The predominant religion is Roman Catholic, but there is a scattering of other Christian faiths. Indigenous Ecuadorians, while outwardly Catholic, tend to blend Catholicism with their traditional beliefs. Spanish is the main language, although most highland Indians are bilingual, with Quechua being their preferred language and Spanish their second tongue. Several small lowland groups speak their own languages. English is understood in the best hotels and in airline offices and travel agencies, but it's of little use elsewhere.
Ecuadorian food consists mainly of soup and stews, corn pancakes, rice, eggs and vegetables.
Seafood is particularly good, even in the highlands. Lonely Planet Publications Pty. Ltd. All rights reserved.