For Exploring Geography today, we are visiting Ecuador with Mari, the founding editor of the Inspired by Family Magazine. Mari left the U.S. 4 years ago with only 4 suit cases, her little family of four and big dreams. They were headed South, really, really South. They moved to Ecuador, located in the continent of South America. They have thoroughly enjoyed this country: the people, the picturesque scenery and the culture. On November 2012, it was named the Best of the World by National Geographics in their 20 Best Destinations to visit in 2013. How exciting!
Drop by Mari’s site and you’ll find an abundance of wonderful articles – here are three I’m enjoying: DIY Christmas Village Craft: From Paper Bags, Dyed Glass Luminaries from Baby Jars, and 28 Things Your Family Needs to Hear You Say. 
Most people don’t realize that here in Ecuador we use the dollar as our currency. Its population is 13,032,000, it’s Capital is Quito (population 1,451,000) and the two main languages are Spanish and Quechua (stats via National Geographic). Its popular export goods that we are known for are: Bananas, coffee and roses. Did you know we can buy 24 roses for $2? One thing that is unique to Ecuador is the Galapagos Tortoise: 
I bet you haven’t gone camping and had a llama at your tent door. Llamas run wild here in various national parks. They are harmless and I have yet to have one spit on me. Have you read any of the Llama, Llama books? 
Do you know what these are? Yes, Guinea Pigs here they are called Cuy (coo- ee). Guess what? They are considered a delicacy here and are eaten. 
If you are every visiting Quito, read 14 Things to Do with Kids that was published in the Miami Herald. Here is a coloring sheet of the Flag of Ecuador.
Thank you, Mari, for this introduction to Ecuador – what a neat place to live!
MaryAnne is a craft loving educator, musician, photographer, and writer who lives in Silicon Valley with her husband Mike and their four children.
Thank you for this wonderful post that sparked many memories of our trip to Ecuador. I look forward to bringing my toddler back someday to experience this amazing country for himself.
For anyone planning a trip to Ecuador, specifically the Galapagos Islands, with kids, consider reading my new children’s book, Wally the Warm-Weather Penguin (available on Amazon). It’s the story of an Emperor Penguin from Antarctica who travels to the Galapagos Islands in search of warm weather and discovers the amazing animals unique to the islands. A fun read for young children and anyone interested in this incredible part of Ecuador.
I love this series! I would love to see any of them linked up on my weekly link up “Say it Two Ways Thursdays”.
I believe I have told you this before…but I love love love these posts..and my kids love them too!
Yay!!! :)
Oh my goodness people eat guinea pigs! Aaaahhhhhhhhhhh.
I didn’t know Ecuador used the dollar. And I don’t think I could eat a guinea pig.
Love this virtual trip to Equador! We love the guinnea pigs!
I didn’t realize they used the dollar. And OH MY to the guinea pigs!
MaryAnne,
Thanks so much for having me! I enjoy sharing about our little world.
No – I have never had a llama at my tent door – so cool!
Mud Hut Mama, I am sure you have had other super cool animals outside your door from living on a wildlife reserve. I love reading about your world.
Love those photos!
Megan, thanks all from a visit to the zoo which we don’t do often b/c it’s kind of far.
What fun, fascinating facts!!
Thanks Elisa, I love sharing about the little things that make our country different from other peoples world. ~Mari