AbhayIn January 2024, I visited Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. Despite a host of problems (from flights redirected because of volcanic ash to political turmoil and curfews caused by gang activity), it was a magical trip.
Quito, the capital city, is a densely populated mountain city, something I’ve never really seen before. I was immediately struck by the seemingly endless array of peaks and valleys covered in homes. Despite being almost directly on the equator, it’s high elevation makes for a pleasantly cool temperature year-round. The bustling city contains a beautiful cathedral (adorned with gargoyles in the shape of Ecuadorian wildlife), an enormous statue of an angel, and various lovely parks and community spaces. A few hours out from here is the Mindo Cloudforest, a type of forest with persistent, canopy-level clouds.
Guayaquil is Ecuador’s largest city and financial capital. In addition to typical city features, including good food and numerous markets, I was impressed by the local art scene. Walking around the Las Penas neighborhood, we see old streets filled with colorful houses, numerous small art galleries, and a beautiful river view. The massive riverside park/boardwalk, Malecón 2000, is another highlight.
The Galapagos Islands are part of Ecuador but situated far off the coast. Even getting here is a multi-hour flight, followed by bus and boat rides to reach the inhabited area. It’s hard to put into words the experience of stepping into this wildlife haven. The small town we stayed at served as a base for various excursions. From visiting Giant Tortoise breeding centers, to snorkeling with Sea Turtles and Penguins, to sighting Flamingos and Blue-footed Boobys, it was incredible.
Below I’m putting a selection of unordered photos from the trip.
