PEG: Peru, Galapagos & Ecuador Adventure

I was excited to explore a city I’d heard so much about with my cousin. Nestled high in the Andean foothills, Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is a place where history, culture, and natural beauty seamlessly intertwine. Founded in the 16th century on the ruins of an ancient Inca city, the formally named San Francisco de Quito remains remarkably well-preserved. Its Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, dazzles with colonial-era churches, monasteries, and plazas framed by pastel facades and red-tiled roofs, with lush green hills rising in every direction.

Our full day in Quito offered a wonderful range of experiences, beginning with its architecture — a fascinating blend of Spanish, Moorish, and indigenous influences. Many churches were built atop old Inca stone foundations, a symbol of layered history. The Basilica and Convent of San Francisco, which towers over the main square, took more than 150 years to complete. While I’ve visited many churches before, it was unique to see the mix of baroque architecture and decor alongside Inca crosses and other indigenous symbols.

Leaving the historic center, we ventured into the lively streets of modern Quito. A quick visit to a local produce market was a feast for the senses. Stalls brimmed with exotic fruits like naranjilla, uvilla (goldenberry), and tomate de arbol, alongside native herbs and traditional herbal remedies — a perfect introduction to Ecuador’s rich agricultural heritage.

No trip to Quito is complete without standing on the Equator. We headed north to the famous Middle of the World Museum (Mitad del Mundo) for a lighthearted experience, trying equator "tricks" like balancing an egg on a nail, watching water drain in different directions, and learning about the indigenous cultures rooted here for centuries.

Afterward, it was a treat to escape the city and visit the Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve, offering sweeping views of the volcanic crater. Particularly lush during the rainy season, the landscape is still home to families farming inside the crater — a small, dwindling community in a stunning, cloud forest setting.

Our final stop was the Botanical Gardens of Quito, located in Parque La Carolina — a paradise for flower lovers. With over 1,200 plant species, the gardens feature distinct areas representing different ecosystems, from jungle to desert. The highlight, though, was the orchid pavilions. Ecuador is home to more than 4,000 orchid species, and seeing even a fraction of them in a riot of color, shape, and size left me in awe.

Quito is a city where every street corner tells a story, and every view reveals an extraordinary fusion of culture and nature. Though one day wasn’t enough to see it all, it was a spectacular introduction to a truly unforgettable city.