The earth actually bulges on the equator, so Chimborazo is the farthest point on the surface from Earth's center at 6,263 m (20,548 ft).

Verdes or plantains are very common in Ecuadorian cuisine. Read more on the various fruits and vegetables available in Ecuador.

The 4 world heritage listed sites are the Galapagos Islands, City of Quito, City of Cuenca, and Sangay National Park.

The Cenepa War of 1995 was the last time fighting took place at the border. The two countries were officially at war in 1941 and there have been border disputes ever since. Formal demarcation of the disputed border regions started in 1999.

13 species of finch are endemic to the Galapagos (ie cannot be found anywhere else). There is a 14th species that looks like a finch, the Cocos finch, but it actually belongs to the tanager family of birds.

Studies suggest chocolate has been consumed in the Ecuadorian Amazonia for over 5000 years! Ecuador is also a likely candidate for the birthplace of chocolate.

Ecuador changed from the Sucre to using the US dollar in 2000 after the Sucre fell significantly in value and inflation was rampant.

It's currently 5%. There have been proposals to reduce/remove the currency exit tax, but it’s best to plan your investments assuming the 5% exit tax will be there if you decide to take it out.

Removal of fuel subsidies was the primary driver. President Moreno eventually backed down with the proposed austerity measures, including the removal of decades-long fuel subsidies. But, the President later snuck in some changes to the fuel pricing whilst the country was dealing with the COVID 19 pandemic, preventing the possibility of another national strike.

Ecuador’s oldest church is the La Iglesia de la Virgen María Natividad de La Balbanera, situated in the present town of Colta, a 30-minute drive from Riobamba. The church began construction in 1534, but four months later the capital was moved to Pichincha. The church remains to this day and you’ll pass it if you drive from Quito to Cuenca.