Ecuador is a country located in South America, bordered by Colombia to the north, Peru to the east and south, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. It is known for its diverse culture, landscapes, and wildlife, including the Galápagos Islands, the Andes Mountains, and the Amazon Rainforest. The official language of Ecuador is Spanish, and its population of around 17 million people is predominantly mestizo (mixed European and Indigenous ancestry). The country’s economy is heavily dependent on the export of oil, bananas, and flowers. Ecuador has a rich cultural heritage, with influences from Indigenous, Spanish, and African traditions. Its music and dance are vibrant and colorful, and its cuisine is known for its use of local ingredients such as seafood, potatoes, and corn. Ecuador is also home to many historic and archaeological sites, including the ruins of the Inca Empire at Ingapirca and the colonial city of Quito, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

 

Books

1

3.8/5

A La Costa

by Luis A. Martínez

2

3.7/5

Huasipungo

by Jorge Icaza

3

3.8/5

Nuestra Piel Muerta

by Natalya Garcia Freire

4

3.8/5

Mandíbula

by Mónica Ojeda

5

4.1/5

El País de la Canela

by William Ospina

This is a travel book by Luis A Martinez, describing his travels along the coast of Ecuador in the early 20th century. The author shares his observations and reflections on the beauty and challenges of the region, as well as its people and culture.

Considered a masterpiece of Ecuadorian literature, this novel by Jorge Icaza is a powerful critique of the social and economic injustices faced by indigenous communities in Ecuador during the early 20th century. It tells the story of the indigenous peasants forced to work in a hacienda, facing harsh conditions and exploitation.

This novel by Natalya Garcia Freire is a dark and poetic exploration of identity, love, and loss. It follows the journey of a young woman who has lost her sense of self and is searching for meaning and connection in a world that seems to be falling apart.

This is a psychological thriller by Monica Ojeda that explores the themes of trauma, memory, and identity. It tells the story of a young woman who is haunted by the memories of a traumatic event from her past, and the mysterious woman who seems to hold the key to her healing.

This historical novel tells the story of the Spanish conquest of the Inca empire, focusing on the experiences of two central characters: a Spanish conquistador and an indigenous woman. The title refers to the fact that the Amazonian region of what is now Ecuador was a major source of cinnamon for European traders.

Movies

Play Video

1

4/5

Con Mi
Corazón en Yambo

Play Video

2

3.5/5

Que Tan Lejos

Play Video

3

3.7/5

Ratas, Ratones, Rateros

Play Video

4

3.6/5

Un Secreto en la Caja

Play Video

5

3.4/5

Crónicas

This Ecuadorian documentary-style film is based on a true story and portrays the tragic incident of the disappearance of two young brothers in the 1980s. The film depicts the emotional and psychological impact of the event on their family and friends and exposes the shortcomings of the Ecuadorian judicial system.

This road-trip movie is set against the stunning backdrop of Ecuadorian Andes and portrays the journey of a young woman named Esperanza who decides to travel to Quito to visit her boyfriend. Along the way, she meets an indigenous woman named Tristeza, and their unlikely friendship forms the basis of the story.

This crime drama is set in the bustling city of Guayaquil and follows the life of a young man named Ángel, who is drawn into a life of petty crime due to his difficult circumstances. The film portrays the harsh realities of life in the lower socioeconomic strata of Ecuadorian society and the challenges faced by those trying to break free.

This psychological thriller is based on a novel by Ecuadorian author, Alicia Yánez Cossío. The film follows the story of a young woman named Mercedes, who discovers a mysterious box belonging to her late mother. As she delves deeper into the contents of the box, she uncovers secrets that threaten to unravel her family’s history.

This thriller-drama film is set in the world of Ecuadorian journalism and follows the story of a TV reporter named Manolo Bonilla, who travels to a small town to cover a serial killer’s story. The film explores themes of journalistic integrity, morality, and the blurred lines between truth and fiction.

Music

Ecuadorian music is a diverse and vibrant blend of Indigenous, African, and Spanish influences. The traditional music of Ecuador includes styles such as Pasillo, Sanjuanito, and Bomba, which feature the use of indigenous instruments like the Andean flute, charango, and the marimba. The music is often accompanied by lively dances and colorful costumes that showcase the country’s cultural richness.
Ecuador has also produced a number of popular contemporary musicians, such as Juan Fernando Velasco, Carlos Rubira Infante, and Delfín Quishpe, who fuse traditional rhythms with modern styles like rock, pop, and electronic music. Other popular genres in Ecuador include salsa, merengue, and reggaeton. The music scene in Ecuador is constantly evolving, and new artists are emerging with innovative sounds and styles that reflect the country’s rich cultural heritage.

 

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