In November, I was fortunate enough to travel with my co-worker, Nicole Cooper, to Ecuador. It was my first time visiting this incredible country, and we covered a lot of ground, from Quito to the Amazon, then on to the Highlands, before rounding off our trip in the Galapagos Islands. Experiencing different regions introduced us to varied climates and landscapes, along with a wide range of unforgettable experiences.
Exploring Quito
Quito truly offers something for everyone. History buffs will enjoy the Old Town and historic center with its colonial architecture, science enthusiasts will appreciate the interactive demonstrations at the Equator line, and chocolate lovers can indulge in one of Ecuador’s most famous exports during a chocolate tasting. And if you happen to be all three, you’ll feel right at home in Quito.
On our first morning, we headed north to the Equator and visited the Intiñan Equator Museum, where we placed one foot in each hemisphere for a classic photo opportunity. We also took part in several interactive demonstrations. Our guide showed how water spins counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere, followed by the challenge of balancing a raw egg on a nail directly on the Equator line. I almost accomplished it on one of my first attempts, but unfortunately in the end I was unsuccessful. The final test involved closing our eyes and walking heel to toe along the Equator. Since balance isn’t my strong suit, this proved especially difficult, as the competing pulls of the hemispheres cause you to lean one way or the other.
Back in the city, we toured the historic center, visiting San Diego Convent and San Francisco Church. Across the Plaza de San Francisco is Yumbos Chocolatier, where we indulged in some sweet treats during a chocolate tasting. Here, I experienced the best brownie I’ve ever had in my life! I still think about it to this day.
Immersed in the Amazon Rainforest
From Quito, we ventured to the Amazon Rainforest. I had previously been to the Amazon in Peru, but this experience was a little different as instead of staying on a boat sailing along the river, we stayed stationary at La Selva Lodge. Each morning and afternoon, we set out with both a naturalist guide and a native guide for various activities. As active travelers, we especially enjoyed the nature hikes along the Matapolo and Coto trails, where our guide shared his extensive knowledge of the region’s flora and fauna. I even braved a night walk, during which our guides, Paul and Cheecho, pointed out nocturnal wildlife, including four separate tarantula sightings and a tree frog. Paul would say “come closer” before I would see what he was going to show us, and I was a little apprehensive to step forward to see what he had found. After half an hour, I was ready to get back to the lodge and say goodnight to the nocturnal critters, but I was proud of myself for getting out of my comfort zone.
The Amazon offered a nice balance of active and relaxed experiences. On non-hiking outings, we explored the lagoons by canoe, spotting howler monkeys, squirrel monkeys, and various bird species near the lodge. One morning, we paddled across Garza Cocha Lake and spotted a red-tailed boa high in a tree. I was relieved it kept its distance and that we could view it safely through binoculars. We also traveled by motorized canoe to the Parrot Clay Lick, where dozens of parrots and parakeets gathered to feed on mineral-rich soil.
Andean Highlands
After bidding farewell to the Amazon, we headed back to Quito where we were met by our guide and driver for a two-hour drive up north to Imbabura. Along the way, we stopped at Hacienda la Compania and its rose farm, where we observed the production process behind some of Ecuador’s most beautiful roses.
We then arrived at Hacienda Zuleta, a large family estate once inhabited by two former presidents of Ecuador. From the moment we arrived, we felt warmly welcomed, more like family than guests. The estate offers a wide range of activities, including horseback riding, visits to the Condor Rescue Center (the only reproduction and liberation site licensed by Ecuador’s government condor protection agency), tours of the on-site cheese factory, and numerous hiking opportunities.
After visiting the condor rescue center, we completed a three-mile hike to the highest point overlooking the valley, where we were rewarded with sweeping views and the unforgettable sight of a wild Andean condor flying overhead.
That afternoon, we explored the property on horseback, a relaxing way to take in the scenery.
A Week in the Galapagos Islands
Our final leg of the journey was a week in the Galapagos Islands. We spent three nights on Santa Cruz Island and four nights aboard the Hermes Mega Catamaran on the western route, visiting Isabela, Fernandina, Santiago, and North Seymour Islands.
If you love to snorkel, the Galapagos is the best place to do it in my opinion. The water is calm, and the amount of marine life is simply unfathomable. I felt like I was in Finding Nemo! My favorite sightings were the sea turtles and sea lions. The sea lions are just so playful and curious; they are the puppies of the sea.
When we weren’t snorkeling, we enjoyed guided hikes across the islands, spotting land iguanas, marine iguanas, giant tortoises, sea lions, blue-footed boobies, Nazca boobies, and flightless cormorants. On dinghy rides, we also saw Galapagos penguins, the second-smallest penguin species in the world. Nicole even spotted orca whales once we were back aboard the ship, which unfortunately happened while I was in the shower. I’m still kicking myself for missing that moment!
Kayaking offered another unique way to experience the Galapagos. While staying on land, we walked to Tortuga Bay and rented kayaks for an hour. The name quickly made sense, as turtles constantly surfaced throughout the bay. We also spotted white-tipped reef sharks along the shoreline.
On our final afternoon aboard the Hermes, I opted to kayak instead of snorkel, as I had reached my fill of snorkeling. While conditions didn’t allow for stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking still gave us the chance to get close to the cliffs, where we spotted blue-footed boobies and even penguins perched on the rocks. It was a refreshing change of pace and a memorable way to end the trip.
In short, mainland Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands offer an incredible range of landscapes, wildlife, and experiences. Whether you prefer exploring on land or diving into the sea, this destination delivers unforgettable moments at every turn. The Galapagos Islands, in particular, will always hold a special place in my heart.
