Have questions? We're here.
Talk with an expert
Build your ideal Ecuador trip. Call 1.406.541.2677
Start Planning My Trip

My Ecuadorian Family

Today was a long but fun day! We woke up at 5:20 AM and returned to the airport for our flight back to Quito. It felt way too early and we both passed out on the flight. When we arrived in Quito, we were met at the airport by Daniel and were immediately off for Otavalo. Along the way north, Daniel stopped to show us great sites and foods. Our first stop was at a fruit stand by the side of the road. We tried a new food called chirimoya. It was big, green and lumpy and you rip it apart with your hands. The inside was creamy white with giant black seeds. It had the texture of an avocado but tasted like a mix of banana, coconut and pineapple. They were so delicious that we bought a couple more to take with us!
Chirimoyas- my favorite new fruit!
Chirimoyas- my favorite new fruit! (Erin Correia)

The next stop was a little town famous for bizcochos- a type of breadstick made with bacon fat and then baked twice. Daniel took us to his favorite spot where we had bizcochos, fresh cheese and hot chocolate.
Mmm...Bizcochos, hot chocolate and cheese
Mmm...Bizcochos, hot chocolate and cheese (Erin Correia)

Next, we stopped at Lago San Pablo for a beautiful view. The Imbabura district was beautiful- green fields all along the hills and mountain sides- lots of farms and greenhouses for roses.
Beautiful hills north of Quito on our way to Otavalo Market
Beautiful hills north of Quito on our way to Otavalo Market (Erin Correia)

We drove through a small town where dozens of children were gathered in front of the church having just made their first communion. They looked beautiful in their white dresses and suits. Their families were all celebrating.
We passed a First Communion celebration
We passed a First Communion celebration (Erin Correia)

We continued to Otavalo and their Saturday market, one of the largest in Ecuador! Daniel led us through the local food market and then on to the more touristic market. We had to bargain for prices and Daniel stepped in a bit to help (okay...more than a bit!). Amanda and I spent a good amount of time roaming the market and ended up with some great stuff. Daniel had an amazing memory and if we mentioned something we saw earlier in the day that we liked, he took us directly to the right booth!

We stopped to visit Hacienda Pinsaqui for a quick tour. Haciendas are to Ecuador what castles are to Ireland. This one was over 300 years old and was beautiful. The rooms looked so nice, the food smelled delicious and the peacocks strutting around were fun to watch. I wish we had time to stay overnight!

We continued on to Cotacacchi where they specialize in leather. We're not really into leather, so we quickly walked the street lined with shops. If we had more time, it probably would not have taken much convincing to get me to buy one of the beautiful purses or great pairs of boots. We headed back to Quito and slept for most of the drive.

Daniel helped us check in at Hotel Eugenia and pointed out a good restaurant for dinner. We ate at Coffee Tree and then returned to Eugenia where we were met by the staff of our office in Quito. They are all so fabulous!! It was nice to finally meet all of the people I have been working with through the computer for so long! I felt like I was meeting distant family. They took us on a driving tour of the city and we went all the way up to El Panecillo for an amazing view of Quito all lit up.
El Panecillo in Quito, a view of the city at night
El Panecillo in Quito, a view of the city at night (Erin Correia)

We climbed up into the giant virgin of the city tower for an even better view. After getting some cotton candy from a street vendor at the bottom of the statue,
Mmmm...cotton candy!!
Mmmm...cotton candy!! (Erin Correia)

we headed to La Mariscal district which is where Eugenia is located. It is also the main touristic area of the city and we went to the center of it all to see the city really come alive! There were tons of bars and restaurants and discos and the streets were filled with people and street performers. We enjoyed coffee on the heated patio of one of the cafes and chatted for a couple of hours. It was great! As it got late, they took us back to our hotel for the night.

Ecuador Travel Guide

Favorite Ecuador All Trips

Top Ecuador Travel Destinations

Ecuador Trips by Departure Date

Top Experiences in Ecuador

Ecuador Trips by Duration

Ecuador Trips by Activity

More Reasons

Why Travel With Adventure Life

All News

Recognized By