Cultural holidays in Ecuador
Our Ecuador cultural holidays show you the numerous highlights of this diverse Andean country. Whether history, art, music, crafts, food or indigenous cultures, there is much to see and do. We choose the best cultural guides to show you around.
For history lovers visit Ecuador’s historic city centres. Ibarra, Quito, Cuenca and Guayaquil have fine examples of Spanish colonial architecture, beautiful old churches and government buildings. The Inca legacy can be seen at Ingapirca, a fabulous site near Cuenca with a temple and sections of Inca trail, or visit the Inca fortress near Cotopaxi.
On your visit to culturally rich Ecuador you will come across several indigenous groups. The Afroecuadorians have their own cultural roots, particularly in music, dance, and religious beliefs. Other distinct groups are the highland Otavaleños, known for their merchant skills and musical talent. If you visit the Amazon on your holiday to Ecuador you may come across people from tribal groups such as Cofán, Siona-Secoya, Huaorani and Shuar, all with distinct traditions. The local people are proud of their traditions and keen to show interested visitors their way of life, their dress and their music.
Visit Otavalo market for crafts and a huge array of local produce, watch traditional biscuit makers in Cayambe and eat the best bizcocha with fresh cheese, buy leather products at artisan stores, or lace from lace makers near Ibarra, watch the world famous Tigua artists at work as they paint in miniature on sheep skin near Quilatoa.
From coastal people to highland farmers, skilled cowboys to Amazon tribes, such cultural richness makes for a colourful holiday. You can get beneath the surface, meet the people and learn about these fascinating cultures when you visit Ecuador on a cultural holiday with an expert local guide.
