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Like much of South America, the most prevalent influence on Ecuador’s history is Spain. Prior to the arrival of Spanish explorers, indigenous peoples headed by the Shyri and the Incas struggled for dominance. Then Spain gained the upper hand, took control and built the city of Quito in 1534.
Spanish exploration continued, and not long after Quito was founded, Gonzalo Pizarro’s (brother to famed conquistador Francisco Pizarro) expedition pressed eastward, conquering numerous indigenous tribes along the way. The expedition divided, and Franscisco de Orellana followed the newly discovered Amazon River all the way across the continent to the Atlantic Ocean.
Early Quito was known for its arts and culture. Thanks in part to the university system developed by the Jesuits, the city began to produce great painters, sculptors and writers. However, in later years Guayaquil replaced Quito as the city with the most centers of higher learning.
On May 24, 1822, Antonio José de Sucre and Mariscal de Campo Melchor de Aymerich led quiteños (the residents of Quito) in a battle against Spanish dominance, liberating Quito and leading Ecuador to full independence in 1830. |
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Fast Facts
- Ecuadorians are avid soccer fans. When two favorite teams are playing, cities can be practically paralyzed. Fans take to the streets in post-game celebrations, waving flags and wearing team jerseys and hats. Some even paint their faces in team colors.
- Guayaquil has only two primary seasons. Winter lasts from December to April and is rainy and humid, while summer is dry and somewhat cooler. Summer extends from May through November.
- A financial crisis in 1999 led to the failure of many banks and other financial institutions, which devastated the economy and caused many Ecuadorians to move to Spain and Italy.
- While the economy as a whole continues to face serious challenges, construction in Guayaquil is on the rise.
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