| CULTURES
OF ECUADOR |
Ecuador
is a home of many cultures. Although the majority of
the population is mestizo, of mixed Spanish and Indian
blood, many native people maintain their own cultural
identity and belong to a number of different ethnic
groups. There are also Afro-Ecuadorians, who are descendants
of slaves brought from Africa in the seventeenth century.
The
Inter-Andean region was historically the most heavily
populated in the country, dating back to pre-Inca times.
Today it is a home of to the highest proportion of native
people, with common language (Quichua) inherited from
he Incas. These natives live mainly in rural areas throughout
the Sierra, and their typical dress and hats vary from
one region to another. Highland native groups with a
distinct cultural identity include the Otavaleños,
Salasacas, Cañaris and Saraguros. You are sure
to meet some of the mountain people along your treks.
The
coastal plain is the most densely populated region,
with just over half of the country’s people. There
you find the montubio, a generic term for coastal country’s
dwellers. The northern coastal province of Esmeraldas
has the highest concentration of Afro-Ecuadorians. There
are also a small number of coastal native people such
as the Awas, Chachis and Tzachilas or Colorados.
Although
the Amazon lowlands (El Oriente) account for less than
four percent of the country’s population, this
has been the area of fastest population grow in terms
of percentages. The most numerous of Amazon native groups
are the Quichua, a group distinct from highland Quichua
speaker. Smaller groups include the Shuar, Achuar, Huaorani,
Cofan, Siona, Secoya and Zaparos. As a result of increased
contact with colonist and oil workers, cultural assimilation
among rainforest people is running high. |
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One
of Ecuador’s most interesting features besides
its amazing nature, is the cultural diversity
of its ethnic groups. There are several indigenous
communities that strongly preserve their cultural
identity, which can be observed at any of the
indigenous markets of the country. The two most
accessible for their proximity to Quito, are Otavalo
and Saquisili markets. They are great places to
discover some of the different Andean traditions
and do souvenir shopping during or after your
expedition. These cultural tours can be done as
an extension to your itinerary.
Alternatively,
a visit to the Papallacta hot springs is always
comforting. You can relax there for a day after
an expedition admiring its beautiful nature,
or if you wish, stay overnight in a lodge enjoying
their private thermal baths and fine cuisine.
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INDIAN
MARKETS |
Otavalo
/ Saquisili |
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QUITO
CITY TOUR |
Old
Colonnial City |
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