This was our free day in Quito. Our Galapagos guide, Luis, recommended a tour guide named Jorge who gave us a tour of the city and escorted us to The Equator.
In Quito, we spent most of the day in the "Old City" region of Quito where most of the important churches and governmental buildings are located. Fortunately for us, every Monday features the Changing of the Guard at the Presidential Palace.
After strolling through the Plaza Grande, we had a chance to enter the front portion of the Presidential Palace and gaze into the courtyard. Some type of important press conference had just taken place. Presidential guards stood at the entrance in colorful blue, red and gold uniforms with tall decorated hats and ceremonial spears.
We then visited La Compania, one of Quito's world class colonial churches. Having visited many churches throughout Europe, I can say that La Campania is certainly one of the most ornate if have seen. the entire interior of the church is covered in gold leaf. Too bad you can't take pictures inside!
Next, we returned to the Plaza Grande to watch the changing of the guard. The ceremony was complete with army marching band, mounted soldiers as well as foot soldiers, all in ceremonial dress. The President stood on the balcony of the Presidential Palace, waving to his adoring citizens.
After lunch, we took a ride to the top of one of the nearby hills to enjoy a panoramic view of the city which is located in a valley. The city is some thirty miles long but only about two miles wide.
Next we were off to the Equator. After a 35 minute ride, we passed a large monument constructed by the French to mark what was thought to be the actual Equator. The site which most tourists visit (including us) is some 800 feet north on a privately owned piece of land. One pays an admission fee and tours a series of "experiments" designed to demonstrate the power of the Equator and gravity. One such experiment involves water flowing through a sink drain. In the Equator, it flows straight down. A few feet north of the Equator, it turns counter clockwise and a few feet south, clockwise. I'm not sure I am convinced!
After returning to Quito, we ate dinner at a wonderful restaurant called Zazu which features Latin American Fusion cuisine. The food and wine were excellent!
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
2 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
3 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.