Off-the-beaten path things to do in Ecuador

Especially if you're into a more immersive and meaningful way of travelling, you can't go wrong here. Ecuador is known for its diverse landscapes, which include the Galápagos Islands, the Andes Mountains, and the Amazon Rainforest. It's also home to a variety of indigenous cultures, as well as a number of colonial-era towns and cities that are rich in history and architecture. Additionally, the country is known for its delicious cuisine, which features a mix of indigenous and Spanish influences. Vamos! 

When you land in a new country, you will almost certainly need a bit of time to adjust yourself to your new surroundings. But you may still want to get out and explore the local life. Well, one doesn't have to exclude the other. We always get the munchies after eating some bland plane food, so going out for some fruits and snacks is not a bad idea.

You could, of course, go to a supermarket, but food markets in Ecuador are often more affordable and you don't want to miss out on the vibrant and lively setting food markets usually provide, making them a fun and exciting place to spend an afternoon.

Some popular Ecuadorian foods that you may find at a food market include:

• Plantains - a type of starchy fruit that are often fried or baked and served as a side dish.
• Humitas - steamed corn cakes made with fresh corn and spices, wrapped in corn husks.
• Empanadas - pastry pockets filled with a variety of fillings such as meat, cheese, or vegetables, and often served as a snack or appetizer.

If you want to make a full day out of it, we suggest going to the Otavalo market, where you'll not only find food but also plenty of handicraft items and more.

Dancing is an important part of Latin culture, and in Ecuador, it's no exception. There are quite of lot of different dance styles to experience and enjoy while visiting the country, so taking a dance class could be a great evening activity to get some exercise while having a fun night out.

The most popular dances in Ecuador you can learn are:

• Salsa: Salsa originated in Cuba and is known for its energetic, rhythmic movements and is often danced to lively Latin music. 

• Cumbia: Coming from neighbouring Colombia, the Cumbia is characterised by its fast, rhythmic movements and is often danced to upbeat, energetic music.

• Folk dances: Ecuador is home to a number of traditional folk dances that are popular throughout the country, including the Marinera, which is danced in the coastal regions of Ecuador, and the Sanjuanito, originating in the Andean regions of Ecuador. 

You might be thinking staying in hostels and hotels are your only option when it comes to travelling through Ecuador, but we have another exciting possibility for you - homestays! Contrary to hostels and hotels, homestays offer a more personal and cultural approach, with plenty of benefits. 

One of the main benefits is the opportunity to experience local culture and customs firsthand. Staying in a homestay with a local family can give you a unique and authentic look into daily life in Ecuador, which you probably won't get from staying in a hotel or hostel. It's also a great way to improve your Spanish language skills.

Another plus: it's usually less expensive than other types of accommodations, and the money you spend goes directly to the family, which will help to support the local community and you'll make friends with people few other travellers will even meet.

Our favourite homestay is staying with a Quichua family deep in the Amazon. You'll learn about the ecosystem, go on jungle walks and experience an authentic Shaman ritual, among other things. 

If you want to experience the local culture in Ecuador while giving back to local communities, volunteering at a centre for street children is a great option. In Quito, a lot of children do not have a permanent home as they live on the streets, alone or together with their families. More often than not, they're addicted to glue, which is the only drug they can afford.

Sinsoluka - which means 'without glue - is a non-profit organisation that aims to help these children and their families who live or have lived on the streets of Quito. The organisation supports them by providing a place to eat, a change of clothes, and a shower. Younger children are encouraged to go to school and in the afternoon, volunteers help them with their homework and organise games and fun activities.

You can make a positive impact in the lives of these children and help them to overcome the challenges they face. It's also a great opportunity to practice your Spanish skills in a low-key environment. Children are easy to talk to and interact with, while playing games, sports and doing other activities you can really make some progress. It's also just good fun. 

If the market we discussed earlier got your stomach rumbling, this suggestion will send it into overdrive. While every country has signature dishes, Ecuador has a very diverse culinary tradition, with a mix of indigenous, Spanish and African influences.

By doing a cooking class, you'll learn to add some authentic Ecuadorian flavour to your cooking by learning about local ingredients such as plantains, corn, Andean tubers and many different species of exotic fruits like guanabana, passion fruit, granadilla, to name a few. Honestly, it's the best souvenir you can buy yourself. 

Ever wanted to ride a wave? Well, Ecuador is a great place to learn how to do it as the Pacific coastline offers the perfect opportunity for novices to learn to surf, with uncrowded beaches, friendly locals and affordable surf camps. 

Best of all, you can combine surf lessons with Spanish lessons, and improve your ability to speak with the locals at the same time you learn how to surf. Check out our Spanish and Surf week-long course in Montanita if that sounds like your kinda thing. 

Every visit to Ecuador should include at least a hike or trek through the Andes. The area is simply stunning on another level, and there are a number of different treks you can do depending on your level of fitness.

Let's look at some we REALLY enjoyed: 

• The Chimborazo volcano trek: This is the highest volcano in Ecuador, and the highest peak in the world when measured from the centre of the earth. Chimborazo is considered one of the most challenging hikes in Ecuador but also one of the most rewarding with a great view of the Andes.

• The Cotopaxi trek: Climbing to the summit of the Cotopaxi volcano is moderately challenging but a fantastic experience. It requires a decent fitness level of fitness and proper equipment, but the views from the top are to die for.

• Llanganates National Park: If you want something less challenging, visit this national park, which offers numerous hiking trails suitable for different skill levels. You'll enjoy beautiful Andean scenery, with a good chance of spotting wildlife, plus the opportunity to visit indigenous communities.