Traditional Quechan dress, Ecuador. Photo courtesy of Ramblurr via Flickr.
From mysterious Amazonian witch doctors to colorfully dressed Andean craftsmen, Ecuador is a melting pot of cultural influences, renowned for its rich and diverse indigenous populations. More than 14 ethnic groups make up the country’s indigenous population, each with their own time-honored traditions and languages, and in recent years, many tribes have welcomed the chance to share their unique culture and heritage with visiting tourists. Whether you’re trekking through the Amazon, taking a day trip from Quito into the mountains, or joining in the festivities at a traditional folk festival, here are some ideas for discovering Ecuador’s indigenous tribes.
1. Visit the Andean Markets
A popular day trip from Quito is to the Andean village of Otavalo, famous for hosting one of Ecuador’s largest and most important indigenous markets. Drawing local craftsmen and villagers from around the Imbabura Province, the lively markets showcase an array of traditional handicrafts, from brightly patterned rugs and clothing knitted from llama or alpaca wool, to locally grown produce and livestock. While Otavalo market is notably touristic, it still offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the Andean villagers, most of whom are dressed in traditional brightly colored attire. Alternatively, those trekking in the Cotopaxi region can stop off at the smaller but more authentic indigenous markets in Andean towns like Pujili, Saquisili and Latacunga.
Corpus Christi Festival, Ecuador. Photo courtesy of Ramblurr via Flickr.
2. Discover the Handicrafts of Cuenca
Once you’ve taken in the sites of Cuenca’s UNESCO-listed Old Town, take a day trip to the Andean villages of Gualaceo and Chordeleg, also renowned for their traditional handicrafts. Along with visiting the weaving workshops, you can pick up unique souvenirs like tie-dyed macanas (shawls), handmade guitars and filigrain jewelry.
Traditional Andean handicrafts at Otavalo Market. Photo courtesy of Jungle_Boy via Flickr.
3. Stay with a Tribe in the Ecuadorian Amazon
Whether you’re looking to take part in ayahuasca rituals in the Amazon or camp out in a traditional settlement, there are ample opportunities to get up close to Ecuador’s indigenous tribes in the Amazon rainforest. The main tribes of the Ecuadorian Amazon are the Achuar, Huaorani and Secoya tribes, and tourist hotspots like the Tinkias Natural Reserve and the Kapawi Reserve, offer a number of cultural experiences and nature treks led by the tribesmen.
4. Watch a Traditional Folklore Show
Attend a show by the National Folkloric Jacchigua Ballet, held at Quito’s National theater and journey through Ecuador’s colorful history and folkloric traditions. Equally entertaining and educational, the 3-hour show features a dazzling display of traditional dance and music performances representing the country’s many indigenous populations.
Visiting Ecuador’s Kichwa tribe. Photo courtesy of Cancilleria Ecuador via Flickr.
5. Celebrate at a Folk Festival
Many of Ecuador’s most popular festivals have their roots in indigenous traditions and beliefs, incorporating costumed parades, crafts markets, folk music and tribal dancing. Time your visit for the Mama Negra festival, held in November in Latacunga; the Day of the Dead, held throughout the country on Nov. 2; the Inti Raymi Festival of the Sun, which celebrates Cusco’s rich Incan heritage; the countrywide fiestas held in honor of Corpus Christi in June; or the riotous Fiestas de Quito, which take place in the run up to Dec. 6.
Discovering Ecuador’s Indigenous Tribes from Ecuador & The Galapagos Islands Things To Do
