A Newbies Guide to BSQ
Quality International Education
2015-2016
Quito, Ecuador
Address: Via Cununyacu, Km 2.5 Tumbaco
Tel: (593 2) 2374 649 - 650-651
Cel: (593 9) 970 7060
P. O. Box 17-21-52
Quito – Ecuador
Our Vision
BSQ will be a leading centre of
individual excellence, within Latin
America,
providing
the
foundations for lifelong learning
and success within a global
context.
Our Mission
We are a dynamic learning
community that provides a
personalised and holistic
education
for
both
Ecuadorian and International
students, that is both British
focused and internationally
minded,
delivered
by
inspirational,
intercultural
learning leaders.
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Table of Contents
Our Mission and Vision .......................................................................................................................... 1
Contents.................................................................................................................................................. 2
Getting to Quito ..................................................................................................................................... 3
Ecuador ................................................................................................................................................... 5
Quito ....................................................................................................................................................... 7
Cumbayá ................................................................................................................................................. 9
Interesting facts about Ecuador/Quito................................................................................................ 10
Living in Quito/Cumbayá ..................................................................................................................... 11
The British School Quito....................................................................................................................... 12
History................................................................................................................................................... 13
About Orbital Education ...................................................................................................................... 14
Students and Faculty ............................................................................................................................ 15
Campus ................................................................................................................................................. 16
BSQ Package ......................................................................................................................................... 17
Top Tips and Handy Hints .................................................................................................................... 18
Cultural Adaptation .............................................................................................................................. 20
School Events........................................................................................................................................ 21
Quito/Cumbayá Tourism...................................................................................................................... 22
Colonial Quito and Churches ............................................................................................................... 24
Local Football Teams ............................................................................................................................ 25
Local Dishes .......................................................................................................................................... 26
Local Fruits and Vegetables ................................................................................................................. 27
Fairs and Festivals in Ecuador .............................................................................................................. 28
Map of Tumbaco/Cumbayá ................................................................................................................. 29
Bus Routes ............................................................................................................................................ 30
Basic Spanish Phrases/Words .............................................................................................................. 31
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Getting to Quito
Congratulations, you have been offered a post at
BSQ and you're on your way to Quito. We've been
through it ourselves, so we know it's a stressful time
and we will do our best to reduce some of that for
you as we guide you through the process for visas
and book your ticket to Quito.
We'll book you an economy ticket from London and
you'll arrive to Quito's Mariscal Sucre Airport, which
is about 20 minutes away from the School. Our
driver and a member of the team will be there to meet you and take you to your new home.
Arriving
1. On the aircraft you will be given an immigration form (in English and Spanish). You will
need to complete this and it will be collected at immigration.
2. In immigration the staff speak basic English. They will check your passport and the
documents provided by the School, which includes a letter from the British Embassy.
3. Once you pass immigration you will find the baggage delivery belt. There is a duty free
shop in the baggage hall if you want to stock up on anything.
4. As you leave the baggage hall your bag will be x-rayed, and may be searched. In the
event of a search, show the immigration officials your letter from the British Embassy.
5. As you exit the baggage hall, look for someone holding a sign with the BSQ logo and
name.
6. If, for any reason, you need help (missing bags etc) then tell the immigration/baggage hall
staff or a fellow passenger to go to the waiting area and find the representatives from the
school.
Apartment
We will take you to your apartment. There will be a small welcome pack for you with the
essentials: milk, coffee, bread, juice, etc. We'll even order you a pizza for your first night, so
you can just relax.
We will give you the settling in allowance, a prepaid SIM for your phone, and our numbers in
case you need to call us. Depending on how you feel, we may even take you out for a coffee
and mini tour.
Induction
Once you're here in Quito, we will register your visas and obtain your ID cards. This can take
15-20 days. Once we have this done we will be able to open bank accounts for you.
We will help you open bank accounts, register you on the health insurance plan, and give
you training on how to use the local medical network.
We will be taking you for a tour to get to know your surroundings, good places to eat, the
supermarkets and markets, shopping centres, and many other places of interest. As you will
be acclimatising to the altitude, the first few days will be relaxed.
There will be an induction process in school for all new staff, so we can guide you through
the operation of the school, important things like photocopying and where the coffee
machine is, understanding the expectations and practices of our community. Once all staff
return we will move into professional learning, team building, and getting ready for the arrival
of students.
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EXPLORE
DIVERSITY
TRAVEL
4
ECUADOR
Known as the middle of the world, the republic of Ecuador is a representative
democratic republic in South America, bordered by Colombia on the north, Peru on
the east and south, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Ecuador also includes the
Galápagos Islands in the Pacific, about 1,000 kilometres (620 mi) west of the
mainland. What is now Ecuador was home to a variety of indigenous groups that
were gradually incorporated into the Inca Empire during the fifteenth century. The
territory was colonized by Spain during the sixteenth century; The legacy of both
empires is reflected in Ecuador's ethnically diverse population, with most of its 15.2
million people being mestizos, followed by large minorities of European, Amerindian,
and African descendants.
Spanish is the official language and is spoken by a majority of the population, though
thirteen indigenous languages are also recognized, including Quichua and Shuar.
The capital city is Quito, while the largest city is Guayaquil. Ecuador has a
developing economy that is highly dependent on commodities, namely petroleum
and agricultural products. The country is classified as a medium-income country.
An Andean family gathering around their harvest
5
REGIONS
Galapagos Islands
Coast
The Amazon
Sierra
CULTURAL DIVERSITY
6
QUITO
The splendor of the city's natural setting, combined with its attractive squares, parks
and monuments as well as the warmth of its people, makes it a unique and
unforgettable place. The capital of Ecuador, is considered one of the most beautiful
regions in Latin America. Located in the Andean mountains at the foot of Mount
Pichincha 9200 feet above sea level. Quito has a spring-like climate all year.
Beautifully preserved colonial churches, convents, palaces, and other buildings of
note contrast with the contemporary architecture of modern Quito, a cosmopolitan
city of great cultural diversity.
Quito is located on a horizontal strip of land running north to south between beautiful
mountains. The splendor of the city's natural setting, combined with its attractive
squares, parks and monuments as well as the warmth of its people, makes it a
unique and unforgettable place.
Ecuador's capital enjoys mild days and cool nights almost year-round. The climate in
the Andes varies according to the altitude and the time of the year.
Quito is a modern cosmopolitan city, with a business and commercial area in the northern side of Quito
7
COLONIAL
MODERN
DIVERSITY
8
CUMBAYÁ
A rural suburb of Quito. It is located east of Quito, in the Tumbaco Valley at an
elevation of approximately 2200 m (7200 ft) above sea level. Because it is at a lower
altitude than Quito, it has a warmer climate (about 2 to 5 degrees Celsius higher on
average).
In recent years, the parish has become an attractive area to live in as a significant
number of middle to higher income families move from the city to live a more
suburban lifestyle. This shift in population has attracted money to the area that
boosted the local economy. It is 20 minutes away from the international airport.
St. Andrews Pub, a BSQ staff favourite
A variety of restaurants can be found in Cumbaya’s central
park
Cumbaya Reservoir is a perfect place for a
relaxing walk or a picnic
Scala Shopping, the biggest mall located between
Cumbayá & Tumbaco
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Interesting Facts about Ecuador / Quito
 It is one of seventeen mega diverse countries in the world
 In Quito, water boils at 90°C (direct effect of altitude);
 Cotopaxi is the highest active volcano in world;
 The Humpback whales (megaptera novaeangliae) migrate from the Antarctic
South Pole to tropical waters off the coast of Ecuador (June to September) to
mate and give birth to their calves
 The Galapagos Islands belongs to Ecuador
 Ecuador has many active volcanoes and also, one of the greatest densities of
volcanoes in the world
 Ecuador is home to ten mountain peaks over 5000 meters (16,000 feet);
 Mount Chimborazo at 6,268 meters (20,565 feet) is the highest mountain in
Ecuador. And because the Earth is not a perfect sphere, but bulges at the
Equator, the peak of Chimborazo is also the furthest point from the center of
the Earth and the closest to the sun.
 The number of orchid species is calculated at 4100;
 A newly discovered species of gecko, small enough at its full-grown size to
rest comfortably on the eraser of a pencil, was discovered in Ecuador;
 The world‟s smallest orchid (miniscule orchid – measuring 2.1mm wide) was
discovered in Ecuador;
 Country with the world‟s highest diversity of hummingbird species (131);
 Home to more than 1600 species of birds, which is more than twice the
number found on any one of the entire continents of North America, Europe or
Australia;
 Panama hats are of Ecuadorian origin – the world‟s finest „Panama hats‟ are
handmade in Montecristi, Ecuador
 Ecuador is divided into four geographical regions: Pacific Coastal Area
(Litoral), Andean Highlands (Sierra), Amazon Rain Forest (Oriente) and The
Galapagos Islands;
 There are three species of vampire bats found in the world; all are found in
Ecuador;
 Ecuador exports more bananas than any other country in the world;
 Vilcabamba is called the Valley of Longevity – locals assert that it is not
uncommon to see a person reach 100 years of age and it is claimed that
many have gotten to 120, even up to 135, which would make it an area with
the oldest inhabitants in the world
 25 000 species of plants present in the country, which represents
approximately10% of all plants known in the world;
 Ecuador one of only two countries in South America, along with Chile, that do
not have a border with Brazil;
 Manta, Ecuador claims to be the Tuna Capital of the World;
 Quinine, the first drug used to prevent and treat malaria, is obtained from the
bark of the cinchona tree that grows in Ecuador;
 Almost 60 per cent of the world‟s high grade “fine cocoa” is produced on
farms surrounding the coastal city of Guayaquil – an output that makes it the
world‟s capital of the sweet delicacy.
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Living in Quito / Cumbayá
Accommodation in Quito/Cumbayá is cheap by western standards. It is easy to have
a wonderful standard of living in Ecuador.
Our TAOs usually choose to live in the Tumbaco /
Cumbayá area, although some do live in Quito and
commute. The Tumbaco / Cumbayá area has three
large shopping centres housing cinema complexes
(one even has an IMAX), a variety of supermarkets,
plenty of good restaurants, fitness centres and
gyms (boxing, Insanity, Yoga, Pilates, Crossfit, Hot
Yoga) fast food outlets and many local shops.
El Chaquiñan, a 21km running/cycling route, starts
in Cumbaya and crosses through Tumbaco,
heading towards the airport. It is a very popular
route and you can find running and cycling clubs to
join during the week and on weekends. The area
surrounding the School and through Cumbayá /
Tumbaco is semi-rural, providing opportunities to
get out walking, running, and cycling.
BSQ Package Fast Facts
 Apartment upon arrival
 2-3 bedrooms
 Basic furniture
 Located in Tumbaco
 Welcome pack
 BSQ pay your deposit and
deduct over first three
months remuneration
 You pay rent and
administration charges
directly
 You are responsible for
paying all utilities.
 Teachers may choose their
own apartment after one
year.
Utilities are generally cheap in Ecuador. Water is typically less than 10 USD per
month for a family, electricity around 40-50 USD for a family, and gas bottles cost
less than 4 USD.
Local produce is relatively cheap compared to other countries. There are many
markets during the week and also over the weekend. A large box containing a mix of
fruit and vegetables (suitable for a family of four for one week) will cost approx 20
USD. You will also find meat, chicken, fish, eggs and cheese at local markets.
Supermarket prices can be slightly higher - a tray of 4 chicken breast fillets will cost
around 8 USD, a tray of 30 eggs around 4 USD, and a litre of milk around 1.20 USD.
The climate in Cumbaya is warm and
temperate in Cumbaya. In Cumbayá, the
average annual temperature is 16.4 °C. In a
year, the average rainfall is 958 mm. Most
days are warm and sunny – hats and
sunblock are recommended.
The cost of living in Ecuador is low,
particularly in comparison to Great Britain or
the USA. Below is a list of current costs, in
US Dollars, for various items of food, travel, clothing and household appliances.
These prices are approximate. Imported goods and electronics can be expensive
due to taxes/duties imposed. Visit Numbeo for more information:
http://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/country_result.jsp?country=Ecuador
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The British School Quito
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The British School Quito
BSQ Fast Facts
 Founded in 1995
 The only British school in
Ecuador
 Curriculum: English
National Curriculum,
Cambridge IGCSE, IB
Diploma
 Located in Tumbaco
 70% Ecuadorian students,
30% International
History
The school was created under a bilateral
agreement signed on 9 June 1995 by the
Government of the Republic of Ecuador and Her
Majesty‟s Government in the United Kingdom. This
agreement established the British School with the
Foreign Ministry of Ecuador, within the framework
of a broader cultural agreement between the two
countries.
The school is a registered foundation whose sole
purpose is educational. We are a British curriculum
school of international quality, preparing children and students up to university
entrance. Our programmes of study are based on the National Curriculum of
England, the Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education
(iGCSE) in Years 10-11, and the International Baccalaureate (IBO) Diploma
programmes in Years 12–13.
Provided they fulfil the requirements, all our students graduate with a British School
Diploma and the Ecuadorian Baccalaureate. These are two diplomas for exactly the
same requirements and each student is awarded the same grades in both. In
addition, we are accredited by the IBO to offer the IB Diploma and many of our
students achieve this, giving them a total of three diplomas. Our BSQ Diploma
programme of study is itself based on the philosophy of the IB Diploma.
All our programmes of study and assessment
procedures are accredited and approved by the
Ecuadorian Ministry of Education, who are empowered
to inspect us to make sure we are following them. In
order to graduate in Ecuador, students must have a
legal promotion certificate and transcript for each year
of study from Years 7–13.
BSQ is governed by the Orbital Education Group,
based in the UK, and is an accredited member of the
Council of International Schools (CIS); the New
England Association of Schools and Colleges
(NEASC); and the Duke of Edinburgh‟s International
Award.
School Director Alec Jiggins, Baroness Gloria Hooper, HM Ambassador Patrick
Mullee – celebrating the 20th Anniversary
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About Orbital Education
Orbital Education was founded in 2005 by Kevin
McNeany. The company run a group of schools and
colleges offering British Education which is owned and
managed from Manchester. The team have established
schools within the UK and worldwide and their portfolio
continues to expand.
“Since Orbital was founded in 2005, the group has
grown fast and in keeping with the plan I formulated. I
envisaged a group of international schools and colleges offering quality education,
mainly in British style and tradition, to expatriate and host families in countries
throughout the world.
The schools benefit from the central services and supervision that an experienced
team of educationalists and managers provides. My team here at our head office
near Manchester are united in the belief we share with our school heads: quality and
accountability are paramount and lead to success for our students, security for their
families and material progress for the company.”
Kevin McNeany
Employment in another Orbital school.
Working in an Orbital Group school can have many
advantages. We like to retain excellent teachers and so
actively encourage movement between schools,
especially for promotion opportunities.
The Group has British style international schools in the
following culturally attractive and historically important
destinations: Palma de Mallorca, Spain; Budapest,
Hungary; Shanghai, China; Ljubljana, Slovenia; Moscow,
Russian Federation; and Quito, Ecuador.
After two years‟ successful employment teachers
wishing to move on will be given full consideration for
vacancies in these schools. All vacancies are posted on
the respective websites of the schools.
Brian Frakes, Orbital‟s International Education Development Officer, regularly visits the school to
meet students, parents and teachers.
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Students and Faculty
The English School is a coeducational, non-denominational day school with a
student enrolment of 320 from Nursery (age 3) to Year 13 and has 45 members of
teaching staff. Students are very warm and friendly. There is a relaxed but
purposeful atmosphere around school.
Teachers: both local and international teachers need to be committed to becoming
bilingual and use technology as a tool to enhance the teaching and learning
processes. We provide language classes for teachers after school hours.
FS2 Class with Miss Baxter celebrating Movember
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Campus
The British School Quito campus is located on a small site in the Tumbaco valley,
close to the Ruta Viva motorway. The Early Years, Primary and Secondary sections
are located on one campus, which has rich local flora and fauna – hummingbirds are
daily visitors to most areas. The school has a technology lab, science laboratories,
art and music facilities, a cafeteria, playgrounds, a sports field. We have a central
library with a small auditorium area for assemblies and productions.
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BSQ Package
Salaries take into account teaching qualifications and years of experience. During the recruitment and
interview process, your salary offer will be explained.
Monthly Payments are made on the last calendar day of each month, directly to a ProduBanco bank
account, which we will help you open upon your arrival. The bank is affiliated to Cirrus and Maestro
and it is possible to make international transfers electronically (a 5% tax can be applied on top of
normal bank charges). Payslips are delivered by Human Resources each month.
Accommodation, a 2-3 bedroom basic furnished apartment is provided upon arrival, located close to
the School. The apartment and furniture is to be returned upon termination of contract. All rent and
monthly bills are payable by the teacher each month.
Private executive medical cover is provided by BMI. The policy has limited coverage for pre-existing
conditions. A bilingual advisor will provide full information on the services and procedures during the
first week of school.
Life Insurance is not provided but we can recommend international and local providers if required.
Work accident insurance is a local insurance provided to cover any occupational diseases or
work-related accidents, which is a legal requirement in Ecuador.
Air tickets (airline chosen by BSQ) are provided from London-Quito at the beginning and end of
contract.
A discount for internationally recruited teachers‟ children is available for negotiation at the contract
offer stage. Teachers are responsible for additional fees, books, notebooks, trips, cafeteria, etc.
Lunch in the cafeteria costs approx. 4 USD per day. The School provides tea and coffee for all
members of staff.
Visa costs are included in the 500 USD settling in allowance, which is paid in cash on arrival. The HR
department will provide support in obtaining visas and ID cards.
A shipping allowance is given up to the value of 500 USD to cover any additional relocation costs
such as the storage and transfer of household belongings etc. (receipts are required in the name of
the TAO). We recommend bringing items as excess baggage as shipping restriction makes it costly
to bring in containers.
TAO contracts are two years in length and are extended by mutual agreement. An extension bonus is
paid.
Pension contributions are not paid by the School. Financial advisors are not allowed on campus. We
recommend that all staff make their own financial plans and provide guidance on how to do this.
Spanish lessons are provided at the beginning of the contract and BSQ expects teachers to attend
classes after regular working hours. As a learning community, we are committed to modelling the
bilingual profile of our students.
Professional Learning is a core commitment of all staff at BSQ, and there are plentiful opportunities
based around school needs.
Under the terms of the binational agreement, TAOs are exempt from paying income tax and social
security.
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Cultural Adaptation
When you first get here you need to take it slow, have a good rest and make sure to
drink a lot of liquids since the altitude is 2,850 metres (9,350 ft) above sea level,
makes of Quito the highest official capital city in the world.
For the first couple of weeks try to consume beverages prepared only with bottled
water. Wear sunscreen at all times because we are at the equator, therefore UV rays
can be hard on your skin. You will find many “tiendas” corner shops where can buy
fresh fruits, vegetables, milk (basic groceries),keep In mind that you need loose
change since they only take cash.
Once you are settled it will get easier to have local friends which, of course, is a key
factor to a quick cultural adaptation. In Cumbayá and Tumbaco you will find that
many of the locals are bilingual and helpful.
Ciclopaseo a very good way to get to know the city especially on Sundays.
Grocery shops or Tiendas only take cash
and you can find one on almost every
corner
United Nations Boulevard is located in a
very commercial area of the city and hosts
various exhibitions throughout the year
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School Events
Welcome Back
Our traditional September event to welcome
new families and staff to our community, with
lunch and activities
Bonfire Night
Our traditional British Celebration in
November, BSQ‟s Got Talent,
activities and of course a bonfire.
Graduation
Science Fair
A chance during May to explore creativity,
observation and translate scientific
phenomenon into ordinary useful ideas.
Our solemn and official graduation ceremony
for Year 13 students in June
International Family Fun Day
A day in April full of activities, talent, international food for BSQ children, parents and community members.
21
Quito / Cumbayá Tourism
Some “must sees” are the Panecillo mountain overlooking the historical center, The
cable car up Pichincha volcano, San Francisco Church, Compañía de Jesus Church
and of course Mitad del Mundo, the official Equator.
Plan some weekend getaways. There are lots of interesting places within easy reach
of Quito. Taxi and bus travel is exciting,interesting and cheap. These are some
places you shouldn´t miss:
Papallacta Hot springs
Papallacta is a peaceful and quiet place, the landscape here is perfect, surrounded
by high mountains and moorland that entirely cover this hidden valley . The main
attraction of this valley are the hot springs which were discovered by the Incas , for
whom Papallacta was a healing center for the exhausted warriors
Buses that travel between Quito‟s Terminal Terrestre Cumandá and cities in the
Orient, especially Tena, almost always pass through Papallacta. From Terminal
Terrestre Cumandá in Quito, you can catch a bus to Papallacta about every 20
minutes. The trip is only about 40 miles but due to weather conditions and quality of
the roads, it usually takes about 1or 2 hours by bus or 1 hour by car.
22
Mindo
Mindo is a paradise for those who
enjoy bird watching, known as one of
the places of greatest diversity of birds
and butterflies in the world. The most
common birds are: partridge, osprey,
cock of the rock, umbrella bird, bird,
sun, guan, Yumbo, rolled-billed toucan,
toucan hit, peak arasarí pale clubwinged manakin, urraquita, tango with
purple cloak, Chlorophonia, shiny
green
tanager,
parrots,
owls
screaming. Mindo is also the best place
for growing varieties of plants such as
fermis, orchids, bromeliads, lichens,
mosses, musk and large trees like the
dragon's blood, the teak, breadfruit,
palms and more. Mindo is a perfect
area for adventure sports, horse riding,
mountain biking, tubing, rafting, etc.
The journey takes about two hours to
Mindo, is really worth it especially if
one considers the virgin cloud forest,
rich in varieties of birds and the
beautiful natural resorts in the creeks
around. The existing rivers and
waterfalls allow enjoyment of the
landscape and to practice some water
sports.
23
Colonial Quito and Churches
Some “must sees” are the Panecillo mountain overlooking the historical center, , San
Francisco Church, Compañía de Jesus Church among many others
La Ronda
It is a traditional Street, associated
with the Bohemian and artistic heart
of colonial art . An expression of
Quitos gastronomy, crafts and fun,
especially at night, is the oldest
street in Quito and witnessed the
birth of musicians pioneers of a
traditional musical genre El Pasillo
and, painters.
La Compañia de Jesús
It is by the biggest baroque temple
of Latin American.
Its baroque facade is a work of art
in Andean stone
Calle de las Siete cruces
El Panecillo
El Panecillo is a hill that divides the
city between north and south at the
top is the representation of the only
winged virgin, also known as the
Virgin of Quito. It is a giant structure
made of 7000 aluminum parts,
replica of the sculpture artist
Bernardo de Legarda A good way to
admire the extent of the city from
the heights.
Plaza de San Francisco
One of the largest in Quito , this
square is a plain of volcanic rock
where you will find the church and
convent of San Francisco , one of the
most
impressive
architectural
complexes in America.
It was built in 1550.
La Capilla de Hombre
A few blocks away from Ecuavisa the biggest private
broadcaster , stands one of the most important works
of art in South America, Guayasamín‟s Capilla del
Hombre . The fruit of Guayasamín‟s greatest vision,
this giant monument-cum-museum is a tribute to
humankind, to the suffering of Latin America‟s
indigenous poor and to the undying hope for
something better. It‟s a moving place and the tours (in
English,
French
and
Spanish,
are
highly
recommended.
It is also known as the Calle Garcia Moreno
, where the Presidential Palace also called
Palacio de Carondelet is. In addition to
hosting the home of Manuela Saenz , a key
figure in the independence of South
America, this route has a particular appeal
that expresses faith in colonial times ,
which still maintains its ritual character in
the city. Seven churches line the route,
which at the end of the colonial era was
used to transport goods , but which is now
a tourist landmark .
Catedral de Quito
It is one of the oldest temples in
South America. It holds one of the
most
important
colonial
art
collections.
Parque Metropolitano
Located
in
a
middle
class
neighborhood, The park offers a wide
variety of "intensity" for everyone
from the casual walker/hiker to the
extreme biker!
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Local Football Teams
Like most of Central and South America, Ecuador is soccer-mad and it can be said
that soccer, popularly known as "futbol", is the national sport of Ecuador.
The most popular are:






BARCELONA
DEPORTIVO QUITO
EL NACIONAL
EMELEC,
LDU QUITO
AUCAS
 INDEPENDIENTE
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Local Dishes
Ecuadorian food varies across with country with delicious regional specialities and
different typical dishes in the sierra and the costa. Food in Ecuador is generally
simple but tasty and rarely spicy. You'll usually find chilli sauce ("ají") on the table,
so you can add as much spice as you like. Rice is served with almost everything,
including potatoes and many breakfast dishes. Soup is almost obligatory at lunch
time and is often packed with beans, pasta, vegetables and grains such as quinoa or
barley.
Locro: is a filling potato and cheese soup.
Fritada: lumps of deep fried pork, are wonderful with a cold beer and are often
served with mote (a type of boiled corn) and a salad of tomato and onion
Hornado: Whole spit roast or oven roast pigs can often be seen at roadside
restaurants and the crackling is fantastic.
Bizcochos: bizcochos, a type of buttery biscuit which you can watch being baked in
traditional wood-fired oven, and dairy products.
Encebollados: (literally, "onionateds") are a wonderful local food, though not well
known outside of Ecuador. They consist of seafood in a tangy, tomatoey soup with
mashed yuca, onion and coriander. Add plenty of lemon juice and pepper, and
popcorn, tostado (toasted maize) or chifles (fried slices of plantain). Encebollados
are said to cure a hangover and make a surprisingly good breakfast.
Ceviche: raw seafood (or boiled, in the case of prawns) marinated in lime or lemon
juice with chilli and onion, is perhaps the most famous traditional dish of Ecuador,
usually served with popcorn. Pick a clean restaurant with a high turnover for safe,
fresh ceviche - get a local recommendation if at all possible.
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Local Fruits & Vegetables
Ecuador has a wonderful variety of fruit from the warm tropical and subtropical
lowlands and even the cooler sierra region produces several different fruits and
vegetables from the fertile volcanic soil.
Babaco
Chochos
Granadilla
Guanabana
papaya
Chirimoya
mango
Guayaba
Pitahaya
ovo
taxo
uvilla
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Fair and Festivals in Ecuador
Ecuador cultural expressions are part of our historical past and the richness of the early Native
American people, as well as their adaptation to Christianity and to the new forms of life in today's
society.
Ecuador Holidays are part of religious ceremonies mixed with Andean symbols and typical
singularities of each village. In every celebration there are characters: from Devils to “toros de pueblo”
bulls of village, each occasion surrounded in an atmosphere and unique decor which systematizes
customs, traditions, and rituals of those who celebrate it. A characteristic of the festivals is the music
of the “ banda de pueblo” people who entertains the atmosphere with songs of national music. Also, in
popular celebrations, liquor, brandy or traditional drinks as chicha are always part of the party. Most
important holidays in Ecuador during January and February are:
January 1-6: “Pillaro Diablada” in the Tungurahua province. In this popular party men dressed as
Devils take the city accompanied by folkloric dances and parades.
January 6: Día de Reyes, Epiphany‟s day is celebrated with masses, Christmas carols, processions,
Fireworks, popular music bands and traditional dances. It is celebrated in Ambato (Tungurahua),
Cuenca (Azuay), Gatazo Grande, Lican, Tisaleo and Calpi in Chimborazo, Montecristi (Manabi),
Chillogallo (Quito), and other cities.
February (Carnival): celebration of the Carnival in all Ecuador. It precedes Lent , therefore depends
on the date of Easter. In all the Ecuador is a Festival in which people plays with water, in several
villages people also use flour and eggs, opposed to large cities where the Carnival foam is preferred.
March and April: Holy Week (Easter)
May 1: Labour Day.
May 24: National holiday that commemorates the battle of Pichincha, 1822. There are parades and
cultural events across the country. Film Festival EDOCS
June15-29: Corpus Christi, Inti Raymi Festival, or Festival of the summer solstice, which corresponds
with the period of maturity of fruits, and is the time of harvest. Festival of San Pedro and San Pablo.
July 21: In Machachi (Pichincha) they celebrate the “paseo del chagra” walk of the chagra, with
dances, bulls, bands, typical food and agricultural fair.
August 10: Celebration in all the Ecuador for the "proclamation of independence"
September: Yamor Festivities in Otavalo and other towns of the province of Imbabura, “Virgen del
Cisne”, The international banana trade fair, The Killa Raymi or the feast of the Moon, Campus party.
October 9: Holiday for the independence of Guayaquil, “Feria de Duran”, Duran fair in Guayas. There
are trade fairs of business and industrial sectors, concerts and craft fairs on this date too.
November 2: All Souls' Day,with “guaguas de pan”, (bread babies), and a purple hot beverage,
Colada Morada.
November 3: Holiday for the independence of Cuenca (Azuay), In Latacunga (Cotopaxi) is celebrated
the feast of the Mama Negra (Black Mama)
December 6: Spanish Foundation of San Francisco de Quito.
December 24 and 31: Christmas and New Year
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Map of Tumbaco / Cumbayá
1 -Paseo San Francisco
2 -Clínica de la USFQ
3 -Hospital de los Valles
4 -Scala Shopping
5 -Ventura Mall
6 -Plaza Cumbayá
7 -La Esquina
8 -Reservoir
9 -El Chaquiñan
10 -El Colegio
11 -Bucan Pub
12 -St. Andrews Pub
Taxi Companies
Cooperativa de Taxis el acional:
2374922 / 2278944
Cooperativa de Taxis Santa María:
2370242 / 2896554
Cooperativa de Taxis Portal Del Valle:
6039543
Cooperativa de Taxis Interoceánica
del Valle: 2374922/2378944
Costs
Tumbaco – Quito: between $12 and $ 20
Tumbaco – Airport: $15
Tumbaco – Cumbaya:$ 3.50-$ 5
13 -El Cordobés
14 -Tumbaco Market "El Arenal"
15 -El Santa María Supermarket
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Bus routes
Cooperativa de Transporte Termas Touris
Tumbaco-Airport:$ 1.10
Tumbaco-Quito:$ 1.10
Tumbaco-Pifo:$ 1.10
Tumbaco-Quinche:$ 1.10
Tumbaco-Puembo:$ 1.10
Ecovia
Tumbaco-Quito: $.50cts
Airport-Quito: $1.00
Tumbaco-Cumbayá: $0.25cts
 Useful link: http://www.trolebus.gob.ec
Trole Bus
Quito North Station-South Station: $.25ctv
 Useful link: http://www.trolebus.gob.ec
Inter province Main Stations
Terminal Terrestre Quitumbe: 2 907 005, extensión 31222.
Terminal Terrestre de Carcelén: 2 907 005, extensión 31273.
 Useful Link:
http://www.epmmop.gob.ec/epmmop/index.php/proyectos/estacionamientos/sistema-de-terminales-interprovinciales-de-quito-stq
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Basic Spanish Phrases/Words

Good morning – Buenos días (bway nos dee ahs)

Good afternoon – Buenas tardes (bway nahs tar days)

Good evening – Buenas noches (bway nahs noh chayss)

Hola (oh lah) is “hi” and you can say that with people you know.

¿Cómo está? (coh moh es tah) is “how are you?” if you don‟t know someone
and ¿Cómo estás? (coh moh es tahs) if you do know them.

If they ask you how you are, you can say “good, thank you” – “bien, gracias”
(bee ayn, grah cee ahs) because you, too, are a polite person.


Please – Por favor (por fah vohr)
Thank you – Gracias

When you are introduced to someone, you say “Mucho gusto” (moo choh
goos toh) and they will say the same thing back to you. It means, “nice to
meet you.”

¿Habla inglés? (ahblah een glays)? – Do you speak English

I want, I don‟t want – Yo quiero, yo no quiero (yoh kee ayr oh, yoh noh kee
ayr oh)

I would like (more polite) – Me gustaría (may goo stah ree ah)

Where is – ¿Dónde está? (dohn des tah)

How much does it cost – ¿Cuánto cuesta? (cwahn toh cways tah)?

What time is it? – ¿Qué hora es? (kay orah ess)?

Do you have? – ¿Tiene? (tee ayn ay)?

I have, I don‟t have – Yo tengo, yo no tengo (yoh tayn goh, yoh noh tayn
goh)

I understand, I don‟t understand – Yo entiendo, yo no entiendo (yoh ayn tee
ayn doh, yoh noh ayn tee ayn doh)
Do you understand? – ¿Entiende? (ayn tee ayn day)?

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Address.: Vía Cununyacu, Km 2.5 Tumbaco
Tel: (593 2) 2374 649 - 650-651
Cel.: (593 9) 970 7060
P. O. Box 17-21-52
Quito - Ecuador
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