Ecuador

An Andean and equatorial country with deep Kichwa heritage, renowned weaving and the original Panama hat tradition.

Crafts Music & dance Textile & dress Food & cooking Language & oral Spirituality & rites

Knowledge in this place

Toquilla Straw Hat

Toquilla Straw Hat

The hand-weaving of fine hats from toquilla palm fibre, known abroad as the Panama hat, inscribed by UNESCO.

Pasillo

A melancholic song and guitar genre that became the most emblematic Ecuadorian music of the early twentieth century.

Otavalo Weaving

Otavalo Weaving

The Kichwa weaving of ponchos, shawls and tapestries traded at the famous Otavalo market.

Textile & dress

Roast Cuy

Whole roasted guinea pig, an Andean festive dish dating back to pre-Columbian times.

Kichwa Language

Kichwa Language

The Andean variety of Quechua spoken across the Ecuadorian highlands and Amazon, used in bilingual education.

Language & oral

Ayahuasca Ceremony

Ayahuasca Ceremony

A ritual use of the ayahuasca brew by Amazonian peoples for healing and vision, guided by experienced practitioners.

Spirituality & rites