It was a photo of the spectacular Cotopaxi volcano that first captured my imagination. I was ten years old and I promised myself that I would one day visit Ecuador. I had an opportunity in 2008 while I was in South America on my round-the-world trip. I’d planned to fly to Lima from Buenos Aires and spend some time exploring Peru and Ecuador. That didn’t work out as I ended up staying in Buenos Aires for almost two months (BA does that to you)! Several years later, I received an invitation from Metropolitan Touring (the premier tour operator to Ecuador) and LAN Airlines for a ten-day trip to Ecuador. I’d missed one opportunity before; I wasn’t going to miss another so I responded with a resounding “YES, PLEASE”! It turned out to be a truly extraordinary tour of Ecuador; one that took me from the historic heart of Quito, Ecuador’s capital city, to the mysterious Andean cloud forest and on to the incredible Galapagos Islands.
Tour of Ecuador
Quito
Quito is the capital of Ecuador. Located at an altitude of 2,800m (9,300ft), Quito is the highest official capital city in the world (La Paz in Bolivia is higher but Sucré is the official capital) and was one of two cities to be bestowed with the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage status in 1978.
The first thing that struck me was the altitude – climbing a staircase was suddenly a bigger challenge than it normally is. Taking smaller steps was the solution and that worked out just fine as I got to enjoy the gorgeous historic heart of Quito at a slower pace. It was quickly evident why Quito’s historic centre is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. With its colonial buildings, stunning churches, quaint cobblestone streets and colourful houses, it truly is a gem!
Casa Gangotena
I stayed at the beautiful Casa Gangotena, a fully-restored colonial-era mansion at the corner of the Plaza San Francisco. The hotel was absolutely gorgeous – my spacious room looked out on the San Francisco square and the hearty breakfasts in the bright atrium each morning were a joy! In the afternoons, high tea is served to all guests – this is included in the room rate – and comprises a wonderful selection of finger sandwiches, pastries and chocolate.
Exploring Quito
Together with an expert guide, we went on long walks across the various neighbourhoods in the old town, stopping at some of the most stunning churches I’ve ever seen such as the San Francisco Church and La Compañia, monasteries, the San Francisco market (where we met a local medicine woman who specialises in herbal treatments), and local artisans like the terrific Panama hat-maker in San Roque and Chez Tiff, the chocolatier in La Ronda. If you love hats and chocolate, you’re in for a treat! One thing I quickly discovered is the insanely good chocolate! Two brands that totally blew me away were Pacari (Oprah is also a fan!) and Republica del Cacao.
Quito is also rapidly becoming a hotspot for Latin American cuisine and this was more than apparent at Restaurant Lua in the La Floresta neighbourhood. We sat around a table, pisco cocktails in hand, and were simply wowed by Chef Alexander’s passion for Ecuadorian cuisine – the ceviche, grilled piranha and chocolate mousse were sure highlights!
Mashpi Cloud Forest
After three lovely days in Quito, we made our way to the Mashpi Cloud Forest Reserve. It was a beautiful 4-hour drive with astounding vistas of the Andes and the snow-capped volcanoes (I managed to catch a glimpse of the Cotopaxi volcano!), and past lush forests and sleepy villages. We even crossed the Equator several times! I fell asleep at some point and when I awoke, I found myself in a mysterious, mist-shrouded forest with giant anthuriums, mosses and towering trees.
The car soon came to a halt and as the mist cleared, I spotted a futuristic-looking building with large windows, almost completely encapsulated by the forest. This was the Mashpi Lodge! Situated on a ridge overlooking a broad valley, the lodge was designed as a cocoon of luxury in the clouds. I’ve been to many jungle lodges around the world but I’d never seen anything like this before.
The concept was evident: keep guests comfortable inside the lodge but never more than a step away from the glorious nature outside – you certainly won’t find bugs, lizards or snakes in your bed or bathroom at the Mashpi Lodge! Large windows all around allow for magnificent views of the forest and the mountains in every direction! The design of this place was simply breathtaking!
Adventures in the Mashpi cloud forest
During our two days there, we went on guided walks through the cloud forest, rode the Sky Bike (a bicycle-like contraption on a cable; you basically pedal your way through the forest canopy 60m up in the air!), learned about the many species of birds, insects and plants, and swam in beautiful rock pools. The guides were true experts and they never ceased to amaze with their nature-spotting capabilities and knowledge of the forest.
Meal times were a feast – the chef had something exquisite to serve every day! And in the mornings, I would wake up to the incredible sounds of the forest just outside my window. Simply magical!
Galapagos Islands
Whilst the start of this Ecuador tour on the mainland was amazing, it was the Galapagos Islands that truly blew me away. I spent three wondrous days on the La Pinta yacht, visiting the islands of San Cristóbal, Española and Santa Cruz.
Galapagos flora and fauna
There are simply no words to describe the incredible beauty and unique flora and fauna on these islands. These islands are the stuff of dreams for nature lovers, botanists and photographers. When I spotted a sea turtle just outside my window on Yacht La Pinta, I knew this cruise was going to be special. This Ecuador tour was full of amazing experiences!
What made it so special was how ‘friendly’ the animals are – in the absence of any land-based predators, the sea lions, birds, reptiles, turtles and other animals do not scurry away. On the contrary, some of them show a good dose of curiosity.
Snorkelling with sea lions
One of my many highlights on the islands was snorkelling among sea lions. They swam up to us and kept us company as we gaped at the colourful tropical fish, rays and turtles. Many of these species are indigenous to the islands so every precaution has to be taken to ensure their preservation. In this sense, the crew and guides on La Pinta were outstanding. We were very well briefed about the islands and the rules we had to adhere to, and every step was taken to ensure we left nothing but our footprints in the sand on the islands.
This Ecuador tour was certainly a dream come true for me. Here are my recommendations for places not to miss in Ecuador.
Note: my trip to Ecuador was a collaboration with Metropolitan Touring and LAN Airlines. All views expressed above are mine, and mine only.
[…] the lofty peaks of the Andes to the tropical Pacific Coast and the incredible Galapagos Islands, Ecuador is an amazing destination with lots to see and do. Explore the historic centre of Quito before venturing into the cloud […]
Yep! 🙂
Great Keith, thanks for the feedback! No bag is always best if possible!
Hi Steph,
It was my first time in Ecuador and Quito so I can say if things have improved. I can however say that there were many security guards in the streets in the old town and I felt the need to be extra vigilant (perhaps because of their presence). There were many tourists in the streets. I was warned by a couple I met about the street kids, to keep an eye out for my things. I didn’t have a bag, just my pocket camera and phone and a few small dollar bills. I didn’t once feel threatened and really enjoyed my stay in Quito.
Cheers,
Keith
Hey Keith, great to read your article and how much you enjoyed Ecuador. I was there for 3 months in 2012 and totally loved it – definitely one of my favourites in Latin America. Interesting that you stayed in the old town section of Quito – I found this part very dangerous when I was there, in fact we were almost robbed in broad daylight – i say almost, because we didn’t fall for their cunning ink explosion trick on our bag, so managed to get away! We stayed in the Mariscal Area of the new town instead. Sounds like you found the old quarter quite safe though – do you think things have improved there?
Thank you for sharing that wonderful adventure in South America.I always connect SA with Manchu Pichu, so your post is quite an eye opener to what Ecquador and the Galapagos has to offer. Photography is great and your writing so enjoyable.
[…] but one I won’t easily forget was my trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands (see: https://velvetescape.com/2014/10/tour-of-ecuador/). From charming Quito to the amazing cloud forests of Mashpi and the incredible Galapagos Islands, […]
[…] And so I did, when Metropolitan Touring and LAN Airlines extended an invitation to me to go on a tour of Ecuador. After my first day on the islands, I was really happy that I decided to go. The Galapagos Islands […]
Hi Grace,
Mashpi is an incredible place. Not often have I come across such an incredible forest with a stunning accommodation to go with it! The Mashpi Lodge sure is one of my favourite places I visited this year.
Cheers,
Keith
The Mashpi Cloud Forest looks like a dream! It must have been an incredible trip.
Thank you Rosana! Ecuador is on my wish list too – to return and see more of the country! 🙂
Cheers,
Keith
Amazing trip! Ecuador is on my wish list!
You take great photo’s! I’m already falling in love with the place and I’m not even there yet!
I’m going to Ecuador and the Galapagos next year and am super excited! Thank you so much for sharing your experiences! 🙂
Thank you Rana! 🙂
Great article, wonderful photography what i liked the most is the amazing creative writing skills.
Thanx keep it up.
Yay, thanks Julie! 🙂
Great post, Keith! You really captured the places we visited well!
That’s a brilliant idea! Haha! Thanks Maria. 🙂
Haha! Thanks for your comment Raymond. Mashpi was absolutely stunning!
Cheers,
Keith
That Mashpi Lodge is stunning! And the turtles and seal lions too I suppose. 🙂
I think the only reason I would leave the Mashpi Lodge would be to tour the islands and see the turtles, etc… then right back to the Lodge! I can see why you titled the post ‘unforgettable’
Haha! Mashpi was amazing! Hope to go back again one day and spend a bit more time there. 🙂
Sorry Galapagos, but I can’t get over the beauty of the Mashpi Lodge and the forest. I am dreaming…