Ecuador is a country in South America that is completely underestimated. Most come here to visit the Galapagos Islands, but quickly discover so much more, whether in the Amazon, the Andes or the coast.
The country also punches its weight in so many different ways that you’ll soon wonder why you didn’t know more about it.
These are our 5 things you didn’t know about Ecuador, which is based on our post: 10 interesting facts about Ecuador.
1. THE FIRST UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES
UNESCO created its World Heritage Sites list in 1978 with just 12 entries. Each site is allocated a number. The first two sites on this list are in Ecuador: the #1 spot is The Galápagos Islands and #2 is The City of Quito.
Three other sites from Ecuador were subsequently added to the list: the Sangay National Park in 1983 (#260), the Historic Centre of Santa Ana de los Ríos de Cuenca in 1999 (#863) and the Qhapaq Ñan, Andean Road System in 2014 (#1459).
2. SEVEN INCH MONSTERS!
We heard from various sources that Ecuadorian men are one of the most well-endowed in the world. That’s right, those 7 inch monsters are world famous!
We’ll just leave this map right here and simply point out that Ecuador comes under the dark green category…
3. CHIVAS: THE ULTIMATE PARTY BUS
You haven’t properly partied the Ecuadorian way until you’ve experienced a chiva in Quito.
Chivas are small commuter buses that have been converted into party buses complete with DJ booth, obligatory stripper dance pole and gallons of canelazo to be consumed. Sometimes they even have a live band on board.
The chivas drive you around the city for several hours while you just drink, dance and be merry. On Saturday evenings you see many chivas powering through the streets of Quito…you just can’t help but smile!
4. CREATORS OF THE PANAMA HAT
The famous Panama hat is in fact made in the city of Cuenca, not Panama! It was popularised by President Roosevelt who bought one in 1906 during an inspection tour of the Panama Canal construction, hence the name.
They are also called toquilla straw hats, which are made from the plaited leaves of the toquilla palm from the coast. There’s a fascinating museum in Cuenca devoted to them where you can see how the hats are made and even buy your own souvenir.
5. THE HIGHEST MOUNTAIN ON EARTH: CHIMBORAZO
Mount Everest is the world’s tallest point when measured from sea level, standing proud at 8,848m/29,029ft.
However, when you measure from the Earth’s core instead of at sea level, Chimborazo mountain becomes the highest point on our planet. Although it is only 6,268m/20,560ft from sea level, when measured from the Earth’s core it is over 2,000m/7,000ft higher than Mount Everest.
This is because our planet is a squashed sphere not round, so mountain peaks closer to the Equator are further away from the Earth’s core and the closest point to outer space.
FOR MORE INSPIRATION:
- learn more about the cuisine with our 10 famous foods in Ecuador
- discover what it’s like growing up gay in Ecuador with our interview with Mario from Quito
- get inspired by our Galapagos luxury cruise review
- try our recipes for Ecuadorian quesadillas and locro de papa soup