Food and Water in Ecuador

There are many things that make life in Ecuador amazing. One of them is the easy access to fresh and organic produce, and abundant clean water.

Ecuador currently devotes 56,303 hectares of farmland on organic crops like wheat, barley, corn, potatoes, fruit, coffee, and mushrooms, among others. In fact, according to the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture, Ecuador has successfully implemented international standards and regulations on organic farming.

The Biocentro Agroecologico, located just three kilometers south of the historic district of El Centro, is the country’s largest certified organic market.

With Ecuador’s agricultural industry ranging from massive farms and ranches to backyard gardens and cooperatives, anyone has access to fresh and locally sourced produce.

When it comes to water, Ecuador’s more urban areas are equipped with water filtration systems.Tap water is accessible via the public grid in 72 % of the homes, according to a 2010 national census.

The government is also racing to close the gap between urban and rural areas when it comes to providing clean water. A multimillion-dollar project is underway to improve access to drinking water in over 100 municipalities.

But, just as you would take precautions when traveling to any foreign country, tourists and visitors are better off drinking bottled water. While the local tap water may be perfectly safe and potable, it’s always best to err on the side of caution – especially if you have a sensitive constitution or you haven’t developed the immunity locals have over certain pathogens.

Safe water in Ecuador

As with all new destinations, making sure that the water youdrink is safe is fairly easy to do.

Buying bottled water or boiling tap water is a given.

But what else can you do to make sure you remain safe?

Here are a few tips:

• Avoid iced drinks if you can, unless you’re sure the ice is made from purified water.
• Avoid fruit and veg washed in tap water
• For longer-staying visitors, or those wishing to become permanent residents, see a doctor every six months to make sure you’re free of water-borne contaminants
• Have purified drinking water delivered to your home

Eating healthy in Ecuador

It’s easy to get fresh produce like fruit, veg, meat, and dairy products in Ecuador.

Supermarkets and grocery stores are, of course, a primary source of high-quality produce. They are found everywhere and the prices are reasonable.

Locals, however, shop at the local farmer’s market, the best place to spot good deals on fresh finds.

As is true in most places, local markets are often a showcase of the town’s choicest wares and produce. They’re usually sold at a fraction of supermarket prices and come in a wider variety than what’s available in grocery stores. In smaller neighborhoods, the local farmer’s market is just a short walk away.

Buying from farmer’s markets also stimulates the local economy because it cuts the middleman. It also fosters community when locals come out to support their own.

In Ecuador, the sheer variety of local produce is amazing. You’ll find everything from staples like bananas,lettuce, pineapples, tomatoes, and avocados to more unusual fare like soursop, zapallo, and dragon fruit.

In Ecuador, getting healthy is not a problem. In fact, getting healthy has never been this easy or delicious.

Want to know more about Ecuador and the opportunities available to you? If you’re in the US, call 239.848.5876. For all other areas, check out the other numbers you find on this page.