What animals live in Ecuador?

Ecuador is one of the most packed-with-wildlife places on earth! You can find jaguars, giant river otters, poison dart frogs, and pink river dolphins in the Amazon jungle region. The famous Galápagos Islands, which belong to Ecuador, are home to giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies — birds with bright blue feet that look like they've been dipped in paint. High up in the Andes mountains, you might spot a spectacled bear — the only bear in South America — or a condor soaring on wide wings overhead. Ecuador has hundreds of species of hummingbirds too, darting from flower to flower in the cloud forests. God packed so much variety into this one small country, and it's a reminder of how creative and detailed He is as the Maker of all living things.

What do kids eat in Ecuador?

Herman here, with Rusty nodding along! Kids in Ecuador often eat a warm soup called *sopa* at almost every meal — even breakfast. One favorite is *locro de papa*, a thick potato soup made with cheese and avocado on top. Potatoes grow really well high up in the Andes mountains where many Ecuadorians live. Down on the coast, kids might eat *ceviche* — fresh fish or shrimp marinated in lime juice — or rice with *patacones*, which are flattened and fried chunks of green plantain. In the Amazon rainforest region, some kids eat roasted plantains and fish caught straight from the river. Ecuador is a small country, but the food changes a lot depending on whether you're in the mountains, on the coast, or deep in the jungle!

How do people say hello in Ecuador?

In Ecuador, most people speak Spanish, so they say 'Hola!' for hello — you probably already knew that one! When greeting someone they know, Ecuadorians often add a handshake or a friendly kiss on the cheek, the way many people do across South America. But here is something worth knowing: Ecuador is home to many Indigenous groups, like the Kichwa people, who have their own languages too. A Kichwa speaker might greet you with 'Napaykullayki' — now that is a fun word to try saying out loud! Missionaries who learn these local languages are able to share the good news about Jesus in the words people know best, right in their hearts.

What sports or games do kids play in Ecuador?

Herman here, with Rusty nodding along! In Ecuador, fútbol — that's soccer — is by far the most popular sport, and kids play it everywhere: on grassy fields, dusty lots, and even narrow streets. The national team is called La Tri, and kids grow up dreaming of playing for them someday. Rusty wants to add that Ecuadorian kids also love a game called ecuavoley, which is a special version of volleyball played with three players on each side and a heavier ball — it was actually invented in Ecuador! In the highlands, you might also spot kids playing with spinning tops called trompos or flying colorful kites called cometas up in the mountain breezes. Games look different around the world, but the laughter of kids playing sounds pretty much the same everywhere.

What's the weather like in Ecuador?

Ecuador sits right on the equator — that's actually how it got its name! Because of that, most of the country stays warm year-round. But the weather changes a lot depending on where you are, not what time of year it is. The coast is hot and humid, the Andes mountains in the middle are cool and misty, and the Amazon jungle to the east is warm and rainy almost every day. Some mountain peaks like Chimborazo are so high they stay covered in snow and ice all the time — even though they are sitting right on the equator. Ecuador packs a whole lot of different weather into one country!

Tell me a fun fact about Ecuador.

Herman here, and Rusty is already sketching this in his field notebook — Ecuador sits right on the equator, which is actually how it got its name! 'Ecuador' is the Spanish word for 'equator.' If you stand in just the right spot there, you can have one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and one foot in the Southern Hemisphere at the same time. Rusty wants to add that Ecuador is one of the most packed-with-variety places on Earth — you can find snowy mountain peaks, thick rainforest, and Pacific Ocean beaches all within the same country. The Galápagos Islands, famous for their unusual wildlife like giant tortoises and marine iguanas, belong to Ecuador too. God's creativity in designing this one small country is really something to think about.

What is school like for kids in Ecuador?

Herman here, with Rusty nodding along! In Ecuador, most kids go to school six days a week, Monday through Saturday. Classes are taught in Spanish, which is the main language of the country. School uniforms are very common — you would probably see kids walking to class in matching outfits every morning. Rusty wants to add something important: not every child in Ecuador gets the same kind of schooling. Kids who live in cities like Quito or Guayaquil often have bigger schools with more supplies. But children in the Amazon rainforest or high up in the Andes mountains sometimes walk very long distances to reach a small schoolhouse, and some schools have very few books or teachers. Some children from the Quechua people groups are learning to read and write in their own language for the very first time — and missionaries have worked hard to help make that happen, including bringing them the Bible in words they can understand.

Who are the unreached people in Ecuador?

Great question! Ecuador is home to several indigenous groups who have little or no access to the gospel of Jesus. Some of the most unreached are the Waorani, the Shuar, and the Achuar peoples — small nations living deep in the Amazon rainforest. Many of them have never had a clear chance to hear that Jesus died for their sins and rose again. Missionaries have worked hard to reach some of these groups, and God has already brought some Waorani to faith in Jesus — which is a remarkable story of His grace. But many communities still have no church, no Bible in their own language, and no one to tell them the good news. That means there is real, important work left to do, and God is calling people to do it.

How can I pray for the people of Ecuador?

Great question — prayer is one of the most powerful things you can do for Ecuador! You can ask God to help the people living in the Amazon rainforest, the high Andes mountains, and the busy cities like Quito to hear the good news about Jesus and trust Him as their Savior. Many Ecuadorians have never had a chance to really understand who Jesus is. You can also pray for the Ecuadorian Christians who are already following Jesus — that their churches grow strong and faithful. Some smaller groups, like certain indigenous communities deep in the jungle, still do not have the whole Bible translated into their own language, so pray that Bible translators finish that important work. And ask God to raise up Ecuadorian leaders who will boldly share the gospel with their own neighbors and families.

What is a holiday or celebration in Ecuador?

One of the biggest celebrations in Ecuador is called Inti Raymi, the Festival of the Sun, held every June. Indigenous communities in the Andes mountains dance, sing, and give thanks for the harvest — and it goes on for days! Many Ecuadorians also celebrate Día de los Difuntos, or Day of the Deceased, on November 2nd, when families visit cemeteries and bring a special bread called colada morada to remember those who have died. Ecuador also celebrates Christmas and Easter, since most Ecuadorians identify as Christian. During Holy Week before Easter, towns hold solemn processions through the streets, and people eat a thick purple fruit drink called fanesca made with twelve different grains — some say each grain represents one of Jesus's twelve disciples. These celebrations are a good reminder that people all over Ecuador have heard the name of Jesus, and missionaries and local churches are working hard to help people understand who He truly is and why He came.

What language do people speak in Ecuador?

Most people in Ecuador speak Spanish, which became the main language after Spanish explorers and settlers arrived hundreds of years ago. It is the language used in schools, markets, and on the radio all across the country. But here is something worth knowing — Ecuador is also home to many Indigenous peoples who speak their own languages. Quechua is the most widely spoken of these, and there are over a dozen other native languages too. Some of these languages did not have a written Bible for a long time, so missionaries have worked hard to translate Scripture so every person can read about Jesus in the language of their own heart.

What's a famous place to visit in Ecuador?

Herman here, with Rusty right beside me! One of the most famous places in Ecuador is the Galápagos Islands — a group of volcanic islands far out in the Pacific Ocean. They sit right on the equator, and the wildlife there is unlike anywhere else on earth, with giant tortoises the size of boulders and blue-footed birds that look almost painted. Back on the mainland, the capital city of Quito is another must-see. It sits high up in the Andes Mountains — so high that it can feel hard to breathe when you first arrive! Quito has one of the best-preserved old city centers in all of South America, with grand old churches and cobblestone streets that tell the story of hundreds of years of history. Ecuador is a small country packed with big wonders.

Ecuador — Kids Missions Explorer

Galápagos Giant Tortoise

These ancient reptiles can live over 150 years and were studied by Charles Darwin on the Galápagos Islands, which belong to Ecuador.

Harpy Eagle

One of the most powerful eagles on Earth, the harpy eagle hunts monkeys and sloths through the dense forests of the Ecuadorian Amazon.

Poison Dart Frog

Tiny and brilliantly colored, these frogs carry enough toxin in their skin to warn predators away, and indigenous peoples once used their secretions to tip hunting darts.

Ceviche

Fresh seafood marinated in citrus juice and mixed with onions and tomatoes, ceviche is a staple along Ecuador's Pacific coast and tastes bright and tangy.

Llapingachos

These pan-fried potato and cheese patties are a highland comfort food, often served alongside fried egg and a peanut sauce.

Cuy

Roasted guinea pig has been eaten in the Andes for thousands of years and is still prepared for special celebrations by families in the mountain villages.

Ecuador

Things you should know about Ecuador

Wildlife you might meet

What’s on the table

Did you know?

Life in Ecuador

Missions in Ecuador

Pray for Ecuador