Ecuador – Cultures Traveled

15 Traditional Drinks in Ecuador to Try: Alcoholic and Non

Julien Casanova — Sat, 17 Jan 2026 23:07:31 +0000

Traditional Ecuadorian drinks might not be as well known as the country’s landscapes or cuisine, but they’re just as worthy of exploring. From herbal teas made with mountain flowers to strong local liquors, I’ll walk you through the most popular drinks in Ecuador, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Some, such as chicha, have deep cultural roots....

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19 Ecuadorian Street Foods You Should Try

Julien Casanova — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 02:16:56 +0000

Street food in Ecuador is an essential part of the travel experience. But if you’re not sure what’s what, it’s easy to pass by the best local snacks without even realizing it. This guide breaks down the most common Ecuadorian street foods so you can try them with confidence, whether you’re wandering a market in...

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Ecuadorian Food: 25 Traditional Dishes to Try

Julien Casanova — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 21:19:15 +0000

When it comes to traditional Ecuadorian food, I didn’t know what to expect before I arrived. It has a reputation for being bland, similar to what I’d tasted in Colombia. But I have a friend from Ecuador who’s fiercely proud of his country’s food, especially its use of green plantains. After six weeks traveling around...

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19 Best Things to Do in Cuenca Ecuador for Fun + Culture

Julien Casanova — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 23:35:43 +0000

The best things to do in Cuenca Ecuador highlight why this city has become a favorite among travelers. Red-tiled rooftops stretch across the historic center, blue-domed cathedrals rise above the main plaza, and the Andes mountains form a dramatic backdrop. Whether you’re here for culture, food, or nature, there’s no shortage of things to see...

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7 Best Day Trips from Cuenca Ecuador

Julien Casanova — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 21:19:26 +0000

The best day trips from Cuenca Ecuador offer natural beauty, cultural depth, and a totally different pace. Think páramo landscapes, cloud forest waterfalls, and small towns with rich artisan traditions. I spent 10 days in the city, staying with friends who gave me the inside scoop on the best places near Cuenca to explore. They...

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Baños to Cuenca Ecuador: 5 Best Ways to Get There

Julien Casanova — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 17:23:47 +0000

The journey from Baños to Cuenca winds through some of the most beautiful mountain landscapes in Ecuador. The stretch from Alausí to Cuenca is especially scenic, with rolling green valleys and dramatic ridgelines. It’s also one of those routes where the logistics shape the experience. The direct bus is the simplest option, but departure times...

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10 Best Markets in Cuenca: Shopping, Food + Artisans

Julien Casanova — Sun, 07 Sep 2025 20:20:46 +0000

Shopping in Cuenca often begins in the mercados. These lively spaces are more than places to buy produce. Cuenca markets are also a place to find an inexpensive meal and experience a touch of daily life. Beyond the markets, there are dedicated shops in Cuenca to buy Panama hats, alpaca clothing, and other artisanal products....

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Your Guide to the Pumapungo Museum + Ruins in Cuenca Ecuador

Julien Casanova — Sun, 07 Sep 2025 20:12:28 +0000

The Pumapungo museum in Cuenca brings together history, culture, and nature in one place. Inside, you’ll find exhibits on Indigenous traditions, archaeological artifacts, and temporary displays that highlight Ecuador’s cultural past and present. Step outside, and the experience expands to the Pumapungo ruins, a small farm with traditional crops and llamas, and a bird sanctuary...

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10 Interesting Museums in Cuenca Ecuador to Visit

Julien Casanova — Sun, 07 Sep 2025 20:08:12 +0000

Cuenca museums reveal the city’s layered identity by connecting its history, and traditions. During my 10 days in the city, I set out to explore a variety of museums. Some impressed me with their scale, others with their creativity, and a few became highlights of my trip. What surprised me most was the variety of...

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Teleférico Quito: Riding the Cable Car in Quito Ecuador + Tips

Julien Casanova — Sun, 07 Sep 2025 04:25:17 +0000

Riding the Teleférico in Quito is more than a cable car ride. It’s an introduction to the páramo landscapes on the slopes of Pichincha Volcano, one of the city’s defining peaks. In just minutes, you leave the bustle of the city behind and rise into sweeping views and crisp mountain air. At over 4,000 meters,...

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