Are you looking for some books about Ecuador to read?
Ecuador is an interesting nation in the Americas which is known to often fall by the wayside due to larger, more rambunctious neighbors.
Quick Answer: Books About Ecuador
- The Ecuador Reader – Understand Ecuador’s Unique Ecology
- The Galapagos Affair – Great for Galapagos Visitors
- Birds of Ecuador – Educate Yourself on Local Birds
- The Panamanian Hat Trail – Learn the Famous Panama Hat Origins
- Travel Buyers Guide – Best Books About Ecuador
It is, though, a truly special place and well worth taking the time to understand.
While South America is a rich place in terms of its history and culture, it’s not among the richest nations in the region.
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Books About Ecuador
With the stunning mountain capital of Quito, Ecuador is a nation that has grown massively in many ways.
Even today, it can show a much stronger footing in terms of competing with its South American rivals.
For example, this is a nation that has grown massively since it was part of the conquered Inca Empire.
Why read books about Ecuador?
It was an Andean civilization in the past, but today it’s a nation in its own right. Look at how it handles itself in economics, politics, and even sport, and you can see a nation that is growing and improving all of the time.
With independence won in the 19th century, too, this is a nation with absolutely incredible spine and backbone.
For many, it’s the perfect example of what a nation should be like when it finds its own two feet. From its growth into a minor footballing power to becoming a more rounded economic hub than many of its more illustrious neighbors,
Ecuador is a nation with a very interesting past and a very bright future.
Why read books about Ecuador? Because you would need to travel very far to find a nation with a more interesting back-story.
It’s, without a doubt, one of the hidden gems of South America: a treasure trove of useful information, exciting stories, and a deeply unique culture.
Best Books About Ecuador
With so many books about Ecuador available today, it’s easy to get lost in the sheer weight of information about it.
Why not take the time to read some of the below books, though? These are some of the most engaging and informative reads that you are likely to find anywhere on the subject.
The Ecuador Reader
- Understand Ecuador’s unique ecology
- Grow to appreciate Ecuadorian history
- Learn to appreciate its culture
Ecuador can seem a very strange place if you have never been before. This tremendous book, though, breaks down what life can be like for the majority. A great example of the flowing history that is such a rich part of this incredible Amazonian, Andean nation.
The Villagers (Huasipungo)
- A tale of exploitation
- A harrowing tale indeed
- First-ever English translation
This tale is one that should be hard to read but very much is worth reading. A tale of the pain and the suffering that many have gone through, especially a small Indian village in Ecuador which was wiped out by a greedy and tyrannical landlord. A must-read for all.
The Galapagos Affair
- Great for Galapagos visitors
- Tells the true story
- Reads like an action movie
While this book sticks to the truth, parts of it can seem so incredible that they are hard to believe. The Galapagos Affair breaks down some of the most interesting events to have taken place in the history of the entirety of Ecuador’s long, engaging history.
The Queen of Water
- The story of Virginia
- A fantastic fiction book
- Understand Ecuador’s class divide
This book does better to sum up the tensions and the hardship faced by so many Ecuadorians of Indian descent. Though it might be a book of fiction, the story is so intense, so real, that it can give you a fantastic, if grim, sense of Ecuadorian divisions.
The Panama Hat Trail
- A fantastic Tom Miller read
- Understand the famous Panama hat
- Appreciate their historical significance
While to some it’s nothing more than a hat, the Panama hat is a symbol of many things in Ecuador. This hat is a fantastic way for you to understand the history of Ecuador, from its Andes mountainsides to the Amazonian regions, giving a fresh new perspective.
Living Poor: A Peace Corps Chronicle
- The story of Moritz Thomsen
- A story about fast-paced life
- Understand the reality of hardship
A must-read book for anyone who wants to know all about what life in Ecuador can be like, this book breaks down the rapid pace of life and the speed in which our circumstances can change. A story about how Mr. Thomsen joined the Peace Corps, and what such a decision eventually entailed for him.
The Birds of Ecuador: Field Guide
- Understand avian history in Ecuador
- Educate yourself on local birds
- Great for photographers and historians
While South America is home to many amazing things, the birds are often some of the most spectacular. This South American nation is home to some truly special birds, and this bird book breaks down what to look out for as you go about learning about the unique nature of life for its birds.
Galápagos: Islands That Changed the World
- Understand these vital islands
- Educate yourself on their impact
- A complete guide to the islands
From the amazing environment of the Galapagos to the inhabitants, this is one of the most unique archipelagos in the world. A fantastic place to come and visit, but this book helps you to understand its often understated role in human history and development. A must-read whether you have been or intend to go in the future.
Books About Ecuador
As you can see, there are many fantastic books about Ecuador that are very much worth taking the time to read through.
If you would like to understand this complex nation, then you should absolutely look to read through as many of the books above as you can.
With so much to learn about and understand, it’s a truly fantastic place that should really make you appreciate its incredible history.
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