Fruit Drinks

With the mouthwatering selection of exotic fruits, Ecuador has many delicious (and cheap) fruit juices, or jugos. Popular fruits native to Ecuador include naranjilla, a tangy orange fruit, tomate de arbol, a fruity tomato with a kick, mora (blackberry), guanabana (an almost milky, sweet, white fruit), and maracuya, tangy passion fruit.

If you're staying in a home with an Ecuadorian family, chances are good you'll be treated to a fresh jugo with breakfast every day. Most restaurants offer a variety of juices as well; be sure to ask for what's fresh. Jugo naturals are straight-up fruit juice, while batidos are fruit smoothies mixed with yogurt and/or milk.

Coffee, Tea and Soda

Bottled and canned fizzy drinks (including Coca Cola, Sprite and Fanta) are widely available throughout the country. Ecuador produces good coffee, but surprisingly, most Ecuadorians seem to prefer instant over brewed coffee. If you are willing to pay slightly more, you can usually find a well-brewed cappuccino in the bigger cities and most popular tourist haunts. Tea is also popular and widely available; most restaurants serve tea of some sort.

Andean Specialty Drinks

Chicha is a traditional concoction found throughout the Andes, made from fermented corn, rice or yuca. In some rural parts of Ecuador the fermentation process is augmented by human saliva. Chicha-makers (traditionally women) chew the ingredients and spit them back in the pot to brew!

Not to be missed is the Andean specialty drink canelazo (or canelito), a popular fiesta drink similar to a hot toddy made of boiled water, sugar cane alcohol, lemon or orange, sugar and cinnamon.

Alcoholic Beverages

Good wine from Chile and Argentina is widely available. The cheapest way to enjoy it is from a cartón (yes, a box) from the local supermarket. Clos is a good brand and will only set you back five bucks. If your palate is a bit more finicky, fine wines from Chile, France, Spain and Italy are also available.

Most bars in Ecuador serve local beers of average quality and very good value. The most popular brand is Pilsener, which generally comes in a large bottle. Local rum is quite cheap and good, making it perfect for cuba libres, daiquiris, or piña coladas.

Note: Remember that tap water is frequently used in ice, so request your beverages sin hielo (without ice) in restaurants.