The day in Ecuador begins earlier than we are used do as there are only 12 hours of light year round from 6am-6pm. So 6am actually feels like 8am back home. We had a continental breakfast of eggs, toast, fruit, cereal, coffee, juice & tea. Simple spread but perfect. The waiter did not speak English but they always had an attendant at the front desk who spoke both Spanish and English. I pulled out my rusty Español to ask for a “tasa de café para llevar” – cup of coffee to go.
Jonathan and our driver picked us up at the hotel for out city tour. They took us first the Old Town. He took us to the Basilica and then down the road to other churches and explained the difference in architecture from one to the next. We stopped outside the last church to grab some coffee. I never know what to expect to pay – it depends if you are in a tourist place or local café. We paid $7 for three cappuccinos, which is good by US standards but expensive for local cafes. I was excited to find that a bottle of water is only between 30 and 40 cents. Good news since I drink water like a fish. That is always one of my concerns while traveling – will there be enough water. Yes! And I think your body adapts as you go along to not need as much. If you do, a convenience store is never to far away. They’re on every corner through out the city where you can buy snacks, water, pop, candy, and other things.
Next we went to the statue of the virgin on the hill and Jonathan explained the different parts of the city to us – Old Town, Mariscal, the airport, etc. The airport is right in the middle of town which is a bit concerning for those who live need it. Construction is almost complete on a new airport; however, it is an hour drive outside the city so it will be a little less convenient for travelers to get to and from their hotels. The change is supposed to happen in February of 2013 so we will see how it works out.
Next we went to the Teleferico (Tram), which takes you to the top of the mountain outside Quito to look down. It was a gorgeous view and the air was so fresh and crisp, it woke us up from our daze. While traveling in a foreign country, it is inevitable that you will be more tired doing similar activities as you would at home. Your body is adapting to the time and altitude changes. It usually takes me a day or two to feel back on track. I’ve found that drink lots of water and electrolytes helps a great deal.
Returning to Quito, we had an excellent lunch of typical Ecuadorian food –empanadas, potato and cheese soup with avocados, and corn & beans (they looked like giant lima beans) with a rich salsa. It was a good meal to introduce our stomachs to the local food.
The last part of our day tour took us north about 30 minutes to the Mitad del Mundo, middle of the world. Jonathan connected us with the tour (they have specific guides for this tour) that takes about an hour and costs $4 per person. It was a lot more information than I was expecting. They give you a brief overview of Ecuador and the people, from the Amazon to the Highlands to the coast. Then you get to do several experiments that prove you are on the equator – including balancing an egg and walking with your eyes closed while trying to stay straight on the line. It’s harder than it looks because of the centrifugal forces.
That evening, we went back to the hotel and walked around looking for a good place to eat. It was Friday night, so there were many people in the streets and at that time (about 7pm) everything was packed. We ended up going back to the hotel and eating at a wonderful restaurant just around the corner: Urbanico Café. The food was simple, good presentation, and delicious. The service was excellent! Now to bed for a 6:30am pick to the airport.
Adventure Life is always an excellent choice when planning complicated, extreme, or exotic vacations or expeditions. They provide friendly professional services and advice and are enthusiastic and encouraging in helping us to prepare and thoroughly enjoy our trip. They handle all the details which greatly reduces the stress of planning a difficult trip. I'm very impressed with Adventure Life and definitely recommend them to friends and family.
Scott Trochim
2 days ago
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
4 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
5 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.