Poets - Ecuadorian Literature

Ramiro Oviedo

Ramiro Oviedo (Chambo, Ecuador, 1952) is a renowned poet and writer known for his literary contributions in Ecuador and France. He relocated to France in 1987, where he taught Latin American literature at Université du Littoral. Oviedo has published several acclaimed books. His collection, “Les poèmes du colonel” (2002) won the Trouvères Prize in 2002 and the Claude Sernet Prize in 2004. His captivating writing delves into the existential struggle for meaning in life and the challenges individuals face. Oviedo’s dedication to literature and teaching has made him a prominent figure in the international literary community, shaping the minds of aspiring writers and contributing significantly to the cultural exchange between Latin America and Europe.

Antonio Vidas

Antonio Vidas, pseudonym of Dimas Antonio Garcìa Vinces (Santa Ana, Ecuador, April 25, 1974) is an Ecuadorian poet. His works are deeply rooted in his country, family, and natural surroundings. Residing in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, Vidas explored themes of nostalgia, migration, and the human experience in his poetry. He is the author of at least two poetry books: “El arpa del ceibo en llamas” (2010) and “El náufrago y la isla” (2011). Through his poems, Vidas reflects on his birthplace and invites readers on a journey of introspection and self-discovery.

George Perdomo Rodríguez

George Perdomo Rodríguez (Muisne, Esmeraldas, 1952) is an Ecuadorian writer and poet. After leaving his homeland, he settled in Palma de Mallorca, Spain. Through his literary works, he explores themes of immigration, capturing the struggles, aspirations, and emotions of those who leave their homeland in search of a better life. George Perdomo Rodríguez’s writing reflects his own experiences and offers a profound understanding of the human condition, resonating with readers both in Ecuador and Spain. “His books include: Balada del emigrante,” “Los sueños de las palomas,” “Saga de emigrantes,” “Senderos de Espumas,” “Isla de Ensueños,” among others.

Diógenes Cuero Caicedo

Diógenes Cuero Caicedo (Esmeraldas, October 28, 1948 – Ibidem, January 3, 2019) was an Ecuadorian poet, cultural activist, lawyer, university professor, and a prominent voice in celebrating and affirming black identity. Born in the poor black community of San Francisco de Ónzole in the Eloy Alfaro Canton, Cuero dedicated his life to promoting the culture and heritage of Afro-Ecuadorians. His literary journey began in the 1980s, using poetry as a means to explore themes of blackness, social justice, and the rich cultural legacy of his community. Through works like “Tsunami, Mitología y Poesía” and “Las Huellas de la Carimba,” Cuero illuminated the experiences, struggles, and contributions of Afro-Ecuadorians, challenging stereotypes and fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of black identity. His impact as a poet and cultural advocate continues to resonate, leaving a lasting legacy in Ecuadorian literature. He held a doctorate in Jurisprudence and for 20 years hosted a radio program called “Raíces” (Roots), where he spoke about the culture of his people.

Amanda Pazmiño Torres

Amanda Pazmiño Torres (Quito, Ecuador, 1993) is an Ecuadorian poet, writer, and teacher of language and English. She has been actively involved in cultural promotion and served as a Cultural Ambassador at the FIL Lima in 2012. In 2020, Pazmiño published her first poetry book, titled “Les hablaré de ti a todos los mares que fragüen un hogar en mis ojos,” which won the 12th edition of the Ileana Espinel Cedeño National Poetry Contest. She leads the ERGO International Cultural Group in Ecuador. She directs workshops focused on creative writing and personal growth, using writing as a tool for self-discovery. She is the director of the poetic writing workshop titled “Camino hacia el equilibrio: palabras que sanan” (Path to Balance: Healing Words). Her poems have been published in the newspaper El Ciudadano and several anthologies. Her poetry booklet “Recorrido de abismo” (Journey through the Abyss) was selected and published by the editorial imprint Despertar (Loja, 2017).

María Belén Muñoz

María Belén Muñoz Menéndez (El Carmen, Ecuador) is an Ecuadorian poet, writer, cultural promoter, professor, and Agricultural Engineer with a Master’s degree in Environmental Development. She has held positions such as the Coordinator of the Culture Department at the Universidad Laica Eloy Alfaro de Manabí, Campus “El Carmen,” where she contributed her expertise as a university teacher. Her talents and accomplishments led to her participation as part of the delegation of Ecuadorian writers at the prestigious International Book Fair in Cuba in 2011. Furthermore, she was actively involved with the International Art Group “Plaza XXI,” serving as the National Coordinator for the Ecuador Chapter. María Belén also played a significant role as the president of the House of Culture in the canton of El Carmen.

Máxima Angulo Borja

Máxima Angulo Borja, born in San Lorenzo, Esmeraldas, is an Ecuadorian poet. Her poetry is deeply rooted in personal experiences and activism, exploring themes of Afro-Ecuadorian identity. In 2018, Angulo published her book “Pininos Literarios” through the House of Ecuadorian Culture of Esmeraldas. This work delves into Afro-Ecuadorian culture, incorporating mythological characters such as La Tunda, El Riviel, and La Gualgura to emphasize their cultural significance. The book also pays tribute to the marimba, a traditional musical instrument in Esmeraldas. Angulo’s writing resonates with readers through its accessible language and vivid descriptions, shedding light on social realities and preserving ancestral customs. Currently residing in Muisne, a coastal town in the southwest of Esmeraldas province in northwestern Ecuador, Máxima Angulo Borja works as a literature and language teacher at Unidad Educativa Muisne.

Orlando Tenorio

Orlando Tenorio Cuero (Esmeraldas, May 22, 1945) is an Afro-Ecuadorian poet and writer. Tenorio’s poetry explores a variety of topics, providing deep observations on social consciousness, struggle, and the human condition. His notable books include “Desde atrás de la vida” [From Behind Life], “El Alfabeto de las golondrinas” [The Swallows’ Alphabet], and “Epistlas para el hombre y el mar” [Epistles to Man and the Sea]. Tenorio also served as president of the Esmeraldas chapter of the House of Ecuadorian Culture (Casa de la Cultura Ecuatoriana), displaying his dedication to fostering arts and culture in his region.

Ingrid Bravo Ruiz

Ingrid Bravo Ruiz (Manabí) is an Ecuadorian poet and politician. Her debut poetry book, titled “El dolor de tu ausencia” (2014), is a remarkable testament to her poetic talent and introspective nature. Published when she was just 17 years old, this collection explores the depths of love, longing, and the profound impact of loss. Furthermore, Ingrid Bravo Ruiz holds the distinction of being the youngest poet featured in the poetry anthology titled “Antología poética de mujeres manabitas: voces de ternura al corazón del pueblo” (Poetic Anthology of Manabí Women: Voices of Tenderness to the Heart of the People), compiled by Vicenta Alarcón Castro in 2019.

César Eduardo Carrión

César Eduardo Carrión (1976) is a prolific writer with a diverse literary repertoire. Holding a doctoral degree in Latin American Literature from the Universidad Andina Simón Bolívar, he is currently a professor at the Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador. César has established himself as a respected figure in the Ecuadorian literary landscape, with a notable list of published works. His poetry books include “Revés de luz” (2006), “Pirografías” (2008), “Limalla babélica” (2009), “Poemas en una Jaula de Faraday” (2010), “Cinco maneras de armar un travesti” (2011), “Emboscada” (2017), “Es lodo y es polvo y es humo y es nada” (2018), and “Emboscada / Ambush” (translated by Kimrey Anna Batts, 2019). Additionally, César has contributed to the field of essays with several works, delving into various topics. Through his literary contributions and academic expertise, César Eduardo Carrión has made a significant impact on Ecuadorian literature.

Alfredo Vivar

Alfredo Vivar (Cuenca, 1932 – unknown) was an Ecuadorian poet, painter, and civil engineer. He is perhaps best known for his poetry books, “Variaciones, natura, amor, soledad” (1978), “Sonsinfin Opus” (1984), and “Sonsinfin Opus 2” (1986). In 2012, the University of Cuenca published two poetry books from his cyclical series Sonsinfin: “Suele llama sola mi corazón” and “El mar azul… ¿Dónde es azul?” Eliecer Cárdenas, in the foreword of these volumes, emphasized the distinctiveness of Vivar’s poetry, characterized by its non-sequential nature and instantaneity. Jorge Dávila Vázquez once referred to Alfredo Vivar as “a lyricist who has not yet received the recognition he deserves.” Notably, Vivar’s poetry was also included in the anthology “Siete poetas,” which was published by the House of Ecuadorian Culture in 1990.

Nancy Carlín Iglesias

Nancy Carlín Iglesias de Lujano (Esmeraldas, March 31, 1937) is an Ecuadorian poet. She called both Esmeraldas and Guayaquil home at different stages of her life. In 1960, she achieved recognition with the publication of a notable collection of poems titled “Este paisaje llamado día” [This Landscape Called Day], released by the Publications Department of the University of Guayaquil. Her exceptional talent as a poet led to the inclusion of her work in prominent anthologies such as “Espirales Poéticas,” “Presencia de la mujer ecuatoriana en la poesía,” “Cuaderno de Poesia,” and “Lirica Hispana” (Venezuela). During the late 1950s, Nancy contributed to newspapers or magazines such as La Hora, Nuevo Diario La Hora, La Nación (Diario Matutino), and Cronica Universitaria. Following her marriage in 1965, Nancy took a hiatus from publishing poetry, but her love for the art form remains undiminished. She continues to write poems for personal enjoyment, as well as for her family and on special occasions. She currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada where she now goes by her married name, Nancy Lujano.

Issa Aguilar Jara

Issa Aguilar Jara (Cuenca, 1988) is an Ecuadorian poet and journalist. She has authored 3 critically-acclaimed poetry collections. Her debut poetry book, “Con M de mote se escribe Mojigata” (2018), fearlessly challenges the conservative aspects of her hometown with intimate and satirical verses, and delves into intimate themes, including her relationship with her father. Her second collection, “Poliamor town” (2020), delves into themes of love, diverse relationships, and the complexities of human connections. In 2022, her latest book, “Dos tragos de sinestesia o El diablo verde,” won the prestigious César Dávila Andrade National Poetry Prize, further solidifying her reputation as a notable voice in contemporary Ecuadorian poetry. Aguilar’s work has resonated with readers, particularly the younger generation, making her books popular in Cuenca.

Paulina Jaramillo Valdivieso

Paulina Jaramillo Valdivieso (Loja, 1963) is an Ecuadorian poet, writer, and children’s literature author. She has authored six books, including “Mitos que madrugan al sol” and “Estatura de tiempo y convergencia,” which reflect both her personal experiences and Andean heritage. Her father, the poet Alfredo Jaramillo Andrade, was a significant influence in her life. Her work in literature has earned her several accolades, including recognition as a distinguished woman in literature from the Ecuadorian Committee for Cooperation with the Inter-American Commission of Women in 2009. Additionally, she has served as the coordinator of the Alfredo Mora Reyes Cultural Center for the past 15 years and hosts a cultural radio program called “Escenario.”

Alfredo Jaramillo Andrade

Alfredo Jaramillo Andrade (May 19, 1934) is an Ecuadorian poet, writer, playwright, and teacher. He has published several books, including “Los hijos de la luz,” “Canciones para la ciudad,” “Mujeres, sueños y muerte,” and “El sombrero del tiempo,” exploring themes of love, death, and nature. Jaramillo Andrade has been a member of various organizations, including the Literature Section of the House of Ecuadorian Culture in Loja, where he held the position of President from 1977 to 1986. He oversaw the direction of several of its magazines. He also founded “El Agro,” a newspaper of the School of Agricultural Sciences at the National University of Loja. He has received numerous awards, including the Loja National Poetry Prize in 1956 and the National Culture Award in 2004.