Our guide Mauricio arrives in a fedora, is a slightly built and easy going. Joining him is our driver Osvaldo (a university math prof). We do the standard local tourist stuff---the Teleferico cable car and lookout; El Panecillo the giant, aluminum virgin overlooking the city; the old town a UNESCO joint; Mitad del Mundo the equatorial exhibit and line. The old town is impressive. Narrow cobblestone streets, well preserved colonial architecture, enough old churches to satisfy even the most fervent Catholic historian, plazas and squares that invite you to linger and people watch for days, shops and street vendors hawking trinkets as well as high end local stuff.
I keep an eye on Hil and Ev, figuring if I were a pickpocketer, or an unscrupulous vendor, they'd provide dinner. After a rough gastrointestinal bout in Central America, I remind everyone to not eat anything uncooked or unpeeled. Hil's videocam is permanently on. She has recorded the vibrancy of the old town, but also every meal, the waiter, the sidewalks, the traffic, the sights, the washrooms, half of Quito.
Dusk arrives quickly and the streets and sidewalks of Mariscal are teeming with life, beautiful locals, blessed travellers, hungry stomachs, and thirsty throats. We go for the authentic meal at Mama Clorinda as recommended by our guide Mauricio.
Jeff orders the guinea pig, which comes deepfried and is more or less like a dry, meatless chicken carcass. Everything else is meat and potatoes heaven, with a hearty dose of corn. Because of this, I've never been a huge fan of cuisine in Latin America but am impressed with the freshness of everything, especially the seafood.
Adventure Life has been an extraordinary travel resource for us over the years and today was no exception. Our River Cruise booking was handled by Jess (who has been our personal trip planner for several years) the same day as our inquiry. Suggestions were given for cabin choice and pre-trip options (that were not shown on the cruise line's website) like airport transfers and prepaid gratuities. Trip insurance recommendations followed and we were assigned a travel co-ordinator till the end of the tour. All we have to do is show up! Great service from friendly folks.
APtravelwell
1 day ago
My representative Kevin was very responsive generally and in crafting our itinerary to our specific priorities.
Rocco Labella
1 day ago
Although there was a lot of paper work, I received help and guidance when I needed it.
Donna Kirby
2 days ago
Our travel was flawless! The rider pickup (airport, hotel, ship) was seamless. Jane's recommendation for Emerald Cruise Sakara was everything I wanted but the experience was soooo much more. Adventure Life took care of each and every detail and this was the easiest of all my travels.
Anne Petty
3 days ago
Follow up was effective any questions were answered in a timely manner