"All you need is Ecuador" is the country's slogan. It really has everything you need: mountains, beaches, jungle, historic cities, good parties and very friendly people.
Not to forget the Galapagos Islands, with many animals that are not afraid of people, because they could live untouched by humans for a long time and do not know humans as enemies. Many of the animal species can only be found there, such as the giant Galapagos turtle.
To visit the islands I lacked the money and the time. Flight tickets there and accommodation are quite expensive, and you even have to pay entrance fees to get to the islands. Besides I only had 11 days in Ecuador, because I had already booked a flight ticket to Mexico.
Arriving to Quito and Ecuador
I crossed the Colombian-Ecuadorian border without any problems and observed the massive mountain formations of the Andes on the way to Quito. Absolutely overwhelming. Our Alps in Europe are nothing against it!
Quito is a very long city. My bus stopped far away from the center. I had to take a taxi to get to my hotel in the centre and I could even speak a little Spanish with the taxi driver, as Ecuadorians speak a very good and clear Spanish.
Quito is already at an altitude of almost 2900 meters, making it the highest capital in the world. However, the air here was not as bad as in the almost equally high Bogotá, where however, more cars drive around. The weather in Quito is actually always the same - cloudy with little sunbeams in between. The temperatures reach around 20 degrees.
A beautiful old town
In my hotel my Korean friend, whom I had met in Colombia, was already waiting for me. The hotel had a great location and did not even cost 10$ for a private room. A real hidden gem! Besides the owners were super nice - like all Ecuadorians! I also got along excellently with the son of the owner. He even gave me his winter jacket, because I didn't have a jacket in my luggage and the temperatures had just dropped quite low. Together with him & the Korean we drove to the El Panecillo hill in the north of the city. On the hill there is a big virgin statue. The Ecuadorians belong to the catholic denomination for the most part.
We walked further through the picturesque old town of Quito, one of the oldest Inca cities, which also has a beautiful cathedral. You can also climb it, but for people with fear of heights the narrow and steep ladders there are certainly not suitable. But you will be rewarded with a great view of Quito.
Crazy night-outs
One evening me, the Korean, the Ecuadorian and an old but rich Indian went out in the modern district of La Foch, where there are many discos. One of the craziest nightouts of my trip. The pretty Venezuelan bartender gave us some blue alcoholic drink that made us pretty crazy. Not only did the Indian pay for everything, he even gave me some money so I could enjoy the night even more. I would rather not know with which businesses he got this money.
The next day we didn't have such a generous financial backer. I went out with the Koran again, we ended up in a private house party. Little by little different males & females disappeared there to the "Bum-Bum" in their little rooms. There is a good reason why Latinos are considered the " most sexually satisfied " people.
Watching national football team with Ecuadorians
In Quito I watched the World Cup qualifying match between Bolivia vs. Ecuador in a bar with my Ecuadorian buddy and some other of his local mates. In such a large group, not everyone buys their own beer. No the Ecuadorians buy a big beer and then it is passed around and everyone pours the beer into his glass. And when the big bottle is empty, the next one comes.
After trailing 0:2, Ecuador was able to score a 2:2. When the national team plays, Ecuadorians also drop everything, even if the game is played during working hours.
The next night I left Quito and went to Baños.
