• Colombia!

    Colombia: Caribbean Sea coast. Go Now!

    Colombia
    Although most of the people live inland, Colombia also has its share of coastline along the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea (pictured). Go Now!

  • Ecuador!

    Ecuador: Sally Lightfoot Crab. Go Now!

    Ecuador
    The Galapagos Islands and Ecuador are home to incredible wildlife, such as the famous Galapagos Turtle and the lesser known, but more common Red Rock or Sally Lightfoot crab (pictured). Begin Your Journey!

  • Chile!

    Chile: Torres del Paine National Park. Go Now!

    Chile
    The Andes dominate much of Chile, including the breath-taking Torres del Paine National Park (pictured). However, the country also hosts the world's driest desert and a thriving metropolis. Begin Your Journey!

  • Venezuela!

    Venezuela: Los Roques. Go Now!

    Venezuela
    Rooted in Europe, Venezuela boasts an impressive history, culture, and beauty, including the Caribbean Coast (pictured). Explore Venezuela!

  • Bolivia!

    Bolivia: Salt flats. Go Now!

    Bolivia
    This hidden gem is full of surprises, from the impressive salt flats (pictured) to the migrating flamingos. It also clings to the most historic indigenous culture on the continent. Explore Bolivia!

Relationships, Marriage, & Family Life in Ecuador

Most young people live with their parents until they marry in Ecuador, at which time they often move out into their own house. This process can vary greatly from person to person depending on when each gets married, but most Ecuadorians get married in their early- to mid-20s. Dating usually begins at about the age of 15 for girls, at which time they are considered adults. In more conservative families dating is chaperoned by an adult and parents may encourage their children to only date people in their same socio-economic class. For others, dating is more relaxed in regards to who children can date as chaperones are uncommon.

Weddings often take place in a Catholic Church as the parents of the bride and groom tend to stand up front with the couple as opposed to bride's maids and groomsmen. However a couple can also marry in just a civil ceremony, which seems to be more common today than it was in the past (although many of these marriages will be blessed by the church). There is a taboo about getting a divorce from a church wedding, but from a civil marriage divorce is fairly easy and more socially acceptable.

After the ceremony there is often a large reception and party with food, dancing, and drinking, which is often just whisky on the rocks. DJs and bands are both common and wedding celebrations can go well into the night, or even the next morning.

The family dynamic in Ecuador is significantly varied as the country has a slight reputation for men having multiple wives and a high divorce rate. However, this is not always the norm and there are a huge number of long and successful marriages. The family life often consists of a husband who financially supports the family and makes most major decisions, a wife who is generally responsible for raising the children and taking care of household chores, and children; most families in Ecuador have two or three children. Today this dynamic is ever-changing as many more women are working. What isn't changing is the importance of family in Ecuador and the role the family plays in the country's culture.

This page was last updated: November, 2013