Thinking about the question of what to bring from Ecuador, you can choose a completely standard version: a fridge magnet, a mug or a T-shirt. Or you can spend a little more time and bring home a souvenir that fully reflects the mood and atmosphere of the country.
What to bring from clothes
Clothing and textiles made from llama or guanaco wool are perhaps the most popular gifts from Ecuador. For a relatively low price, you can buy a bright warm sweater or poncho.
Experienced travelers are advised to go shopping in local markets on the main market day - Saturday. It was at this time that traders from all the neighborhoods flock to small bazaars. For a tourist, this is a great chance to buy an original handmade product without spending a lot of money. Straw panamas will also be an interesting acquisition. They cost in the range of 5-20 dollars. These hats are made from a special type of straw - toquilla. And absolutely all products are handmade.
It is interesting that one panama can be made for almost six months. But the quality of the product is worth it. Firstly, panamas perfectly protect from the sun's rays. Secondly, they can be safely carried in a suitcase without fear of breaking or wrinkling. Real hats are so flexible that they can instantly regain their shape, no matter how they are folded and twisted. Items from the national costume of the Indians: ponchos, long skirts for women and cotton shirts for men will also become an exotic gift.
Liqueurs and drinks
The world famous liqueurs from Ecuador are worth trying in the country itself, and grab a couple of bottles as a keepsake. Drinks from this country are considered elite and are appreciated not only for their amazing taste and aroma, but also for their original packaging.
In shops, you can find alcoholic drinks specifically targeted at tourists in beautiful ceramic jugs. The bottles are decorated with intricate designs and ornaments. Therefore, when the drink is over, a beautiful jug will become a pleasant memory of the trip and an original decoration of the interior.
A drink based on alcohol and coconut is considered traditional. It has a great taste and rich aroma. In addition, its packaging is surprising: a wooden box or a ball. Fans of strong, but not alcoholic drinks can be advised to bring coffee from Ecuador. After all, the state is one of the largest suppliers of this drink in the world. You can buy both traditional Arabica or Robusta, and more rare varieties.
What handicrafts to bring from Ecuador?
In local markets and in small craft workshops, you can always find original items and jewelry at a very reasonable price. Especially if you haggle a little. In addition to woolen blankets and ponchos, you can buy ceramic or wood products as a souvenir. These can be: decorations; decor items; figurines; dishes.
A truly Ecuadorian gift will be gizmos made from tagau walnut - the fruit of palm trees that grow only in Colombia and Ecuador. This material is used not only by local craftsmen, but also by some world-famous manufacturers of clothing and accessories.
The kernels, which, by the way, are quite large, are first dried in the sun for several months. After that, the nut acquires a hardness that is not inferior to ivory. Tagua souvenirs are designed for all tastes and financial possibilities. It can be bracelets, animal figurines, pendants, charms and many other things.
Fruit is often brought from exotic countries as a souvenir. And Ecuador is no exception. The country is the world leader in banana exports. So, even if you can't bring them by yourself, then at least try them on the spot. The differences in taste will be obvious. From fruits, you can advise to buy: watermelons; melons; mango; coconuts.
More exotic foods include yucca root, nispero, quinoa (a very healthy cereal), pepinos (striped cucumber). Chocolate products from local producers are delicious. Gift sets with funny chocolate figures are produced especially for tourists.
Budget gifts are magnets or small wooden panels and plates depicting landmarks, symbols of Indians, animals, exotic birds and plants. Often onyx or volcanic rocks can be found on sale.
National household items of Indian tribes are also in great demand among travelers: dishes, bows, necklaces and bracelets. Sometimes you can find very unusual things. For example, dried anaconda or stuffed other animals. However, the export of such products without special permission is prohibited.
By the way, in Ecuador there are restrictions or bans on the export of many things: items of historical or artistic value, antiques, black coral jewelry, fresh vegetables and fruits. You can easily take out woolen or leather products, jewelry and souvenirs, upon presentation of a receipt from the store confirming the purchase.
