Exclusive interview with H.E. Cynthia Marie Mayer Zavala, Ambassador of the Republic of Ecuador to Hungary
By Anna Popper
The year 2025 marks the 190th anniversary of a milestone in science and exploration. On 15-16 September 1835, the English naturalist Charles Darwin arrived at the Galápagos Islands in the Pacific Ocean, some 1,000 kilometres off the coast of Ecuador, during his scientific voyage on HMS Beagle. Captivated by the archipelago’s unique wildlife – giant tortoises, finches, and more – his observations later inspired the theory of natural selection, culminating in the publication of “On the Origin of Species” in November 1859.
Today, the 7,419 km² Galápagos Islands are not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site but also a global model of conservation, continuing to draw travelers eager to experience their natural wonders while discovering the rich culture and diverse landscapes of Ecuador as a whole.
Your Excellency, 190 years after Charles Darwin’s landmark expedition to the Galápagos Islands – a journey that profoundly shaped the course of science, where in Ecuador can visitors best explore the history, significance, and enduring legacy of this pioneering scientist?
– As the Ambassador of Ecuador in Budapest, I would first point readers to the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora (Santa Cruz), where Darwin’s 1835 visit and scientific legacy are highlighted through exhibits and active conservation programs. Open daily, the station also serves as the principal centre for scientific outreach in the Galápagos. Ecuador further preserves Darwin’s legacy through the Galápagos National Park, established by presidential decree in 1959 to protect the archipelago that inspired his work, and through UNESCO’s recognition of the Galápagos Islands as a World Heritage Site. Together, these sites provide both historical context and living science, underscoring how Darwin’s visit in 1835 laid the foundation for the islands’ central role in evolutionary biology.
How does Ecuador harmonize tourism to the Galápagos Islands with the protection of its fragile ecosystem?
– Ecuador manages the Galápagos with strict measures to balance tourism and conservation. Since 1959, the Galápagos National Park and the Galápagos Marine Reserve (GMR) have regulated activities, supported by an entry-control system that charges international visitors an entrance fee (currently US$200 for those over 12), which goes directly to conservation and visitor management. Regulations also restrict access to guided trails and designated zones, while scientific institutions oversee restoration projects and invasive-species control. This approach reduces pressure from overtourism while ensuring sustainable revenue for conservation.
The Galápagos Marine Reserve, now expanded to 198,000 km², is one of the largest of its kind in the world, hosting around 2,900–3,000 marine species, many of them endemic. Few marine protected areas worldwide match this scale, especially in combining biodiversity richness with migratory corridor functions. In 2022, the Hermandad expansion created a marine corridor linking protected areas in Costa Rica (Cocos Island), Panama (Coiba), and Colombia (Malpelo), thus strengthening regional ecological integration in the Eastern Tropical Pacific. This cross-border initiative is a globally rare cooperation and plays a crucial role in safeguarding migratory ocean species.
Beyond the Galápagos, which lesser-known regions would you recommend to visitors seeking immersive local experiences?
– In 2024, Ecuador welcomed a total of 1.3 million foreign tourists, and in the first four months of 2025 (January–April), arrivals increased by 17% compared to the same period last year. Beyond the Galápagos, I recommend several regions for visitors seeking authentic experiences:
The Ecuadorian Amazon (Yasuní and other eastern reserves), where roughly 26% of the country’s territory (283,560 km²) is protected, offering growing opportunities for indigenous cultural tourism. Quito and the Andean highlands, where visitors can experience living colonial heritage amidst breathtaking landscapes. The coast (Guayas, Manabí, and the southern beaches), which provides community-based coastal experiences. Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city, which combines a modern convention hub with state-of-the-art facilities and a vibrant cultural scene. Together, these destinations showcase Ecuador’s rich diversity, culture, and natural beauty beyond its world-famous islands.
Ecuador is often described as a land of “four worlds”. How does Ecuador’s incredible diversity shape the country’s tourism identity?
– Ecuador’s brand – the “four worlds” (Amazon, Andes, Pacific coast, Galápagos) – is both literal and marketable: one country offers four distinct ecosystems in an area three times the size of Hungary, enabling travelers to experience rainforest biodiversity, highland culture at 2,500–3,500 m altitude, tropical coastlines, and unique island ecosystems – all within relatively short travel distances. In Ecuador, you can enjoy a breakfast of fresh seafood overlooking the Pacific Ocean, have lunch next to the snow-capped Chimborazo volcano in the Andes, and finish the day with dinner deep in the Amazon rainforest – all within a single trip.
Sustainable tourism matters more than ever. What steps is Ecuador taking to boost eco-friendly travel while actively involving local communities?
– Sustainability lies at the core of Ecuador’s tourism policy. We are moving beyond conservation toward regenerative tourism, where visitors can actively participate in the restoration of degraded areas. To support this transformation, the Ministry of Tourism manages a Tourism Development Fund that finances sustainable projects, promotional campaigns, and sectoral growth. Ecuador’s Tourism Law and the National Sustainable Tourism Plan (Plandetur) provide the legal and strategic framework, ensuring that sustainability remains a guiding principle. We also offer financial incentives, including tax benefits for companies that adopt renewable energy or implement waste-reduction measures in accommodations.
Equally important, Ecuador encourages the active participation of local communities in tourism, thus ensuring economic opportunities preserve traditions and strengthen the social fabric. We also collaborate closely with international partners, such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), to implement conservation and sustainable tourism initiatives.
Through these measures, Ecuador positions itself as a destination where travelers can enjoy unforgettable experiences while directly contributing to the protection of both nature and culture.
How does Ecuador promote slow, immersive tourism, and what experiences do you recommend for travelers who really want to take their time in the country?
– Ecuador is an ideal destination for slow tourism, offering travelers the chance to connect deeply with nature, culture, and local communities. Visitors can explore agrotourism routes like the Ruta del Cacao, learning how cocoa goes from bean to bar while sharing daily life with farming families. In the cities, Quito captivates with its historic churches and colonial architecture, while Guayaquil offers a vibrant mix of modernity and heritage from the Malecón 2000 to Las Peñas.
Nature-lovers can hike majestic volcanoes (Ecuador has 27 active volcanoes), explore the Amazon rainforest, and discover the unique fauna and flora of the Galápagos Islands, all while engaging with local communities for authentic cultural experiences. This immersive approach ensures that travel in Ecuador is not only memorable but also supports ecosystem conservation and the well-being of local people.
Ecuador is rich in culture, from indigenous traditions to colonial heritage. How can travelers best experience this diversity?
– Ecuador’s cultural richness is best experienced through a journey that combines its vibrant indigenous traditions with its extraordinary colonial heritage. In the Andean highlands, the Otavalo Market – one of the largest and most famous indigenous markets in Latin America – offers visitors the chance to discover authentic textiles, handicrafts, and music, while engaging directly with the Kichwa Otavalo people, who have preserved their traditions for centuries.
At the Middle of the World Monument and the Museo Solar Intiñán, travelers can stand on the equatorial line and take part in fascinating scientific experiments that demonstrate they are, in fact, at the very middle of the Earth.
License CC BY-SA
On the colonial side, Ecuador is home to two UNESCO World Heritage cities: Quito, whose historic centre boasts over 40 churches and chapels; and Cuenca, with its cobblestone streets and majestic cathedral domes. Quito’s churches, such as the Compañía de Jesús and San Francisco, are masterpieces of the Escuela Quiteña (Quito School of Art), a 16th–18th century artistic tradition that blended European techniques with indigenous influences, creating some of the most remarkable religious art in the Americas. Together, these experiences allow travelers to immerse themselves in a living culture where ancestral traditions and colonial legacies coexist in harmony.
Culinary delights are an important part of any travel destination. Which Ecuadorian specialties should Hungarian visitors taste?
– Hungary’s gastronomes will enjoy Ecuador’s culinary diversity: ceviche de camarón (jumbo shrimp specialties), locro de papa (Andean potato soup), cazuela de verde (a stew of green plantains, slow-cooked into a creamy base and enriched with fresh seafood), and Ecuadorian chocolate. Ecuador is the origin of fine-flavour cocoa (Nacional variety), known for its rare floral and fruity aroma, considered among the finest in the world, and the key to producing award-winning chocolate.
Accessibility is key to tourism growth. Are there any new developments in infrastructure or flight connections that make traveling to Ecuador easier?
– There are currently no direct flights between Budapest and Quito; common routes involve one stop via European hubs such as Madrid, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Paris, or Istanbul. Ecuador’s main international airports (Quito UIO and Guayaquil GYE) receive multiple long-haul connections daily through European and North American airlines.
Ecuador proudly hosts Baltra Airport in the Galápagos, which was certified ‘Carbon Neutral’ on 18 December 2017, becoming the first airport of its kind in Latin America and the Caribbean under the Airport Carbon Accreditation program of the International Airports Council (ACI). Modern airports and highways also provide excellent connections between Quito, Guayaquil, Cuenca, and beyond. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Tourism continues to drive new projects and investments that strengthen infrastructure, support local communities, and expand eco-friendly travel opportunities across Ecuador.
Adventure and wellness tourism are on the rise. What opportunities does Ecuador offer for those seeking active holidays or relaxation in nature?
– Ecuador offers both high-adrenaline and wellness options:
Volcano trekking – from Cotopaxi (5,897 meters), one of the world’s highest active volcanoes, toChimborazo (6,263 meters), the closest point on Earth to the sun, hikers enjoy breathtaking views and unforgettable adventures.
Rafting and canyoning in the Andes – Baños de Ambato, known as Ecuador’s adventure capital, offers thrilling activities such as bungee jumping from bridges, white-water rafting, and ziplining amidst stunning waterfalls and lush Andean landscapes.
Diving and snorkelling in the Galápagos – travelers can encounter sea lions, marine iguanas, colourful reef fish, rays, sea turtles, and even penguins.
Rainforest canopy walks in the Amazon – adventure-eco travelers can enjoy nights under some of the clearest skies in the world, gazing at infinite stars while listening to the sounds of nocturnal wildlife in their natural habitat.
Thermal springs and mountain retreats in the highlands provide wellness (many lodges offer spa and yoga), while Amazon lodges offer nature-based wellness programs, allowing visitors to relax and recharge amidst Ecuador’s extraordinary landscapes.
How is Ecuador working to attract more visitors from Central and Eastern Europe, including Hungary?
– Ecuador’s tourism promotion focuses on targeted campaigns for high-value markets, partnerships with European airlines and tour operators, and participation in major trade fairs. The Ministry of Tourism and the Ecuadorian embassies coordinate cultural and promotional events – our Embassy in Budapest actively engages with travel agents and the Hungarian public to raise awareness.
To boost arrivals from Central and Eastern Europe, Ecuador has participated in leading travel fairs such as WTM London, FITUR Madrid, ITB Berlin, and the Belgrade Tourism Fair. At ITB Berlin 2025, our delegation – comprising ministries, 26 private-sector companies, and several subnational governments – held over 1,170 business meetings, demonstrating a focused B2B outreach to European tour operators and buyers. Ecuador is also confirmed as an exhibitor for Expo 2027 in Belgrade.
Looking ahead, we combine trade-fair efforts with embassy outreach, targeted press activities, fam-trips for Hungarian travel agents, and co-marketing with European carriers and tour operators. These initiatives aim to increase both the length of stay and visitor spending from Hungary and neighbouring markets. Together, these strategies are central to growing high-value tourism flows from Central and Eastern Europe.
Your Excellency, what achievements or initiatives to promote Ecuador in Hungary are you most proud of since taking office in May 2024?
– Since taking office a year and a half ago, I am proud to have placed Ecuador more firmly on Hungary’s map through a combination of cultural diplomacy, trade promotion, and innovative storytelling. The embassy has organized many activities, but I would like to highlight three events that stand out.
First, we led high-impact initiatives in trade: we organized the first business roundtable between Ecuadorian and Hungarian companies during SIAL Paris 2024, followed by the first Ecuadorian trade mission to Budapest in May 2025. Nine women-led companies presented premium products such as bananas, cacao, coffee, and flowers, resulting in more than 50 B2B meetings and concrete new partnerships.
DPA article about the First Trade Mission can be found here: https://press.agency/first-trade-mission-of-ecuadorian-exporters-to-hungary/
Second, cultural promotion has been central to our work. A few months ago, Ecuador was the invited country at the Orchid and Bromelia Exhibition in Budapest, featuring an exquisite display of orchids at the Agricultural Museum that showcased their vibrant colours and unique aromas.
DPA article about the Orchid and Bromelia Exhibition can be found here: https://press.agency/mysterious-orchids-of-ecuador-orchid-and-bromeliad-exhibition-in-budapest/
Through a series of cultural events – including folklore dance performances, film screenings, the Inti Raymi festival, and the Day of Ecuador in District VI – the Hungarian community had the opportunity to immerse themselves in Ecuadorian traditions, music, and art, sparking curiosity and inspiring travel to our diverse and breathtaking country.
DPA article about the Day of Ecuador in District 6 can be found here: https://press.agency/discovering-ecuador-a-day-celebrating-its-culture-and-natural-wonders-in-budapest/
Last but not least, on the occasion of Ecuador’s National Day, we installed a striking heart-shaped floral display of Ecuadorian roses in front of the Hungarian State Opera House, celebrating the vibrant colours of the Ecuadorian flag. This installation highlights Ecuador’s position as a leading global exporter of premium roses and showcases the creativity and excellence of its floriculture industry.
DPA article about the National Day can be found here: https://press.agency/ecuadors-national-day-2025-celebrated-with-roses-honouring-freedom-and-friendship-in-budapest/
How has your time living and working in Budapest – during your less than a year-and-a-half tenure – influenced the initiatives you have introduced to promote Ecuador, a country renowned for bananas, roses, shrimp, and as the origin of fine cacao?
– Living and working in Budapest has shown me how many bridges connect Ecuador and Hungary – bridges of people, values, and culture. Every time I see an Ecuadorian banana, a bouquet of Ecuadorian roses, or Ecuadorian chocolate in a local supermarket, I am reminded of the stories, flavours, and cultural treasures we can share with the Hungarian community. These small encounters inspire our initiatives to promote Ecuador here – from cultural events to trade missions and tourism campaigns.
Next year, we celebrate the 80th Anniversary of diplomatic relations between Ecuador and Hungary, and I am confident that the partnership, respect, admiration, and friendship between our countries will continue to strengthen over the next 80 years.
Finally, what message would you like to share to invite Hungarian travelers to explore the treasures of Ecuador?
– Dear Hungarian travelers, Ecuador is a compact country where a single trip can reveal four distinct worlds – from the high Andean culture to Amazonian biodiversity, Pacific beaches, and the incomparable Galápagos Islands. We are one of the most biodiverse countries per square kilometre in the world, with over 80% endemism among many Galápagos land birds. With accommodations and community experiences improving year by year, I warmly invite you to discover Ecuador’s nature, flavours, and people. Plan a journey that truly connects you with Ecuador; our Embassy in Budapest and Ecuador’s tourism offices are happy to assist Hungarian visitors design unforgettable trips.
¡Los esperamos con los brazos abiertos! – We welcome you with open arms!
Nearly two centuries after Charles Darwin’s historic visit, Ecuador continues to inspire the world. From its unparalleled biodiversity to its vibrant cultural heritage, the country offers travelers far more than just a destination – it offers a journey that uniquely connects nature, history, and people.
Budapest, 25 September 2025
Source: Embassy of Ecuador in Budapest
Photos by the Embassy of Ecuador in Budapest, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Ecuador, Mr. Balázs Szabó (balazs-szabo-photography.com) and Diplomatic Press Agency
