The Culture Trip - Ecuador's Battle Against Adulterated Alcohol

The production of bootleg alcohol has been common practice in Ecuador for many years but in recent months an increasing number of people have been admitted to hospitals as a result of drinking moonshine containing poisonous methanol. What has caused this huge increase in the production of dangerous, illegal alcohols, and what should be done to prevent further incidents?

According to official government statistics, between mid-July and September 2011, 50 people died in Ecuador after drinking contaminated alcohol. A further 14 have been left blind and at least 500 have been admitted to hospital with health problems likely caused by consuming moonshine.

It is a distressingly common problem in a country where illegally produced and unregulated alcohol accounts for at least half of the alcohol consumed, according to Ecuador’s Association of Alcohol Manufacturers. Additionally, the World Health Organisation figures show that Ecuador is the third largest consumer of alcohol in Latin America, behind Argentina and Guyana.

The increasing problem with bootleg alcohol is thought to be a result of the high taxes placed on legal producers. Taxes have allegedly increased from seven cents to 90 cents per bottle since 2000, which has caused a subsequent slump in sales. Ordinary people cannot afford to pay for the comparatively high prices charged by legal producers with appropriate health certificates and so are seeking alcohol from cheaper sources.

Tradition is also contributing to the problem, as Ecuador has been producing bootleg liquors made from sugar cane for generations. As more and more people continue to suffer as a result of health problems caused by the consumption of moonshine that is disguising itself as a legal product, what can the government do to protect its citizens? Should they lower taxes on legally produced alcohol in the hope of denying the bootleggers revenue? Or would this only serve to further increase binge drinking, leading to a different, but no less damaging, set of longer-term health problems?

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.