Tigua Art – A Colorful Expression of Life

Tigua artists have always been known to decorate masks and drums for their festivals with precision and vibrant color. Their talented hands create an extravaganza of color and beauty that is beyond what would be expected from self-taught artists. Tigua art gained popularity in the 1970’s, when an art dealer from Quito saw the potential in this form of art and challenged a local artist to explore and expand his talent for traditional art.

Ivan Vallejo – World Renowned Mountain Climber

On 19 December 1959, a boy born in Ambato was to become one of the world’s most respected climbers and a hero in Ecuador. Ivan Vallejo was born to climb mountains and growing up in areas that were at an elevation of 2 800 meters gave him the capability to climb some of the most difficult and dangerous mountains without using the supplementary oxygen bottles that most climbers require.

Bullfighting Festivities in Ecuador

Bullfighting is a controversial sport around the world but is an intricate part of the Ecuadorian people especially during the holiday periods. In Ecuador, the Fiesta Brava or bullfighting is immensely enjoyed by all and is very popular with all the major cities organizing bullfighting fairs throughout the year.

The Uniqueness of Ecuador’s Indigenous Markets

Ecuador is a small, vibrant country known for its beautiful lush rainforests and volcanic landscapes. Contained within these small borders are many different indigenous groups and cultures and their famous indigenous markets that contribute in making this country so unique.

The Unusual Tapir

If you have the privilege of seeing one of these unusual creatures while visiting Ecuador, you can be sure that you have seen something truly rare. The Tapir is the largest native mammal on the South American continent and while they may seem somewhat robust, they are currently listed as endangered. These curious creatures have bulky bodies and thick hair.