Three Reasons to Visit Ecuador: Part 1 Quito

Visit Ecuador

Is Ecuador on your list of countries to visit? If not, I will give you three reasons to visit Ecuador. For two weeks in October 2023, seven content creators and I were granted the opportunity to experience this South American country. Thanks to Black Travel Alliance, Metropolitan Touring, and Hurtigruten Expeditions for a dynamic adventure. Ecuador did not disappoint! This three-part series features my experience in Quito, Mashpi Reserva, and the Galapagos Islands. Now, let’s discuss the reasons for visiting Ecuador and the wonderful city of Quito. 

The country lies on the equator; hence the Spanish name Ecuador. It’s located on the western coast of South America and is considered to be in the middle of the world (Mitad del Mundo). It is known for its history, culture, and natural beauty. Ecuador is home to Unesco Heritage Sites (United Nations Educational, Scientific, Cultural Organization). Ecuador is even believed to be closest to outer space. Wow, that’s a fun fact!

Facts About Quito

One of the UNESCO sites and one of the three reasons to visit is the city of Quito. It is Ecuador’s capital and sits high in the Andean foothills at 9,340ft or 2,850m above sea level. Also, Quito is the oldest capital city in South America. History states Quito was built on the foundations of an ancient Incan city. It’s known for its well-preserved colonial center, rich with 16th- and 17th-century churches and other structures blending European, Moorish, and indigenous styles. These include the cathedral in the Plaza Grande square and the ultra-ornate Compañia de Jesús Jesuit church. 

Getting to Quito

Several airlines fly to Quito from the United States. However, I was unable to get a nonstop flight. Delta Airlines provided the best itinerary with the shortest layover from ORD to ATL to Quito. Fortunately, I accessed airport lounges to relax during the layovers for departure and return flights. Other group members flew airlines, American, Jet Blue, and United. Do your research and choose the best itinerary from your departure city. 

Suppose you are a U.S. citizen entering Ecuador. In that case, you must present a U.S. passport with at least six months remaining validity. Ecuadorian immigration officials sometimes request evidence of return or onward travel, such as an airline ticket. No visa was required for our two-week visit. 

Casa Gangotena

Our group stayed at the lovely Casa Gangotena in Old Town Quito. The hotel is a beautifully restored and historic mansion. It was someone’s residence until 2011. The location is ideally situated across from the Plaza San Francisco. The rooms are elegant, and the service is impeccable. A handwritten welcome note and fresh fruit awaited me when I entered my room. After a late arrival, the comfort of the room, bed, and shower was just what I needed. 

The following day, I had breakfast in the hotel dining room. My table view was the best in the house, with a beautiful view of San Francisco Square and the San Francisco Convent. I captured some great photos of the square and convent while eating breakfast. After breakfast, my group and I had a walking tour to explore Quito like a local. A great thing about the tour is the guides were local and a part of a grassroots NGO organization. Our guides picked up the group at the hotel, and we headed out to tour Old Town. One tour guide reminded us to stay hydrated during our walk because of the high altitude and heat of the equator sun. It’s essential to wear comfortable clothes and shoes. I wore cargo shorts or pants and always carried a filled water bottle.

Old Town Walking Tour

During our walking tour, we explored the San Roque neighborhood. We visited several shops, including hat makers, chocolate shops, and the San Francisco Market. While in the market, we were introduced to fruits and vegetables produced in Ecuador. Did you know that Ecuador produces some of the best chocolate in the world? Ecuador produces only 4% of the world’s production of cocoa.

 However, the country is responsible for 70% of the world’s output from the fine upper-class cocoa. We sampled some of the best chocolate I tasted. Another thrill for me was visiting the medicinal shops where traditional healers talked about the healing qualities of different plants. Each healer learned from the parents and grandparents before them. Their knowledge and experience are handed down from generation to generation. 

Of course, we sampled some traditional culinary delights. We were ready for lunch after walking through the neighborhoods within Old Town. Our guide led us to Heladeria San Augustin. Upon arriving, we walked up a narrow staircase to our table. There, we received a lesson on how to make a delicious sorbet by hand. There was no machine, just ice, water, fruit, and manual labor. The sorbet was fresh and delicious. Afterward, we ordered various food items from the menu, including mouthwatering ceviche, an Ecuadorian national dish. Every place I ate ceviche, it was simply delicious. Many of us also tried the pisco sour, a national drink in Ecuador. 

Cathedrals

We left the restaurant with full bellies and continued our tour. We strolled near and back to San Francisco Square. Our guide told us about the history of the square and interesting facts. We explored the 16th and 17th-century cathedrals. They are well-preserved, and they have ornate interiors and gorgeous exterior doors.

You must see is the Basilica Del Voto Nacional. It was built during the neo-Gothic craze of the mid-19th century, and it has a façade that is worth taking some time to admire. Look closely at the gargoyles; many are native animals, including a Galápagos tortoise. Don’t pass up seeing Compañía de Jesus, Quito. Building this baroque cathedral took over 100 years, and it shows. La Compañía de Jesus (The Society of Jesus) boasts one of the most striking interiors of any church in Ecuador, with sumptuous decorations and a golden hue. Completed in 1765, you can see evidence of Moorish influence in some of its detailed archways.

We ended our tour in the square and walked to our hotel, Casa Gangotena. Later that night, we had a special dinner for our group. The following day, we head to Mashpi Reserva, the Cloud Forest, the second reason for visiting Ecuador. 

Visit the Sustah-Girl Amazon store for packing and travel items.

Wellness Factor (Scale of  (lowest 1-5 highest)

• Physical 4 – The high altitude can be troublesome for some. Great exercise during the walking tour. Healthy and fresh food to eat
• Emotional 4.5 – It was a well-organized trip with no major hiccups. One unnerving thing was being physically searched in a small room at the airport during departure.
• Spiritual 5 – I was at peace, and entering the cathedrals was a spiritual experience.
• Social 5 – I was with a group of seven content creators. We meshed as a group and had a great time.
• Financial 4.5 – Money was easy because the U.S. dollar and Ecuador’s legal currency were accepted. Visiting Ecuador is affordable.
• Environmental 4.5 Quito was safe and clean during our visit. We had no concerns about our safety.
• Intellectual 5 Learning about the history and culture was informative and exciting.
• Occupational 4  It was a working trip and much information to gather and process.