In spite of Ecuador's status as a coffee producing country, coffee quality is often rather disappointing, as the best beans are sent over the border. Its not a good idea to sample it though as hepatitis B is commonly passed with the bowl. A variety of Andean versions of Chicha exist that aren t chewed and may be safe. If you like your liquids a little stronger, good wine from Chile and Argentina is widely available. If your palate is a bit more finicky, fine wines from Chile, France, Spain, and Italy are also available.
Most bars serve pilsner-style beers of decent quality and good value.
The most popular brand is Pilsener, which comes in a serious-sized bottle. If you are a fan of Cuba Libres, Daiquiris or Pina Coladas, the local rum is great, as well as ridiculously cheap. It's strong, frightfully cheap, and guaranteed to keep your toes warm while riding on the roof of an Andean train. Keeping healthy is not only about avoiding naughty germs, but also about acclimating to new ones. Assume that water is unsafe to consume unless you know otherwise.