Ecuador Vacation Rentals

When in Ecuador, choose from colonial towns, picturesque mountain villages, or soft sand beaches. Eons of indigenous culture and civilization set this nation apart. Ecuador vacation homes let you see all the country has to offer.

Ecuadorian Culinary Delights

Topping Ecuador's culinary list is chugchucaras, a deep-fried pork platter served with potatoes, corn, and cheese-stuffed empanadas. Street food favourites include roasted plantain and llapingachos (cheese-filled fried potato patties).

You'll also want to try Ecuadorian ceviche, marinated seabass and shrimp served with plantain chips and corn. And don't leave without sampling arroz con camarones (rice and shrimp) or arroz con pollo (rice and chicken).

Andean Culture Galore

The world's second-highest capital, Quito, boasts a fantastically preserved Latin Quarter lined with old churches and colonial mansions. Ecuador's most prestigious museum, Museo del Banco Central, is a must for its pre-Columbian art and intriguing Amazonian exhibits. For an evening of local drama, cinema, or dance, try Casa de la Cultura.

The Intiñan Museum in San Antonio de Pichincha lets you tread the imaginary equatorial line! Cuenco's Pumapungo Museum is set within Incan ruins, offering visitors a glimpse of rainforest cultures and coastal farmer life. Meanwhile, over 5,000 artifacts, some 15,000 years old, lie in wait at Museo de las Culturas Aborigenes, also in Cuenca.

Indigenous Festivals and More

The year kicks off with La Diablada de Píllaro (The Devils of Pillaro), where thousands of revellers dressed as devilish imps take to the streets in raucous parades. Next is the Ecuadorian Mardi Gras Carnival, where coloured flour, water, and party foam are hurled into the air as revelries continue into the night.

The summertime Inti Raymi Sun Festival is all about traditional music, dance, and drinks, while Festival La Mama Negra commemorates the Virgin of Cotopaxi, who allegedly spared the town from a devastating volcano in 1742. Ecuador's legendary characters (Mama Negra included) throw homemade brew and candy to locals.

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