Quito

Visiting the Equator is one of the original tourism attractions of Ecuador that never seems to lose its charm.  But once visitors arrive at the “Mitad del Mundo” (Middle of the World), about 30 minutes from north-central Quito, they should not be surprised to find two Equators. READ MORE

When tourists come to Quito they often visit the central historical district, the tourism district known as the Mariscal, and some of the other attractions around the northern half of the city.  But the largest part of Quito–the rural area–often goes unnoticed and unexplored.

Most think of Quito in an urban context, but that really is only part of the story.  Quito, in its entirety, is divided into 32 urban parishes and 33 rural parishes.  Rural Quito is much larger than urban Quito.  But what is there to find in the Quito countryside? READ MORE

It is one of the reason travelers migrate to Mexico and Cuzco: the stamp of times past in the ruins of civilizations long gone.

The dominant civilizations of the Americas have left legacies that are the source of hundreds of thousands of visits every year.   The Mayan pyramids of Chichen Itza and the mystical remains at Maccu Pichu are almost unmatched in their majesty.  But the Incas and those who came before have also left a trail of fascinating discoveries in Ecuador. READ MORE

There would seem to be two ways to approach coffee in Ecuador. We recommend you try both.

First, is the old fashioned way

Café Aguila de Oro has been selling Ecuadorian roasted coffee beans in Quito since 1948. The small shop on Benalcazar Street near the Presidential Palace in old town is owned by Vinicio Morales and his wife Teresa Vizueta. The only electronic device in Café Aguila de Oro is a digital clock on the wall. The measuring scale, cash register, and some of their grinders and roasters were new when the store opened 65 years ago. The equipment – remnants from a simpler time – attests to an equally simple formula for success that still works today. READ MORE

They are an odd sight even when expected.  The Curuchos –dressed in purple robes, masked from head to toe, and wearing a large cone on their head – are part of Quito’s Easter, celebratory tradition.  The cones symbolize humility and the color purple, penitence. READ MORE

There are a few events every year in Quito that bring hundreds of thousands of people together: Ecuadorean Independence (August 9-10th), the Fiestas of Quito (December  6th), and Semana Santa, or Easter Holy Week.

Holy Week (happening the last week of March) is the only one that allows visitors to witness Quito’s significant expressions of faith. Below we explain the significance of the celebrations and where they can be observed. READ MORE

Chef Miguel de Arregui of Argentina, founder of Alma Restaurant in Quito, continually recognized as one of the city’s top restaurants, offers his perspective on Ecuador’s developing wine culture.

How has Ecuador changed with respect to its wine offerings?

The first time I arrived here was 1999.  I worked for a month, then returned as an Executive Chef at Marriott in Quito between 2002-2003.  I returned once again in 2008.  Then is when I saw the difference, a huge development of the wine culture. READ MORE

Great art is not only to be found in the halls of Europe´s great museums.  Latin America has an art tradition dating back almost half a millennium, influenced in part by the great masters of the old world.  And stemming from that tradition, Latin America, and Ecuador in particular, have produced renowned modern artists as well. READ MORE

Ecuador in many minds is known mostly for its Galapagos Islands and within Ecuador, Quito and Guayaquil are typically associated as gateways to connect to the Galapagos. Two different cities – one in the heart of the Andean region – rich in Colonial art, history and architecture and one in the Pacific Coast  – a tropical port city that has done so much to re-emerge as a modern and welcoming city.  Both cities are known for their friendly people and are only 30 minutes apart by air. READ MORE

From Mexico to Chile, the Latin American countries of the Pacific Rim are not only linked by the common body of water, but a specific culinary tradition: Ceviche.

Ceviche (also spelled cebiche) is a dish which can be served as an appetizer or a main meal. It is traditionally a seafood dish with a distinct citric-based sauce, usually lime, and served cold with accompaniments.

If you have been to Peru you may assume, incorrectly, that ceviche in Ecuador will be similar. Not so. Peruvian ceviche is prepared fresh, the fish is raw and marinated only with lime. In Ecuador, it is more like a chilled soup. READ MORE