Leora and Kimi explore Quito before setting sail to the Galapagos Islands.

Quito

What an amazing city! Quito, Ecuador is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and, at 9,200 feet elevation, is the 2nd highest capital in the world. Quito is an Inca word meaning “center of the earth.” We flew to the city to spend a day exploring before we embarked on our cruise through the Galápagos Islands.

Old Town is a must for people to experience! The old narrow, cobble stone streets had so much character with locals selling eggs, peas, ice cream on the streets.

From here we drove north to Cochasqui, a ceremonial site at the foot of Mojanda Mountain built by the Cara-Quitus people. This is considered to be the most important archeological site in Ecuador’s northern Andes, featuring the burial pyramids and mounds that belonged to Quito’s first inhabitants.

We then continued on to Otavalo, the most famous market in Ecuador. This is a colorful and authentic market giving us an opportunity to see many of the unique fruits and vegetables of Ecuador. We also enjoyed shopping in the Plaza del Poncho, where the textile market is held. Lots of ponchos, scarfs, blankets made from alpaca, etc. What an explosion of colors and smells!

Contact Rothschild Safaris at 800-405-9463 to plan your amazing adventure to the Galapagos Islands!