Their main objective is to share their way of life, their traditional medicinal techniques and the mysteries of the rainforest with interested and culturally sensitive travellers. The famous archipelago belongs to Ecuador and is the country's main tourist destination. Other animals include the giant iguanas, sea lions and the famous centennial tortoises from which these islands are named, the Galapagos. For international calls to Ecuador omit the 0. In the highlands, the temperature changes rapidly during the day.
National cuisine varies from region to region depending on the products native to each area.
On the coast mouth-watering seafood is plentiful. You can eat sea-bass, shrimp, lobster, and crab. The region's most popular dish is cebiche, a mix of seafood marinated in lemon juice, peppers, and onions. In the highlands rice, potatoes, corn, and quinua are used as part of traditional dishes. For the fussier eaters who prefer to stick with what they know, Ecuador's larger cities and popular tourist destinations offer a wide variety of international restaurants, and even sushi lovers will be satisfied.