After a pleasant breakfast overlooking the hotel’s garden, complete with resident bunny, we met Daniel for our half-day tour of Quito. He took us to the Old City, and after ascertaining that we were comfortable walking even at Quito’s altitude of 9,000 feet, he parked his truck and led us through the narrow, thronged streets. Quito’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, so far unravaged by earthquake. We visited the magnificent Basilica del Voto Nacional and crept along the catwalk high above the vaults, although we didn’t manage the narrow ladder to the highest tower. My favorite was La Compania de Jesus, covered almost every inch in gold—seven tons of it, according to our guide. Under the graceful, metallic gaze of the statue of La Virgen de Quito which stands on a hilltop overlooking the Old Town, we enjoyed the Plaza San Francisco, where we were interviewed by nervous high school students practicing their English.
Daniel recommended Mama Clarinda’s on Via Reina Victoria for lunch. I had the local specialty, guinea pig; unfortunately it came deep-fried and very salty, so it tasted just like anything else deep-fried and salty. We then made our way to a market recommended by Daniel, where we squeezed through narrow corridors between stacks of beautiful, handmade goods. We succumbed to colorful, soft Ecuadorean blankets and hand-painted picture frames in bright blues and reds. We ended our day with a pleasant dinner at La Rabida, and prepared for our trip to the Galapagos early the next day. My journal of that trip is posted separately.
My representative Kevin was very responsive generally and in crafting our itinerary to our specific priorities.
Rocco Labella
3 hours ago
Although there was a lot of paper work, I received help and guidance when I needed it.
Donna Kirby
1 day ago
Our travel was flawless! The rider pickup (airport, hotel, ship) was seamless. Jane's recommendation for Emerald Cruise Sakara was everything I wanted but the experience was soooo much more. Adventure Life took care of each and every detail and this was the easiest of all my travels.
Anne Petty
2 days ago
Follow up was effective any questions were answered in a timely manner
Fiona Lonsdale
3 days ago
I spoke with at least a half dozen other travel companies, looking for a Galapagos cruise that fit our schedule and budget. Some companies could manage one or the other, but Erin was the only one who could do both. She found us the perfect cruise, at a fantastic price! And she has been quick and patient with responses to my many questions. So far, Adventure Life has been a fantastic company to work with!