Ecuador and Galapagos: Culture and Heritage

Traditions and culture of Ecuador

Indigenous influence can be seen in modern Ecuador almost everywhere but especially in small towns like Otavalo where the local women create beautiful artisanal goods and dress in traditional clothing. The Amazon regions also are still home to aboriginal communities, some in particular, were granted to be intangible respecting their desire to live far from civilization.

The chagra is an important cultural figure left over from the Spanish colonialism and hacienda system. You can still find vestiges of the chagra culture in present-day working haciendas and rural communities in the Sierras.

Ecuadorians are traditionally optimistic, warm and respectful people. Often times they are indirect communicators who speak with a great deal of courtesy and tend to avoid bluntness or conflict, often going out of their way to say to avoid having to say no.

Despite the name, the ‘panama hat‘ is of Ecuadorian origin and can be found in local markets across the country. Most notable are the colorful, handmade artisan ‘panama hat’ of Cuenca. Hand-woven textiles such as shawls and ponchos are another principle handicraft as well as intricately beautiful silver filigree jewelry. You will find charming roses everywhere in the mainland during your Ecuador and Galapagos tour. Ecuador is famed for producing long-stemmed roses of exceptional quality and diversity and is the chief exporter of high-quality roses to the world.