Ecuador's population reflects a unique blend of cultures; from mountain
peoples whose ancestors inhabited their highland villages before the
arrival of the Incas, to the Afro-Ecuadorians of Esmeraldas, and the
tribal peoples of the Amazonian rainforest.
The people who inhabit the diverse landscapes of this beautiful land are
proud, friendly, hospitable, and hardworking, but to understand the
culture in any depth you need to know the complex historical divisions
between the highlands and the coast, and the rigid class and racial
discrimination that has dominated the country's history.
This updated edition of the award-winning Culture Smart! guide to
Ecuador takes you beyond the usual descriptions of what to see and digs
into the heart of this multilayered nation to give you an insider's view
of the people and their traditions, history, food, and culture, and the
practical tools to make the most of your time there.