Religion in Ecuador

By Dawn Wohlfarth

Indigenous groups once practiced different religions across Ecuador, but the arrival of the Spanish wiped out much of this diversity. Using fear, intimidation and bribery, the country was almost completely converted to Catholicism. Today, even Amazon villages that have never seen a car have Catholic churches. Many rural villages that once practiced other religions still blend old traditions with the practice of Catholicism.

Native religious celebrations are still occasionally held at Ingapirca, the most important Inca site in Ecuador. Other religions are beginning to gain a following in this strong Catholic culture, but remain less than 5% of the total.