Today, I hired a taxi for the entire day to see the sights around the PIchincha countryside. First, we went to La Midad del Mundo, or Middle of the World Monument. It is a geological monument where the equator separates the northern and southern hemispheres. My driver, Fanny and I walked all around and took pictures of the monument in the background with us straddling the equatorial line.
Next we went to Inti Ñan which is the "real" place where the equator slices through the earth. We took a great tour and the guide explained about the Quichua culture, Amazon rites with shrunken heads and many experiments to show how things are different at the equator, One such experiment was to stand a raw egg on the head of a nail and I actually saw some people do it! I, of course, you guessed it, couldn't.
Afterward, we went to TeleferiQo, which is a 15 minute cable car ride to Cruz Loma on the eastern face of the Pichincha Volcano and about 4,300 meters in an enclosed cable car. The view going up is spectacular because the city of Quito was in bright sunshine below and at the top, it is cold, rainy and cloudy. You can barely see your hand in front of your face. If you aren't careful, it is possible to get lost! As we descended, it began to rain in earnest.
We were fairly hungry, so we found a vegetarian restaurant near the hotel (Hey! I had to find one! lol) and concluded our tour, just as the rain beat down, at the Botanical Gardens of Carolina Park. This park houses a Vivarium with snakes and amphibians of all sizes, shapes and colors. It is one of the largest parks in South America. Unfortunately, you can´t walk around in it very safely at night. None the less, it was gorgeous. So many flowers and plants that you will only find in Ecuador. Even the rain didn't dampen my spirits.
As my time in Quito has come to an end, for now, I know that it is on to the Galapagos and more adventures tomorrow.
I spoke with at least a half dozen other travel companies, looking for a Galapagos cruise that fit our schedule and budget. Some companies could manage one or the other, but Erin was the only one who could do both. She found us the perfect cruise, at a fantastic price! And she has been quick and patient with responses to my many questions. So far, Adventure Life has been a fantastic company to work with!
Sandi T
2 weeks ago
Erin was patient, thorough, responsive, knowledgeable.
Karen Bukolt
3 weeks ago
Erin was responsive, knowledgeable, helpful, and ran through a few different choices with us. She got us a fabulous price on a trip, and made everything easy to do. And QUICK!!
Tina
1 month ago
From the initial meeting and planning process with our trip planner Jess, through to the finalizing of our itinerary, trip details and questions, I was very impressed with the professionalism, thoroughness, organization and attention to details. I would highly recommend Adventure Life to anyone looking to plan a unique travelling experience, knowing that the expertise and experience provided will result in a seamless trip of a lifetime.
Lynn Farquharson
1 month ago
Excellent suggestions I line with my desires on a Galapagos very last minute cruise.
Swift and professional guidance and assistance in booking the trip. Helped me realising a substantial saving.