Despite its small size, Ecuador is a major cultural centre in South America with a melting pot of cultural traditions stemming from its multi-ethnic population of indigenous, European and African heritage. Brimming with cultural hotspots, historical landmarks, museums and festivals, as well as being one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, Ecuador is the ideal destination for adventurous families to explore, be it in the Andes, the Amazon, the Galapagos islands or on the coast.

May is a good time to visit to make the most of some key cultural events, as well as for slightly cooler weather, more manageable crowds, and more affordable prices – making family travel easier, smoother and far more accessible.

Cultural Celebrations:

Ceremonial Festival of the Guayusa: Located in the Sucumbios province of the Amazon, this traditional festival takes place between 10th-15th May. The festival celebrates the native guayusa plant (a symbol of hospitality and generosity), and the Kichwa (Quechua) people and their customs.

Fiesta de la Chonta: Taking place throughout the month of May, the 'Fiesta de la Chonta' is a typical celebration of the Shuar nationality, an ancestral people of the Ecuadorian Amazon. Amazonian communities have a spiritual view of nature and communicate with it through myths, rituals, songs and prayers - this festival celebrates the abundance of nature through its harvest of the 'chonta' fruit, marking the beginning of a new cycle.

Corpus Christi Calvas in Loja: Corpus Christi is a fusion of the Spanish Catholic holiday celebrating the body and blood of Christ, and Andean Culture. In Ecuador, the festivities are celebrated throughout May, with extravagant parties and fireworks displays. The main festival day includes morning mass, followed by a large and colourful parade with music, and dancers, including the mesmerising dancer of Pujilí.

World Migratory Bird Day: World Migratory Bird Day is celebrated twice a year, on the second Saturday in May and October. It is there to celebrate the world's fascinating birdlife and recognise the different periods of peak migration in the northern and southern hemispheres. Ecuador, with its diverse wildlife and varied landscapes, is the perfect place to witness this biannual event.

Chirimoya Festival: On Puná Island, the chirimoya festival is celebrated on 3rd May, welcoming tourists from Guayaquil, in boats that leave the Malecón Simón Bolívar dock. The festival spotlight's the island's most prized crop: the custard apple (chirimoya). Parades of typical folk dance, a contest to judge the best grown chirimoya, and the best harvest of the year are a few highlights of the festival – a fun day for kids and parents alike, offering and insight into local customs.

The Battle of Pichincha: Celebrations for this national holiday take place every year on 24th May. This public holiday remembers the soldiers who fought Ecuador's war of Independence, and every region of Ecuador celebrates this anniversary with local parades and street parties. In larger Ecuadorian cities such as Quito, larger parades are often led by the military to remember fallen soldiers. This celebration is worth seeing, particularly for families keen to learn about Ecuador's history.

Museums:

Museo Templo del Sol Pintor Ortega Maila: For art enthusiasts this museum in Quito is a must-see. Inside, visitors can discover indigenous paintings and sculptures by Ortega Malia, as well as having an aromatherapy experience.

Intinan Museum: This museum focuses on the many indigenous communities of Ecuador, including the Shuar and the Woaranis. In celebration of indigenous customs, this museum displays replicas of typical houses built in the traditional way, one complete with a live guinea pig farm. Exciting activities for kids include walking the Equatorial line.

Yaku Water Museum: Yaku, is an interactive museum dedicated to water, looking at its scientific, social and spiritual significance. There's plenty of opportunity for kids to get involved - highlights include the ecological trail winding through native flora and fauna, and the bubble room which is perfect for children to play in!

Wildlife and Education:

Galapagos: The Galapagos Islands are uniquely located on both sides of the equator and at a point where three ocean currents collide. Visiting, is an educational and unique experience for children and adults alike, with mangroves, black sand beaches and a rich ecosystem of extraordinary plants and wildlife, as well as the renowned Charles Darwin Research Station to learn about conservation. The easiest ways for families to travel the Galapagos is by boat, and there are plenty of accommodation options with interconnecting rooms or family suites.

ENDS

About Ecuador:

Ecuador is among the 17 most megadiverse countries on Earth and it is also well-known as the most biodiverse destination per square kilometre. It is a leader in sustainable, adventure and community-based tourism offering four spectacular natural regions (Costa, Andes, Galapagos and the Amazonia) with unique weather, pristine wildlife, untouched natural resources and diverse culture. Ecuador has a strategic location crossed by the equatorial line that divides the northern and southern hemispheres hosting 10% of the world's species of plants.

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