First I want to say WE LOVE ECUADOR. It is absolutely beautiful. You can travel from the Pacific Ocean up and over the Andes Mountains and down to the Amazon rainforest all in one day. Ecuador, the size of Colorado, is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world and the people of Ecuador are as diverse as the landscapes.
On our three week trip inland we were continually taken aback by the kindness of the Ecuadorians. Everyone we met was always willing to talk to us, help us with any request, and to share their country with us. One thing we have found different from other places we have travelled, is that the Ecuadorians will randomly engage us in conversation, ask where we were from and where we have visited in their country.
As a still developing country; Ecuador has really done a lot of things right. The road system into some of the most difficult terrain is better than most roads in the US. Many of roads have passing areas in the steep grades and shoulder lanes for motorcycle, donkey, and bicycle traffic. Even the most remote areas have power to all the dwellings. There is cell service everywhere.
This is my (Clint) personal opinion and only based on what we observed: We never got a sense that there was a lot of unemployment here. There was no panhandling. Everyone seemed to have a job and appeared to be very self self-sufficient. I never got a feeling that there was much of a need for government welfare. There appears to be a strong sense of community that is centered around the Catholic church. No matter what your beliefs are, it is refreshing to be in a country where everyone can demonstrate their religious beliefs without fear of offending someone; that includes government run buildings, busses, taxis, etc.. I assure you, that in this country, it is not a problem to display a Nativity Scene at your business, in your government office, or in front of your house. I will leave this subject with a quote from Reina, "personally, I feel better riding the bus knowing that Jesus is the copilot".
Ecuador goes out of its way to promote conservation. They have an extensive billboard campaign that is focused on the importance of protecting the land, the trees, the water, the air. We found very little trash and in many places we saw a real effort at recycling. This country also has all the natural resources within its borders to take care of themselves. All of the materials for construction are readily available in the most remote areas (no Home Depots here). Every town has a local guy that produces clay bricks and cinder blocks. There are an abundance of lumber yards. If you need a door or window frame you have them made locally. The cost to construct a home in this country is very minimal.
To top it all off......the cost of energy is something out of 1950's. Ecuador is self-sufficient when it comes to its energy needs. They produce and refine their own oil. They extensively utilize hydropower. No "Keystone Pipeline" controversy here.
Yes that is correct, $1.04 for a US gallon of diesel. Regular gasoline is $1.48 per gallon and a 30lb tank of propane costs $2.50. Electricity is also very inexpensive.
Oh and one more added bonus, they use the US dollar.
Let me end this lecture by again saying, I love this place!!!!!
We took a lot of pictures on our journey and it was really hard to pick which ones to share. We hope you enjoy!
SO here it is....twenty-one days, 2000 miles, 1100 pictures, and one small snafu later.
PART ONE, QUITO
The snafu...the original plan was to travel Ecuador by bus. The busses in Ecuador, as in most of South America, are the main means of transportation. They are inexpensive and they can get you pretty much anywhere you want to go. Some of the longer distance busses even come with fully reclining chairs, movies, wifi, and meal service. We learned very quickly the one thing they don't do, allow dogs; even Service Dogs. We have travelled pretty extensively with Duke and most of the time no one even knows he is there. When we fly home they don't even know he is on the plane. We never thought in a million years it would be a problem. We have even seen chickens and sheep on the local busses! Well, when we tried to board our very first bus for Quito we were all but strip searched and the dog in the backpack did not fly, not even with a bribe. Fortunately, we were able to come up with a backup plan quickly...when all else fails throw money at the problem. We rented a car. Needless to say Duke was on Clint's shit list for a while...but who can stay mad at the little guy?
AND, having a car really allowed us to see things that we would not have otherwise seen. So, it all worked out in the end.
Click here for a map of Ecuador.
This is one of those things we never would have been able to capture if we didn't rent a car. We almost missed this face carved into the mountain on the road to Quito.
As Clint already said, the road system in Ecuador is first-class. Most of the major roads are new or in the process of being improved. Most of the routes were marked and we very rarely got lost.
Along our route from Bahia to Quito we were taken with the simple homes that were beautifully landscaped with the local wild flowers.
Quito is only a 215 mile drive from Bahia de Caraquez on the coast (where Karma is) but is an ascent of over 9000 feet; climbing over 6500 feet in less than 80 miles. Climbing up into the mountains, we spent the last part of our drive in the clouds. Coming up over the mountain ridge with no visibility, all of a sudden descending down into crystal clear air we had our first views of Quito. We were not prepared for such a large city. We certainly weren't prepared for finding our hostel in such a big city. By dumb luck and a lot of patience we did finally find it.
Quito, the capital of Ecuador, at 9,350 is the highest official capital city in the world. Surrounded by mountains and nestled in a valley only 31 miles long and 5 miles wide it boasts a population of 2.6 million.
From a tourist's perspective Quito is probably best known for its historic center, Old Town. In 1978 it was the first city in the world to receive World Heritage Site Status from UNESCO. It is recognized as one of the largest, least-altered and best preserved historic centers in the Americas.
Although we would have to argue that Cartagena has the most spectacular Old Town we have ever seen, the churches in Quito are phenomenal.
Looking out over Quito La Basílica del Voto Nacional, the tallest church in Ecuador, is hard to miss. It is the largest neo-Gothic basilica in the world.
Modeled after Notre Dame, construction on the Basilica began in 1893 and to date it is "unofficially" unfinished. Local legend has it that due to a deal the architect made with the devil the world will end upon its completion.
The Basilica is also famous for its gargoyles that take the shape of Ecuadorian animals. Armadillos, iguanas, Galapagos tortoises, condors, monkeys, penguins, pumas, condors, and albatrosses all guard the outside of the church.
The Basilica is breathtaking and not just because of its beauty but because of the ability to climb up the outside of the roof to the steeple.
To get to the steeple you first have to walk across a catwalk between the roof and ceiling of the sanctuary...
then climb a very steep metal ladder to reach....
the even steeper ladder on the roof that leads to the steeple.
Not being a fan of heights, I have to say this was totally worth it. The views are spectacular.
Not having enough excitement for one day, we climbed down from the steeple and crossed back over the roof of the sanctuary and climbed the stairs to the top of the 377 foot east tower.
From the tower you get a great view south to the 147 foot Virgin of Quito that stands guard over the city.
Built between 1605 and 1765 by Jesuit priests, Inglesia de la Compañía de Jesús (The Church of the Society of Jesus) is located in the heart of Old Town. This church is a classic example of "not judging a book by its cover". You can not tell from the exterior, but this church is considered one the most beautiful and extravagant churches in the Americas.
The entire interior of this church is covered in 23-carat gold lamina. With seven tons of gold adorning the ceiling, walls, and altars, La Compañía is the pinnacle example of South American baroque architecture.
Look closely, the staircase on the right is a painting to match the real staircase on the left.
Not quite as glitzy as La Compañía or as grand as La Basílica, the Santo Domingo Convent and Church was one of my favorites.
It is best known for its side chapel La Capilla del Rosario, The Chapel of the Rosary.
Begun in 1534, The Temple of San Francisco is the largest religious complex in South America and the oldest colonial building in Quito.
The famous wooden sculpture Virgin of Quito by Bernardo de Legarda is the central focal point of the beautiful altar. This 1734 sculpture was the inspiration for the larger Virgin that overlooks the city.
Although it seems like there is a church on every block, there is much more to see and do in Quito. There are many large parks and squares. In front of the winged statue to independence, in the Plaza de la Independencia, Clint was able to capture some school boys on a break from touring Palacio Presidencial, the seat of the government of Ecuador.
On the edge of town is the telefériqo. It is a 1.5 mile cable car ride up the slope of Pichincha. You are let out 13,287 feet above Quito.
Of course we could not leave Quito without taking in a fútbol game at Estadio Olímpico Atahualpa.
We went to a game between Quito's Universidad Católica and Barcelona of Guayaquil, the largest city in Ecuador. Although Barcelona was the away team, their fans far outnumbered those of Universidad Católica, they were also WAY crazier.
Even though we are not "big city" people, we thoroughly enjoyed Quito.
Next stop....Laguna Quilota.