Ecuador - Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture

Culture Smart / Cultuur Bewust

by Russell Maddicks

Squeezed between Colombia in the north and Peru in the south, Ecuador is named for its location on the Equator and has a landscape so varied that it has been described as a microcosm of every microclimate found in South America. This diversity makes it a magnet for tourists, mountain trekkers, volunteers, and increasing numbers of US retirees looking for a warm, culturally interesting, economical, and safe place to spend much of their time. The country is booming, thanks to high oil prices and investment in tourism, and a massive infrastructure program and the poverty-reduction measures launched by President Rafael Correa have endeared him to the poorest in society. Ecuador’s multiethnic population reflects a unique blend of cultures, from traditionally dressed mountain peoples, whose ancestors inhabited their highland villages before the arrival of the Incas, to the Afro-Ecuadorians of Esmeraldas and the Chota Valley and the tribal peoples of the Amazonian rainforest. The Ecuadorians are proud, friendly, hospitable, and hardworking, but to know them well the foreign visitor needs to understand the complex historical divisions between the highlands and the coast, and the rigid class and racial hierarchy that has shaped the country’s history. Culture Smart! Ecuador takes you beyond the usual descriptions of where to go and what to see, and gives you an insider’s view of the people, their history, their food, and their culture. Special sections are designed to help food lovers get the most out of the menu, assist business travelers to gain an edge on the competition, and show expats, volunteers, and visitors how to meet and get on well with the Ecuadorians, who are as diverse and varied as the country’s amazing geography.

Genres: Travel, Audiobook, Nonfiction

168 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2014

Reviews

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most of the books I have seen in the Culture Smart! series have been woefully cribbed from guidebooks, complete with inadequate lists of hotels and restaurants. Ecuador - Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture by Russell Maddicks is actually a useful guide to encountering the country and its people. In addition, it even sports a decent bibliography which I will explore in the months intervening between the present and my autumn trip to South America.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Updated third ed. 2022. Streamlined from at least my 2009 version sharing my shelf. And it seems slightly less informative, as in the truncated reading list. Still, helpful on etiquette, regional differences, mores, and dealing with time schedules, social invitations, and subtle expectations.

[Carlos Jaramillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Este es la guia que cualquiera que quiera entender mi pais deberia leer! Una guia interesante, graciosa reveladora y muy justa a nuestra idiosincracia. Leer esta guia desde los ojos de su autor me ha hecho caer en cuenta sobre varias cosas que son externamente vistas como peculiares, pero para mi son de lo mas normal. No puedo parar de recomendar esta guia para tener una introduccion a mi querido Ecuador.

[Stephen H Hine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Overview

This book is a must read for all that plan on vacationing or living in Ecuador. Also should be required reading for entrepreneurs going to Ecuador. The book is a great introduction to the colorful Ecuadorian society. Also included is a brief but informative history, including the harsh realities of the past.

[Patrick · Rating 2 out of 5]

Uninspired representative of the genre. Much more travel guide than culture guide, with a number of things hand-waved as “similar to other Latin cultures”. I suppose I should try to buy the “Culture Smart: Generic Latin Cultures”, then?

[Geraldo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really spot on introduction to Ecuador.
Wish I had it before I first went.
I have just ordered the new edition.
Engaging writing, depth of research shows in the history section.
Much more comprehensive on culture than the big guides and author has been travelling to Ecuador for over 10 years.
I have also read his guides to Mexico, Cuba and Nicaragua.

[Tarah Fedenia · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was informative in ways but I listened to it on audiobook and dude, pronounce city names and all Spanish words correctly, please! Also it would be beneficial if Culture Smart! selected authors of the culture being written about.

[Alexa Plisiewicz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great, short book for anyone traveling to Ecuador to get a general sense of the country; it’s a broad overview on many topics ranging from festivals to business interactions. It was a helpful read before my first trip to Ecuador.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good overview. A bit pricey for it's size though. 3 1/2 stars. I'm giving it 4 because I'm jovial today.

[Xavier University Library · Rating 3 out of 5]

I recommend the Culture Smart Series for a quick overview of a country before traveling. The books include sections on history, customs, politics, language, tips while traveling, etc.

[Todd Cheng · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick read and fact book on Ecuador for those traveling there.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comprehensive. Covers all facets and areas. Probably will read again. Entertaining as well.

[Victoria Dudek · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t know these books existed! Excellent crash course to read before traveling!

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading a the book that focused on culture was of keen interest, but the content seemed topical and, perhaps, not all that country-specific

[Marco · Rating 3 out of 5]

Audiobook

[Sasha Schumacher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Culture Smart books are my go-to when moving to another country or traveling there. Fantastic cultural information pertaining to travel, language. Business and regular interactions.