Everything I learned about Ecuador:

1. The currency is U.S. Dollars.

1. They primarily use dollar coins instead of dollar bills.

1. The Equator is here!!!

1. The Equator visitors’ center isn’t quite on the actual Equator.

1. It isn’t hot just because it’s on the Equator, normal temps in November are 55-70 degrees Fahrenheit.

1. There is a beautiful historic district.

1. The Basilica was built from 1890-1980’s.

1. The Church of the Society of Jesus (Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús) was completed in 1765 and is decorated with gold leaf, gilded plaster, and wood carvings.

1. Roasted guinea pig is a delicacy.

1. They put popcorn in soup.

1. There are many Venezuelan refugees moving through here. This means they are on their way to other places.

1. Peru, Ecuador and Colombia used to be one country.

1. The city of Quito is surrounded by mountains and the elevation is in the 9,000ft range. 

1. Ecuadorian Encebollado, which is tuna fish soup with pickled onions, is another famous dish. 

1.  Ice cream with cheese is a commonality. 

1. The summit of Chimborazo is farther from the Earth’s center than Mount Everest and is 20,564 feet above sea level.

2. One of the most traditional forms of dancing in Ecuador is Sanjuanito.

(Photos from the Basilica)