Ecuador Facts with Recipes

Knowing Ecuador facts is important for people who are planning to travel to Ecuador. I want you to have all the facts up front from traveling to food. Of course, if I miss something, please feel free to contact me.


The first question I always get is “Where is Ecuador”? The country is 98,990 Square miles which straddles the equator, which is where the name came from. The largest city is Guayaquil and the capital city is Quito, which is the second largest. Some of the other major cities of Ecuador are Cuenca, Santa Domingo, Machala, Duran’, Manta and Portoviejo. Ecuador is divided into 24 provinces. The airport at Quito is in Pichincha Province. Cotacachi Ecuador is located in Imbabura Province. The population of Ecuador is estimated to be around 14,000,000, mostly ethnically mixed. The people live in the Andes Mountains highland region and in the coastal area.


One important point of Ecuador facts that I want to tell you about for your traveling is about the altitude. The airport in Quito is the second highest in the world. This sometimes presents a slight problem when flying because of altitude sickness. It is usually very minor and there are things that you can do to help prevent it. I will cover it more in the section on International Traveling Tips.


Ecuador weather is another priority question of Ecuador facts. The climates of Ecuador vary greatly from location to location, largely determined by the altitude. The coastal area has a tropical climate with a heavy rainy season. The Amazon basin shares the typical climate of other rain forest regions. The weather in Ecuador in our little village of Coatcachi Ecuador, which is in the Andean highlands is a temperate and fairly dry. The temperatures here ranges from about 52F degrees to 75F degrees year round.


A must know of the Ecuador facts when traveling is about Ecuador currency. The present currency of Ecuador is the US dollar and my friends down there tell me they do not expect it to change any time soon. I have found it to be helpful to take with me small bills and quarters for bartering and taxis, etc.


Passport information is valuable to know when traveling to Ecuador. A passport is required to enter the country and must be carried with you at all times. It also must have at least 6 good months left on it to use. More will be covered on the passports at my section International Travel Tips. Visas are not required for stays up to 90 days. Extended stays pass 90 days can be arranged through the local Immigration authorities.

CRISPIX MIX a Tex Mex flavor This is a great snack to pack when you know Ecuador facts.

The following recipes make great snacks when traveling. Instead of eating heavy meals along the way, these light snacks will hold you over. A lot of times when you arrive at your destination, food is not quickly available; these will allow you time to be able to get something else to eat.

  • 3 Tablespoons dry taco seasoning
  • 2 Teaspoons dry coriander
  • 8 Cups Crispix cereal
  • 1 Cup toasted canned onions
  • 2 Teaspoons crushed red pepper
  • 2 Teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 Cup corn chips
  • 3 Tablespoon vegetable oil

CRISPIX CEREAL MIX a sweet snack

  • ½ Cup butter
  • 1 Small bag chocolate chips
  • 1 Cup peanut butter
  • 1 Box Crispix cereal
  • 1 Box (16 ounces) powdered sugar

Melt together butter, chocolate chips and peanut butter; add Cereal and stir.
Pour warm mixture and powdered sugar into a brown paper bag, close tightly and shake to coat.
Spread out on a tray; stir around a little until cooled.
Keeps well in a large plastic container with lid; shake often.

CHEDDAR CHEESE CRACKERS RECIPE

  • 2 Cups shredded Cheddar cheese
  • ½ Cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ Cup softened butter
  • 3 Tablespoons water
  • 1 Cup flour
  • ¼ Teaspoon salt
  • 1 Cup uncooked oatmeal

Beat cheeses, butter and water until smooth.
Add flour and mix well; stir in oatmeal until blended.
Shape dough to form 2 twelve inch rolls; wrap tightly and refrigerate 4 hours.
Cut into 1/8 to ¼ inch slices; place on lightly greased baking trays.
Flatten slightly and bake at 400F degrees until edges are slightly browned.