 Nightlife
Latin people are said to have the music in their soul. Merengue, salsa, reguetton and pop are the music styles most clubs play at night. If you are looking for more of an alternative place with some banging electronic music, or for a more chilled out ambiance, Ecuador has it all.
Although the best clubs are mainly located in the major cities, small touristic villages like Baños, Mindo, Canoa, Montañita and many others feature many places to mingle along with the locals. Here are a couple of tips so you can party without feeling lost or confused:
Ecuadorians dance Latin music in couples. Girls usually dance together, but guy to guy dancing is frowned upon. When in a club with couple dancing, always ask a girl before taking her dancing. Girls generally expect guys to come over and ask. In alternative clubs it’s more common to just start dancing with someone.
Quito has some exclusive clubs. This means “reserved admission rights”, you might find yourself cueing at the entrance for a long time. Dress accordingly and try to get as close to the door as you can because they have to let you in, people here do not make a line unless instructed.
In Quito, some clubs feature what is called a consumption card. This means that you get a plastic card where you “tab” your drinks. At the end of the night, you approach the cashier and pay for everything you consumed. These cards are usually made in groups, so four people drink out of one card. Be conscious about who you are grouping with. You can also ask for an individual card. In Guayaquil, this differs a little, you also get a consumption card but only if you leave a credit card on the cashier. There have been no reports so far of credit card theft, but be cautious of where you leave your card.
There are two different fees for entering some clubs. The first kind, the “cover”, means that you pay just to enter, although sometimes they include one or two drinks. The second kind is what is called minimum consumption “consumo mínimo” which means your “cover” is actually expendable in drinks, but if you don’t drink anything you have to pay anyways.
Almost every club in major cities has different prices for their male and female clients. Sometimes, especially Thursday nights, girls get in for free.
“Barra libre” means free bar. Thursday nights and in some clubs Friday nights offer this until a certain time at night. And sometimes even without charging you any “cover”!
A lot of Ecuadorians enjoy drinking occasionally, don’t be surprised if you go out with a group of friends and they prefer to buy a bottle for everyone instead of buying individual drinks for each one. They aren’t too expensive. ($45-60 USD for a vodka bottle inside the club).
Avoid asking someone to dance if he or she is already dancing with someone else. Ecuadorians (especially guys) find this extremely offensive.
Don’t be shy about showing your dancing skills.
If you want any kind of advice on when to go somewhere, what kind of place is somewhere, or where to go, contact us and we will be more than glad to help you!
Check out local festivities. Most of the time there is a huge party going on somewhere that you might want to go to. One true example of this is “fiestas de Quito” where the entire city joins for a celebration among parades, ceremonies and parties at night.
| |
|
|
