Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands - Language & Culture

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Ecuadorian Language and Culture

The official language in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands is Spanish. Most locals especially those living in the highlands and Sierra are bilingual. Kichwa, also known as Quichua or Quechua, is the second most widely used language there.

Other commonly used languages are Chibcha and various indigenous languages. They include Awapit (by the Awá), A’ingae (by the Cofan), Achuar-Shiwiar (by the Achuar and the Shiwiar), Cha’palaachi (by the Chachi), Tsa’fiki (by the Tsáchila), Paicoca (by the Siona and the Secoya) as well as Wao Tededeo (by the Waorani). In the south, the most widely spoken indigenous language is Shuar with around 100,000 speakers. There are approximately 23 different languages spoken throughout Ecuador.

The locals always appreciate it when you try to speak to them in Spanish no matter how ‘broken’ or fluent your Spanish may be. It is the effort that counts. English can be used and understood, but it can be difficult for older people and in certain regions.

Customs and traditions

Ecuadorians are known to be very hospital, friendly and helpful. However, like every place on earth, there are certain customs and traditions that visitors should take note of. While our site is not able to cover everything in this diverse and vibrant country, here are some tips for you.

Ecuadorians are known for their ‘South American laid-backness’. Hence it is always good to be a little more patient and to include some waiting time in your travel itinerary. Basic courtesy includes bringing small gifts when you are invited to someone’s home and avoid giving negative comments.

Please note that photographing airports, military equipment, and the police is strictly prohibited. If you would like to photograph someone, we strongly suggest that you ask for permission first. To be polite, you should also show them the pictures you just took. When you ask for their permission, you will usually receive a wider smile, a better pose and even get into a conversation to know them better!

Smokers will not have any problem in Ecuador as smoke zones are clearly indicated. Smoking outside these designated areas may result in a hefty penalty. As long as you follow the rules and regulation and treat everyone with respect and politeness, there should not be any problem.

Ecuador and Galapagos Islands Tours

Andean Panorama

Ecuador on Horseback: Riding in the Andes

Duration: 6 - 9 days
Highlights: Quito - World Heritage Site, Antisanilla Reserve, Spectacled bears, Papallacta, Bird watching, Hacienda La Alegría, Charga culture, Riding through the cloud forest, Machachi Valley, Optional: Galapagos Islands

Grab your poncho and saddle up - the Andean highlands await you!

From 740,- USD
Price per pax
Lagunas de Ozogoche

Ecuador Rental Car Round Trip: 6 National Parks

Duration: 14 - 21 days
Highlights: Hotel car park , Exchangeable stops and activities, Flexible activities

Visit all six amazing national parks in the Andes by car. All stops are interchangeable.

From 2040,- USD
Price per pax

✪ Ecuador and Galapagos Islands Tours ✪

Andean Panorama

Ecuador on Horseback: Riding in the Andes

Duration: 6 - 9 days
Highlights: Quito - World Heritage Site, Antisanilla Reserve, Spectacled bears, Papallacta, Bird watching, Hacienda La Alegría, Charga culture, Riding through the cloud forest, Machachi Valley, Optional: Galapagos Islands

Grab your poncho and saddle up - the Andean highlands await you!

From 740,- USD
Price per pax
Lagunas de Ozogoche

Ecuador Rental Car Round Trip: 6 National Parks

Duration: 14 - 21 days
Highlights: Hotel car park , Exchangeable stops and activities, Flexible activities

Visit all six amazing national parks in the Andes by car. All stops are interchangeable.

From 2040,- USD
Price per pax
City of Guayaquil

Rental car tour to/from Guayaquil

Duration: 14 - 21 days
Highlights:

Begin your rental car tour from Guayaquil and visit the best highlights in Ecuador along the way.

From 2450,- USD
Price per pax
Kayak in the Andes

Ecuador & Galapagos Multi-Sport Tour

Duration: 16 - 21 days
Highlights: Quito - Cultural World Heritage, Horseback Riding, Llanganates National Park, Waterfalls at Baños, Hiking at the Cuicocha Lake, North Seymour Island, Pinnacle Rock, Bartolomé, Penguins on Isabela Island

Get ready to get your heart pumping and sweat it out as you kayak, mountain bike, raft and snorkel in

From 3430,- USD
Price per pax
Travel with professional guides

Ecuador Amazon and Galapagos: Kayak Tour

Duration: 12 - 16 days
Highlights: Explore the Amazon with Kayaks, Kayking in the Galapagos, Camping, North Seymour Island, Penguins at Isabela Island

Kayaking is like horse-riding but on water! This tour will bring you on an adventure in Ecuador and the Galapagos.

From 3430,- USD
Price per pax
Breath-taking Panoramic view

Ecuador Volcano Trekking Adventure Tour

Duration: 16 - 21 days
Highlights: Quito - Cultural World Heritage, Camping, Bike Tours, Waterfalls at Baños, North Seymour Island, Pinnacle Rock, Bartolomé, Hiking the Sierra Negra Volcano, Penguins on Isabela Island

Travel Ecuador and Galapagos the adventurous way as you conquer the volcanic terrain.

From 3430,- USD
Price per pax
Mountain Biking Hacienda El Porvenir

Adrenaline Rush: Ecuador mountainbiking & Islandhopping

Duration: 14 - 18 days
Highlights: Vocanoe, Amazon Rainforest, Llanganates National Park, Bike Tours, Waterfalls at Baños, North Seymour Island, Pinnacle Rock, Bartolomé, Hiking the Sierra Negra Volcano

Get your heart pumping and keep your mind open - travel Ecuador and Galapagos the adventurous way.

From 3430,- USD
Price per pax
Rafting

Adrenaline Rush: Ecuador and Galapagos

Duration: 16 - 21 days
Highlights: Volcanoe, Amazon Rainforest, Swing at the End of the World, Baños, Camping, Horseback Riding, Llanganates National Park, Bike Tours, Waterfalls at Baños, Hiking at the Cuicocha Lake, North Seymour Island, Pinnacle Rock, Bartolomé, Hiking the Sierra Negra Volcano, Penguins on Isabela Island

Get your heart pumping and keep your mind open - travel Ecuador and Galapagos the adventurous way.

From 3430,- USD
Price per pax
Traveling With Your Nature Guide

Ecuador and Galapagos: Compact Tour

Duration: 14 - 18 days
Highlights: Cultural World Heritage, Quito, Otavalo Markets, Avenue of Volcanoes, Shaman Experience, Devil's Nose, Cotopaxi National Park, Ingapirca - Inca ruins, Cajas National Park, Guayaquil, Galapagos Islands , Santa Cruz Island, North Seymour, Isabela

Ecuador's most beautiful places - the majestic Andes, lush Amazon Rainforest and enchanting Galapagos islands

From 3460,- USD
Price per pax
Galapagos Giant Tortoises

Ecuador Complete: Amazon, Andes and Galapagos Islands

Duration: 16 - 20 days
Highlights: Cultural World Heritage Quito, Ingapirca's Incan Ruins, Cajas National Park, Guayaquil, Galapagos Island Hopping

Discover the many faces of the world's most biodiverse country!

From 3560,- USD
Price per pax
Highlands of Papallacta

Best of Ecuador: Rental Car and Galapagos Island Hopping

Duration: 21 - 28 days
Highlights: Papallacta, El Angel , Devil's Nose, Ingapirca - Inca Ruins, Santa Cruz Island, Isabela Island

Experience Ecuador with a rental car before island hopping through the Galapagos archipelago

From 3800,- USD
Price per pax
Río Napo

Ecuador Complete: Amazon, Andes and Galapagos

Duration: 16 - 21 days
Highlights: Cultural World Heritage Quito, Otavalo Art and Crafts, Avenue of Volcanoes, Choose Your Amazon Experience, Ingapirca's Incan Ruins, Cajas National Park, Guayaquil, Galapagos Island Hopping

Discover the many faces of the world's most biodiverse country!

From 4040,- USD
Price per pax
The River Boat Manatee

Cruise Ecuador: Amazon Cruise and Galapagos Cruise

Duration: 12 - 16 days
Highlights: Yasuni National Park, Isabela & Fernandina, Santa Cruz and North Seymour, Includes all transfers and domestic flights

The three wonders of Ecuador in one trip: Andes Mountains, Amazon and Galapagos Islands

From 4890,- USD
Price per pax
Specialised Equipment

Accessible Travel: Ecuador and Galapagos Islands

Duration: 12 - 14 days
Highlights: Specialised Wheelchairs, Quito-World Heritage Site, Train ride to Cotopaxi, Accessible rainforest lodge, Andes highlands via Baños, Galapagos Islands, San Cristóbal Island, Lobería on San Cristóbal island, Lobos Island, Tortoise breeding center

A curated experience of the enchanting land of Ecuador without barriers.

From 6000,- USD
Price per pax
Pikaia Lodge

Ecuador and Galapagos: Compact Tour Deluxe

Duration: 17 - 20 days
Highlights: Cultural World Heritage, Quito, Avenue of Volcanoes, Shaman Experience, Devil's Nose, Cotopaxi National Park, Ingapirca - Inca ruins, Cajas National Park, Guayaquil, Galapagos Islands , Santa Cruz Island, North Seymour, Isabela

Ecuador's most beautiful places - the majestic Andes, lush Amazon Rainforest and enchanting Galapagos islands

From 7100,- USD
Price per pax
Quitos koloniale Altstadt

Gruppenreise Ecuador und Galapagosinselhopping

Duration: 14 - 14 days
Highlights:

Erkunden Sie Ecuador und die Galapagosinseln mit deutschsprachiger Reiseleitung und Naturführer

From 7480,- USD
Price per pax