September 21, 2017 – October 2, 2017

Ecuador is the second smallest country in South America. It’s main exports are petroleum and agriculture. With more than 50% of its petroleum being shipped overseas to China. There are several distinct ecosystems and microclimates with the Andes mountains, the Amazon rainforest, Coastal beaches as well as the world famous Galapagos islands. Resulting in a ton of things to do for all activity levels and types of travel you prefer.

This was a trip that I decided to tack onto the back end of my Peru trip. I had the time off and I was already in South America (see blog on Peru) so why not? Also, this was a tour organized by my good friends at The Heart of Travel. I have been to several Latin American destinations because of their wonderful tours. I highly recommend them as they’re a perfect example of a female driven small business supporting locals and honestly they are fantastic.

Tame Airlines – they cancelled my flight due to “airplane maintenance”, personally I think it was economically better to cancel the flight and have us fly the next day on a “full” plane. Tip: have your ticket # and/or flight info for your departure flight from Ecuador readily available. It will speed things up for you during check in.

Bella Rosa Greenhouse – this was such a pleasant surprise. I have always been a lover of flowers in the house. I love the pretty arrangements and the happy feelings and touch of prettiness they provide in a room. Thus, this visit was both interesting and intriguing as I had no idea the work involved and the business that is roses. Being at the equator also makes for some great growing conditions for roses – lots of sunshine and cooler temps at night. Over 100 different varieties of roses are delivered to countries all over the world from this rose greenhouse.

Quito – the capital city of Ecuador and located at the Equator. We had a lovely historical walking tour of this World Heritage Site – La Compañia de Jesus Church, Plaza Grande, La Basilica, Middle of the World City and Into-Ñan Solar Museum.

Living at the equator – ie. Latitude 0 can result in some interesting things. This was exemplified at the Museum such as water draining down in the opposite direction, losing your balance while walking a straight line over the equator, etc. During the winter solstice there is a point where the sun is directly above you resulting in a time frame where you have NO shadow.

La Compañía de Jesus Church – a beautiful church with gorgeous views from the roof of the city of Quito.

La Basílica del Voto Nacional – a gorgeous Roman Catholic Church in the historic center of Quito

Otavalo Market – a large artisan craft market, during our exploration we did find a craft beer place. We also visited a farmer’s market where we learned about the indigenous foods as well as the textiles and leather crafts of this area.

Cotopaxi Province – Ecuador is also the land of volcanoes with over 27 active ones. Cotopaxi is the second highest volcano in Ecuador. It is at higher elevation so altitude sickness may affect you. We did an easy stroll around the park with views of the summit of Cotopaxi Volcano. This region was absolutely gorgeous with visits to Cotopaxi Park, lunch at the Hacienda San Agustín de Callo, and a visit to a local elementary school. This was one of my favorite days in Ecuador. The pristine skies, the hospitality of the locals and the visit to the local elementary school was the highlight of this trip for me. Not only does The heart of travel focus on culture, language and activities, but almost more important than all of that is their desire to give back to the locals and make a difference.

Baños – the gateway to the amazon. Scenic drive through the Avenue of the Waterfalls where we stopped at El Passion del Diablo. A thunderous waterfall with gorgeous valley views.

La Casa del Arbol – This is the original site of the instagram famous End of the World swing. On a clear day you swing over the edge overlooking the valley. Gorgeous views and a fun experience to be had by all. The day we arrived there was a fog hanging in the air, creating a mystical feeling.

Galapagos Islands

We took a short flight from Quito to the Santa Cruz Island of the Galapagos where the airport is located, we then hopped on a bus to a short ferry ride to the island of Santa Cruz. Made famous by Charles Darwin – the theory of evolution…that Charles Darwin.

Rancho El Manzanillo– lunch alongside a Giant ‘Galapagos’ Tortoise – These tortoises are endemic to the Galapagos and can live up to 100-150 years old and can weigh up to 900lbs.

North Seymour Island – a great walking tour showing off all the unique endemic species the Galapagos are famous for. From blue footed boobies, to marine and land iguanas. I loved taking pics of the Sally Lightfoot crabs, their bright red shells against the dark lava rocks made for some great shots. The wildlife here is so interesting and so beautifully unique.

Tintoreras Islet tour – named for the white tipped reef sharks that inhabit this part of Isabela Island. The turquoise crystal clear water was so calm it was like glass surrounding the lichen encrusted lava rocks.

We snorkeled twice while we were in the Galapagos. I forgot my GoPro on the first day (doh!), regrettably as we encountered the most sea turtles I had ever seen. We also saw some white tipped reef sharks and other marine life. The water temperature would have been fine for most warm temperature types. I freeze easily so I chose to wear a wetsuit. It was a 3mm which was good for snorkeling. Now that I’m dive certified I would love to explore the Galapagos under the sea. I hear it’s amazing.

Flamingo citing – on an early morning walk with coffee in hand, Chelsea and I happened upon a flock of flamingos. Worth the mention due to the tranquil nature we found them in.

Some more highlights of the Galapagos for me – craft brewery, hippie coffee house and the Charles Darwin Research Center

This was a vacation in timing. I would like to call myself an opportunistic traveler, in that given the opportunity I will almost always say yes to exploring a new city, town or country. Heart of Travel’s Ecuador trip fit into my South American plans so well I couldn’t pass it up. If you get the opportunity to explore Ecuador I say go for it. There is so much to see and explore. Second visit for me would include – scuba diving the Galapagos, exploring more of the amazon and hiking more in the Cotopaxi region. Until next time Ecuador…