Ask a Local – Expect the Unexpected in Ecuador

Jascivan Carvalho, our on-the-ground expert, shares experiences you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

By Sydney Loney

1. What surprises people most when they visit Ecuador?

People are amazed that they can breakfast in the Amazon, lunch in the high Andes and enjoy an evening of ceviche at sunset on a beach along the Pacific Coast. Ecuador is made up of diverse ecosystems, dramatic shifts in scenery, a United Nations of cultures and enchanted islands that we have the privilege, and the responsibility, to protect.

2. Is there one spot that visitors should be sure to see?

A place that’s close to my heart is Cotopaxi, a province in the highlands about 40 miles south of Quito. I love every single trek there, especially hiking on Rumiñahui volcano where you can cross the Valle del Silencio, or “Silent Valley.” It’s so peaceful and the view of the mighty Cotopaxi volcano, the highest active volcano in the world, is like a dream.

3. You often introduce travelers to local “celebrities” — who might they meet?

We set up a program that connects visitors with local artisans, from guitar makers to weavers, based on conversations I had walking from village to village and meeting the most amazing people with wonderful skills and stories. The best way to understand a country is to talk to its people.

4. Is there anyone you particularly enjoy hanging with?

Husband-and-wife team José María and Carmita live in the northern Andes and run cooking classes for us from their home. An absolute must-try are the soups unique to Ecuador, like José María’s Sopa de Sambo, made with fig-leaf gourd. Whenever I stop by, Carmita always has me make the local hot sauce, called Ají, which I love.

Jascivan Carvalho

CEO OF TROPIC ECUADOR

In the 1990s, Carvalho worked with the Huaorani people deep in Ecuador’s Amazon jungle, supporting the tribe in their efforts to protect their culture and land. Inspired by the experience, he built Tropic — a founding member of the former Ecuador Eco-Tourism Association — on the principles of sustainable development and community-based tourism.