularity through the 17th and 18th centuries in Ecuador. There ended up being more supply than demand, however, and so hatmakers decided to take their trade outside of Ecuador.

The most accessible place for them to take these hats to sell to a broad population was the Isthmus of Panama. Here, they were able to take advantage of shipping routes going through Panama, especially miners traveling to California to look for gold during the California Gold Rush. As they passed over the Isthmus of Panama, many took advantage of these light, well-made woven hats that would come in handy in the strong California sun. Even though these hats were made in Ecuador, people told of purchasing them in Panama, which is how they became known as “Panama hats.”

Though these hats were also featured in the 1855 World’s Fair in Paris, there was no mention of their country of origin. Furthermore, they were listed as a ‘cloth hat,’ though they were woven of grasses, not cloth. Even though the hats were now known to a greater part of the world, few people still knew where they came from, and apparently, what they were made of.

The name of “Panama hat” was pretty much set in stone when President Theodore Roosevelt traveled to Panama to oversee the building of the Panama Canal in 1906. Teddy Roosevelt was not camera-shy and used his natural charisma to increase his publicity with a series of photos of him at the construction site. The technology of photography was still quite new, and so he thoroughly used this to his advantage while there, wearing a crisp, light suit and a stylish “Panama” hat to keep the sun out of his eyes, thereby solidifying the name “Panama hat” for these Ecuadorian – made straw hats.

 

When thinking of Ecuador, most people first think of the Galapagos Islands, and perhaps the capital city of Quito. Less known, but just as fascinating, is the Andean city of Cuenca. This jewel has a long history, from ancient peoples, pre-Incan and Incan times, Spanish colonialism, up to the present day. Called the Athens of the Andes, Cuenca is considered the most beautiful city in Ecuador, and it’s easy to see why.

Ancient History

Archaeologists have found evidence that people have been in the valley where Cuenca currently lies since around 8060 BC. They were hunters and nomads, following the animals they needed for food. These ancient cultures are represented by the arrows and spears they used to bring down their prey.

The Dawn of Civilization – The Cañari

Later, people started to take advantage of the stable climate, plentiful water, and fertile soil to develop agriculture. They grew many Andean crops, such as quinoa, potatoes, tarwi, and squash. They also figured out how to domesticate animals, including llamas, alpacas, and cuys (guinea pigs). At this point, people also started creating ceramics, both for artistic and for use in the home. As their civilization became more advanced around 2,000 BC, they began organizing people into different jobs. Some examples of these jobs include controlling plagues, managing water, administration, and religious duties (shamans). These people, known as the Cañari, thrived until they were incorporated by the Incas in the late 1400s.

The Inca Conquest – Tomebamba and Pumapungo

After the Cañari defeat, the Inca ordered the construction of a great city called Pumapungo (The Door of the Puma), which may have rivaled the magnificence of Cusco, the Inca capital. In true Inca style, they did take over the city; however, they incorporated much of the original structures into their city planning. There are also many Inca structures just outside of the city, the most famous of which is Ingapirca. Most archaeologists believe that the Cañari originally built this city; however, the Incas added to it, such as a sun temple and other religious structures.

There are tales that Cuenca and its surrounding structures were once covered in gold, causing many to believe that it may be the site of the legendary El Dorado. When the Spanish arrived in the mid-1500s, however, they only found ruins, implying that the city had been abandoned decades before, when the Spanish first landed in South America.

The Spanish Conquistadors – Colonial Cuenca

The Spanish conquistadors arrived in the area in the 1550s. They officially founded the city in 1557, naming it Cuenca, after Cuenca, Spain. It was established long after the other Spanish settlements in what is now Ecuador, such as Quito and Guayaquil. It reached the height of its importance in the early 1800s when it achieved its independence. During this colonial era, many of its most beautiful buildings were built, including the Old Cathedral (Iglesia de El Sagrario), which was built in 1557. Another beautiful remnant of colonial Cuenca is the Monastery of El Carmen de Asuncion, built in 1682, and known for its golden pulpit and the flower market that brings color to its atrium.

The Present Day – Modern Cuenca

Because of its rich history, colonial architecture, marvelous cathedrals, and cobblestone streets, and more, the historic center of Santa Ana de los Rios de Cuenca was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. To add to these incredible historical landmarks, there are also many more recent structures that add to Cuenca’s beauty. One such building is the New Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana de la Inmaculada Concepción), which was completed in 1975 when the Old Cathedral was found to be too small to house all of the faithful in the city. This beautiful cathedral boasts iconic blue and white domes, which have become a symbol of the city. You can also find a wealth of museums, including history museums as well as incredible art museums. There are also many beautiful parks to explore and people watch, as well as the Turi Mirador from where you can survey the entire city below.

With its rich history, colonial cathedrals and monasteries, modern museums, and Inca ruin sites, Cuenca is definitely unique, and more than earns its reputation as the most beautiful jewel in the middle of the Ecuadorian Andes Mountains.