Travel to South America

Culture Shock! Ecuador: A Guide to Customs & Etiquette

Format: Paperback
Author: Nicholas Crowder
ReleaseDate: January, 2002
Publisher: Graphic Arts Center Publishing Company
Rating:

A Interesting Read
I didn't order this book until only a few months ago, so had been exposed to the culture and customs well before hand. I've lived as a gringo in Ecuador for almost three years now. This book is spot-on in virturally every aspect. If you plan on spending any signifigant amount of time in Ecuador, this book is a must-read. You'll not likely be able to do anything about it, but at least you'll know what to expect!.

helpful for the businessman maybe ...
Although he relates fond memories and favorite foods and regions, it's not clear if he really likes it there. Having bought this book in anticipation of a trip to Ecuador, I am having second thoughts based on the negative impression with which I'm left after reading this book. That said, however, Crowder's book is factual(if not a little outdated since it's now 2 yrs old).

As a seasoned traveller to Mexico and Guatemala, I would expect some of the cultural differences (concept of time, casual bribery to get anything accomplished, trouble with visas, etc. ), but he offered very little, if anything, to make me actually want to visit Ecuador. Though the book does contain a lot of information for anyone who wants to do business in Ecuador, it's not terribly well written (most business books aren't imho) and certainly not written for the average tourist. Of course, that can be a good thing if you follow the path that he took. Crowder DID live there, though I found it strange that even with an Ecuadorian wife, he mentions that his son doesn't speak Spanish. Makes me wonder how much of Ecuador he really got to know aside from his business ventures.

He does include examples of native poetry, a rundown of typical food fare, transportation issues, and a brief helpful history, all good things to know in a new country. And I do appreciate his advice that you should speak Spanish or employ a native speaker you can trust if you want to spend any time there.

In short, I can confidently recommend this book for anyone wanting to do business in Ecuador but not necessarily for the average traveller. Unless this is your very first trip to ANY Latin country, the cultural information won't be anything new and it may discourage you from visiting altogether.

Outdated
We have found that much of the information contained is very outdated and not really that applicable. We have been living in Ecuador for the last 7 months and purchased this book before leaving home to help prepare for what was to be instore for us on our arrival to Ecuador. We did enjoy the section on history and as an insight into how things may have been done 10 years ago.

Related products:
click image or link for details on these South America travel books.

	Lonely Planet Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands (Lonely Planet Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands)
	In Focus Ecuador: A Guide to the People, Politics and Culture (Ecuador (in Focus))
	The Panama Hat Trail