CONTENTS
Introduction
Acknowledgements
Dedication
Map of Ecuador
Chapter 1
First Impressions
Chapter 2
The Land and its History
Costa
Sierra
Oriente
Galápagos Islands
Vegetation
Wildlife
Provinces
Ghost Towns
Challenges in the 21st Century
The Sombre History of a Divided Land
Ecuador’s Ancient History
The Incas
The Conquistadors
Colonial Period
Independence
Baby Republic
Chaos and Catholicism
Liberals Take the Lead
Dark Times
The 1940s and Beyond
Government and Politics
Chapter 3
Ecuadorian Society
Identity Crisis
Class Structure
Regionalism
The Classes, Again
Exodus
Prostitution
Recent Immigrants
Women’s Issues
Machismo
Children
Dancing
Humour
Chapter 4
Fitting Into Society
Religion
Weddings
Funerals
Customs and Etiquette
Ecuadorian Views of Each Other
Chapter 5
Settling In
Accommodation
Education
Safety
Financial Matters
Clothing
Communications
Passports and Visas
Transportation
Budget Guidelines
Legal Issues
Some Serious Medical Stuff
Final Notes
Chapter 6
Cuy, Caldos and Chichas
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Types of Food
Regional Specialities
Supermarkets and Shopping
Bakeries
Food Etiquette
Health Tips
Restaurant Guide
Entertaining
Table Manners
Chapter 7
Enjoying Ecuador
Culture
Pilgrimages
Holidays
Entertainment
Quito
Cuenca
Guayaquil
Indigenous Markets
National Parks
Other Things to Do
Chapter 8
Language
Ecuadorian Spanish
Slang
‘Niceties’
Names
Titles
Nicknames
Forms of Address
Indigenous Languages
Learning Spanish
Chapter 9
Working in Ecuador
Economy
Unemployment
Managing Employees
Negotiating
Chapter 10
Fast Facts About Ecuador
Famous People
Acronyms
Places of Interest
Culture Quiz
Do’s and Don’ts
Glossary
Resource Guide
Further Reading
About the Author
Index