Kichwa or Quichua refers to the Kichwa-speaking people of Ecuador. The Kichwa are a part of a much larger population in South America (Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia and Argentina) known as the Quechuas (also Runakuna and Ingas).
The Kichwa inhabit both the highlands and lowlands of Ecuador. The way of life of the lowland Kichwa has been significantly altered only in the past few decades. Many Kichwa still hold true to their customs and cultivate yuca and other traditional foods in permaculture gardens.
The Kichwa’s current population (in Ecuador) is estimated at about 80,000 people.
