Vegan Travel in Quito | Ecuador’s Cloud Forest Part 3

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In the final part of our Ecuador mini-series, join Brighde as she explores Quito and the cloud forest — from boutique hotels in the historic city center to chocolate tastings in Mindo and wildlife walks in the lush Maquipucuna Reserve. Discover Andean culture, soaring views, hummingbirds, and the conservation stories that make this region so magical.

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Transcript

Welcome back to the final part of our Ecuador mini-series! If you’ve just discovered this episode, you might want to pause and go back to Episodes 1 and 2 — that way you’ll hear the whole journey, from the bustling streets of Guayaquil to the magical Galápagos Islands.
Today, we’re finishing our adventure in Quito and the cloud forest. From boutique hotels in the historic city center, to artisan chocolate tastings in Mindo, and the lush Maquipucuna Reserve where Andean bears roam — this part of the trip was all about exploring the add-on options we might create for future Galápagos travelers. It’s a slower pace, but no less magical. Let’s dive in.

Day 1: San Cristóbal → Quito – Farewells, Sea Lions & Settling Into the Historic Heart
“Our final morning in the Galápagos came far too quickly. At 7:00 a.m., we’d packed up our cabins on the Evolve, set our bags outside the door, and sat down to one last breakfast together. Overnight, the yacht had sailed us quietly back from North Seymour to San Cristóbal, so when we stepped onto deck, the familiar harbor of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno was waiting.
Saying goodbye to the crew and guides was harder than I expected. These were the people who had looked after us so beautifully all week — making sure our snorkel masks fit, leading us through lava fields, cooking incredible vegan meals, even laughing with us when sea lions stole our towels. They’d become part of our little Galápagos family. There were hugs, photos, and more than a few misty eyes as we disembarked around 8:30 a.m.
Once ashore, we had some free time before our flight. We wandered over to Umami Restaurant for a coffee, then popped into a nearby vegan-friendly shop where — to my delight — we found plant-based cookies and travel snacks. A small thing, but if you’re a vegan traveler, those discoveries mean the world.
And then, in the most fitting farewell possible, we spent our last 45 minutes simply watching sea lions sprawled across the beach. Barking, snoozing, flopping into the waves. It felt like the islands giving us one final reminder: ‘Don’t forget us.’ And trust me — we won’t.
From there, it was a short drive to San Cristóbal Airport. Bag checks were intense — every item inspected to make sure we weren’t sneaking plants, shells, or even a grain of sand out of the islands. I found myself oddly grateful for the thoroughness. The Galápagos deserves that level of protection. After a last wave to our guides, we boarded our flight to Quito.
Arrival in Quito – A Change of Pace
The contrast couldn’t have been sharper. After a couple of hours, the plane dropped us into Quito, perched high in the Andes at 2,850 meters — the world’s highest official capital city. Gone was the salty sea air, replaced with crisp, thin mountain air that makes even a short walk feel like a workout.
We were whisked into the city to our base for the next few days: Casa Gangotena, a five-star Relais & Châteaux hotel right on Plaza San Francisco in Quito’s UNESCO-listed historic center. This place is extraordinary. It’s a restored mansion blending colonial and art deco elegance — high ceilings, hand-painted tiles, plush fabrics, and a rooftop terrace with sweeping views across the old town. Rooms here usually go for close to $500 a night, but because Casa Gangotena is being considered for hosting our groups next year, we managed to secure an excellent rate.
And the location? Unbeatable. Plaza San Francisco has been a center of life since Inca times, long before the Spanish arrived. The massive San Francisco Church and Monastery, begun in 1534, dominates the square with its whitewashed façade and twin bell towers. For centuries, this plaza has been a place of trade, worship, and community. Staying here, with the history quite literally at our doorstep, felt like being part of that story.
Settling In – Rooftop Views & Dinner in Town
After freshening up, we decided to make the most of the evening light. Quito’s climate is often called ‘eternal spring’ — days hover around 20°C (68°F), but evenings cool off quickly. On the hotel’s rooftop terrace, we ordered cocktails (mine was an unusual mix of gin, tequila, and rose lavender — more interesting on paper than in practice), and soaked in the view: tiled rooftops, domes, spires, and the distant mountains glowing pink in the sunset. It was magical.
Dinner was just a short walk away at Caponata, a vegetarian- and vegan-friendly Italian spot. I had a hearty fava bean and green bean soup to start, followed by their namesake caponata — a Sicilian mix of eggplant, tomato, and olives. Simple, filling, and perfect after a long travel day.
By 8:30 p.m., though, we were absolutely done. The early wake-up, the altitude change, and the emotional goodbyes in the morning caught up with us. We walked back to Casa Gangotena, collapsed into bed, and let ourselves drift off — excited to begin this whole new chapter of the trip in the Andes.”
Day 2: Quito – Laundry, Landmarks & Legends After Dark
“After our first full night in Quito, I have to say — it felt incredible to wake up in the spacious, high-ceilinged room at Casa Gangotena. Don’t get me wrong, I loved our cozy yacht cabins, but stepping into that elegant bathroom with its marble counters, having proper storage space, and simply stretching out in a big bed felt like pure luxury after a week at sea.
Morning – Laundry & The Virgin of El Panecillo
We started the day with something practical: laundry. One of my favorite little luxuries in Ecuador is how easy and inexpensive laundromats are. For just 50 cents a kilo, you can drop off a bag of clothes and pick it up later washed, dried, and folded. As a trip organizer, this kind of thing is golden — a lifesaver for future travelers.
At 10 a.m., we met our guide, Ana Lucía, along with Pauline and Veronique, and headed up to El Panecillo, a hill that dominates the city. At the top stands La Virgen de Quito, a striking aluminium statue built in 1976. At 45 meters tall, she’s one of the largest aluminium statues in the world, but what makes her special is her design. Unlike most Madonnas, she has wings — inspired by an 18th-century sculpture from the Quito School of Art. Locals believe she watches over the city, protecting it from harm. Standing beneath her, with all of Quito spilling out below, it’s easy to understand why she’s so beloved.
Midday – Mitad del Mundo
From there, we drove north to the famous Mitad del Mundo, the “Middle of the World.” There are actually two sites to visit: the official monument complex, with its 30-meter-high stone tower topped with a globe, and the nearby Intiñan Solar Museum, which claims to mark the true equator line by GPS.
At Intiñan, we joined in on the quirky experiments: balancing eggs on nails, watching water swirl supposedly in opposite directions on either side of the line, and trying to walk a straight path with our eyes closed. Are some of them illusions? Almost certainly. But they’re fun, and they spark conversations about physics, geography, and how we experience place.
What I loved most was the cultural side. The museum has excellent displays about Ecuador’s diversity, with exhibits on the country’s many Indigenous groups. I learned that Kichwa — different from Quechua in Peru — is recognized as an official language here, alongside Spanish. It was a reminder that Ecuador isn’t just about landscapes and wildlife; it’s also about vibrant living cultures.
Lunch & Art
For lunch, Seb and I headed to Donde Gopal, a 100% vegetarian, mostly vegan restaurant. My plate was piled high with beans, rice, a seitan pancake, avocado, and veggie sausages. Was it nutritionally balanced? Probably not. Was it delicious? Absolutely.
Meanwhile, Pauline and Veronique visited the Oswaldo Guayasamín Museum. Guayasamín, who died in 1999, is Ecuador’s most celebrated modern artist. His work is powerful, often depicting suffering, injustice, and war. Pauline and Vero came back really moved by the experience, and it’s one I’d definitely recommend including in future itineraries for those who want more cultural depth.
Evening – Quito Eterno
The real highlight of the day, though, came in the evening with Quito Eterno. This isn’t your typical city tour. It’s an immersive storytelling experience, led by local actors and historians who bring Quito’s past to life through theater, legends, and walking tours.
Imagine wandering the historic center at night, lantern light flickering on centuries-old stone walls, while a costumed storyteller leads you through plazas and churches, weaving together myths, folklore, and real history. You hear about saints and sinners, Indigenous traditions, colonial struggles, and even the everyday life of people who lived here centuries ago.
What makes Quito Eterno special is that it’s not just about facts and dates. It’s about feeling the spirit of the city. The stories make you stop and see the architecture differently — not just as pretty old buildings, but as living witnesses to centuries of human drama. Even though we needed an interpreter, the energy, the creativity, and the passion of the storytellers came through so strongly. For me, it was exactly the kind of unique, memorable activity I’d want to include on future trips. It made the city come alive in a way no museum or guidebook ever could.
Dinner With a View
We ended the evening at Café Mosaico, perched on a hillside with panoramic views over Quito. From our table, the entire historic center sparkled below us: domes, bell towers, plazas, and — glowing in the distance — the Virgin of El Panecillo we’d visited that morning. The food was good (I had fiesta fries), but the real highlight was the view… and the four resident rescue dogs who happily made the rounds for pats from diners.
It was our last evening with Pauline and Veronique, and sitting there together, with the city twinkling below and dogs curled up at our feet, it felt like the perfect farewell to our little group.”
Day 3: Quito – Boutique Hotels & High-Altitude Views
“Tuesday began slowly, with breakfast in the refined dining room of Casa Gangotena. Sitting in that elegant space, with its tall windows overlooking Plaza San Francisco, felt like the complete opposite of our little yacht cabins just a few days earlier. That contrast — from cozy at sea to grand in the city — was something I appreciated every single morning.
Hotel Inspections – Choosing the Right Base for Future Trips
The main reason for this day was practical. For our World Vegan Travel trips to Ecuador in late 2026, we need the perfect Quito base. So this was all about hotel inspections.
We started with Casa Gangotena itself. Built as a private mansion and later converted into a hotel, it still feels like a family home — albeit a very grand one. There are only about 30 rooms, and each hallway is filled with fresh flowers, wide corridors, and that understated elegance that reminded me of Raffles in Singapore. Location-wise, it’s unbeatable: right in Quito’s UNESCO-protected historic center, on the plaza that has been the heart of city life since Inca times. Honestly, at first we thought, ‘This is it. Nothing else could possibly top this.’
But then came the other contenders.
TelefériQo – Altitude & Views
Before more hotel visits, we broke things up with a ride on the TelefériQo, Quito’s cable car. It climbs from 2,950 meters (9,678 ft) to around 4,050 meters (13,287 ft) on the slopes of Pichincha Volcano, which is still technically active. The gain is massive — almost 1,100 meters in about 20 minutes — and you feel it. Even in Quito itself we’d been a bit breathless, but at the top the thin air made every step slower.
The clouds rolled in quickly, so we didn’t get the perfect postcard view of the surrounding volcanoes. But when the clouds parted, seeing the entire city of Quito stretched out far below us was unforgettable. And the proudest moment of the morning? Watching Pauline, Seb’s 78-year-old mum, conquer the short uphill walks at that altitude. She did brilliantly, and you could see how proud she was of herself — and how proud we were of her.
More Hotel Visits – Mama Cuchara & Illa Experience
After lunch, it was back to hotel inspections. Our first stop was the Mama Cuchara Hotel, located in a family-friendly neighborhood just outside the historic core. Compared to Casa Gangotena, the rooms felt a little smaller and less polished, but what they lacked in grandeur they made up for in hospitality. We were greeted with warm smiles and welcome drinks, and — to our total surprise — the staff had prepared a vegan tasting menu just for us. Beautifully presented, creative, and abundant. We were already full from lunch, but their enthusiasm and willingness to cater to our travelers made a huge impression.
Then came the Illa Experience Hotel, a 12-room boutique property that positions itself as “more of a home than a hotel.” The building is a restored colonial mansion, and it radiates intimacy and character. The staff clearly went above and beyond to win us over — offering vegan bites, giving us a short spa treatment, and sharing ideas for immersive cultural experiences, like cooking classes and artisan workshops. It was thoughtful, genuine, and exactly the kind of touch that can elevate a trip from good to unforgettable.
By the end of the day, our list of ‘possible Quito bases’ was longer than expected. Casa Gangotena had set the bar very high, but Mama Cuchara and Illa Experience both made strong cases for themselves.
Evening – Farewells & Reflections
That evening, Pauline and Veronique departed for home. Their presence had been such a big part of our journey, from sea lions on San Cristóbal to tortoises in the highlands, that seeing them off was bittersweet. Seb and I ended the night with one last drink on Casa Gangotena’s rooftop terrace. As the sun set and the city lights flickered on — domes, bell towers, tiled rooftops stretching across the historic core — we reflected on just how much we’d packed into the past weeks.
It was one of those quiet, grounding moments where you let the whole trip wash over you: the islands, the wildlife, the laughter, the altitude headaches, the meals, the hotels. Everything. And with Quito sparkling around us, it felt like the perfect way to close the chapter with family before heading into the next stage of our Ecuador adventure.”
Day 4: Quito → Mindo – Business Hotels, Chocolate Cake & Cloud Forest Dreams
“Wednesday started with a few more hotel inspections in downtown Quito. These were solid, practical options — older, business-style hotels with friendly staff — but they just didn’t feel right for our travelers. For World Vegan Travel, the hotels need to be more than comfortable beds. They need to tell part of the story of the place, to have character. And these felt like they could have been in any city in the world.
Lunch – Vegano De Altura
Luckily, our day picked up at lunch. We headed to Vegano De Altura, a plant-based restaurant where I had a lovely mushroom and zucchini quiche, and Seb went for taquitos. And dessert? Oh my goodness. A hearty slice of chocolate cake and what I swear was one of the best tiramisus of my life. Rich, creamy, perfectly balanced — the kind of dessert that makes you smile with every bite. It felt like Quito waving us off with a little indulgence before the next part of the trip.
The Road to Mindo – Entering the Cloud Forest
In the afternoon, we met our driver and began the journey to Mindo. This drive is something I’ll never forget, because it’s not just a transfer — it’s a transition between two worlds.
You leave behind Quito’s dry highlands — where the air is thin and crisp and the landscape can look almost austere — and slowly descend. The road winds through valleys, and with every kilometer the scenery changes. First, scattered shrubs and high-altitude plants. Then, more and more trees. And finally, this dense green tapestry of forest, with mist curling around the treetops like ribbons of silk.
This is the cloud forest. And it really is different from a rainforest. A rainforest is hot and lowland, often steamy. A cloud forest sits higher — here in Ecuador usually between 1,500 and 3,000 meters above sea level. The air is cooler, and because of the altitude, clouds form and hang low, wrapping the forest in moisture. It’s like the trees are living inside a mist machine, constantly dripping with life.
That steady blanket of moisture creates one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet. Mosses, orchids, and bromeliads cover every surface — trunks, branches, even the ground. The plants aren’t just growing on the trees; they’re growing from the trees, turning the whole forest into a vertical garden. That, in turn, creates endless niches for insects, amphibians, mammals, and — most famously — birds.
And what birds! Mindo alone has more than 500 recorded species. Tiny hummingbirds, each shimmering like a flying gemstone. Tanagers in neon shades of blue, green, and red. Toucans with oversized bills. And, if you’re lucky, the Andean cock-of-the-rock — a bright scarlet-orange bird that does the most unusual, almost comical mating dances at dawn. It’s no wonder birders come here from all over the world.
Even just driving in, you can hear the difference. Gone is the hum of the city. Instead, you catch birdsong echoing through the valleys, the distant trill of frogs, the patter of rain hitting leaves. It feels alive in every direction.
Arrival – La Terrazza de Dana Boutique Lodge
By late afternoon, we reached La Terrazza de Dana Boutique Lodge, a beautiful family-run place perched on the hillside. Marco, the owner, welcomed us warmly, making us feel instantly at home.
Our room was up high — many steps to climb — but the payoff was a spacious balcony overlooking the forest. As we settled in, we noticed other guests already on their balconies, cameras with zoom lenses and binoculars in hand, pointing and whispering. Before long, we were doing the same — spotting flashes of iridescent feathers as hummingbirds zipped past and tanagers flickered in the trees. It felt like the forest was putting on a private show just for us.
Evening – Anticipation
Dinner at the lodge was simple — nothing extravagant. . What made it special was the atmosphere. Sitting surrounded by the sounds of the cloud forest at night — crickets, frogs, distant bird calls — you realize you’re in one of the richest ecosystems on earth.
We went to bed early, setting alarms for our first birdwatching adventure the next morning. With over 500 species out there, it felt like anything was possible. I remember lying in bed, listening to the hum of the forest outside, and thinking: this is exactly why we came here.”
Day 5: Mindo → Maquipucuna – Birds, Chocolate & Andean Bears
“Thursday began in the best possible way: birdwatching at dawn in the Mindo cloud forest. We set off at 6:00 a.m. with Julia, a guide who has been birding in this region for more than 20 years. And let me tell you, that experience and knowledge showed. With her tripod-mounted spotting scope, she could zero in on birds that looked like tiny dots to the naked eye, and suddenly we were seeing every feather in vivid detail.
Over the course of three hours, we spotted 43 species — an incredible haul for one morning. Highlights included a Quetzal, with its shimmering green plumage and long tail feathers that seemed to catch the morning light; a tropical parula singing high in the canopy; a smoky-brown woodpecker hammering away at a trunk; ornate flycatchers, always busy and entertaining; and of course, the ever-present turkey vultures circling overhead. Julia’s enthusiasm was infectious — when she found something rare, her excitement rippled through the group. Even Seb, who isn’t normally a passionate birder, came away impressed and hooked by the magic of the morning.
Back at La Terrazza de Dana, we tucked into a hearty breakfast and had a bit of rest before checking out. Then we wandered into Mindo village itself, which reminded me so much of Khao Sok in Thailand — laid-back, surrounded by jungle, with cafés and backpacker vibes. We found a small restaurant run by a woman who seemed to be of Iranian heritage, and enjoyed a casual but filling lunch there.
The Chocolate Experience
In the afternoon, it was time for something I’d been looking forward to: the Yumbos Chocolate Tour. Ecuador is famous for cacao — some call its Arriba Nacional beans the champagne of cacao — and here we got to see the entire process, bean to bar.
The tour started with a freshly cut cacao pod, its seeds surrounded by a sweet, tangy white pulp. Tasting that pulp straight from the pod was a revelation — fruity, floral, and nothing like the chocolate we know. From there, we walked through the steps: fermenting, drying, roasting, grinding, tempering. And of course, tasting.
We sampled twelve varieties of chocolate, each with its own twist: chili and sea salt, lemongrass, mandarin, and more. Each piece felt like its own little adventure. We finished with a cup of rich, steaming hot chocolate that was intense and velvety. Prices were higher than supermarket chocolate, but once you’ve seen the care, skill, and artistry that go into every bar, you understand why.
🍫 Chocolate in Ecuador
 Ecuador has been cultivating cacao for over 5,000 years, and today more than 60% of the world’s “fine flavour cacao” comes from here. Supporting local producers not only helps preserve heirloom cacao strains but also sustains small farmers and ensures the country maintains its reputation as a leader in ethical, high-quality chocolate. Tours like Yumbos in Mindo are a chance to taste this heritage in the most delicious way possible.
Journey to Maquipucuna
By mid-afternoon, our driver arrived to take us to Maquipucuna Reserve, about an hour away. The reserve, founded in 1989, protects nearly 6,000 hectares of primary and secondary cloud forest. Conservation International recognizes it as one of the top biodiversity hotspots in the world.
When we arrived, we were greeted by Isabella and Josefina, the founder herself. The lodge is rustic but atmospheric — wooden rooms, clean but not soundproof, and a big communal area wrapped by verandas with hummingbird feeders. Dozens of hummingbirds flitted constantly, a living kaleidoscope right outside our door.
That evening, we joined their famous “Bears & Beers” talk. Camera-trap footage revealed the secret lives of the reserve’s residents: mountain lions, coatis, tayras, and most famously, the Andean bear, also called the spectacled bear.
🐻 The Andean Bear (Tremarctos ornatus)
 The only bear species in South America, the Andean bear is instantly recognizable by its pale, cream-colored facial markings that look like spectacles. Each bear’s markings are unique, like a fingerprint. Males can weigh up to 175 kg, while females are much smaller.
Over 70% of their diet is vegetarian — fruits, bromeliads, cactus — though they’ll also eat insects or small animals. Here at Maquipucuna, they’re especially drawn to the aguacatillo tree, a wild avocado that fruits between October and December. During those months, sightings are almost guaranteed as bears climb high into the canopy to feed. Outside that window, they remain shy and elusive, which made us appreciate the importance of simply being in their territory.
Classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN, they face threats from habitat loss and conflict with farmers. But in Andean mythology, they’re symbols of fertility and guardianship — protectors of crops and forests. Standing in Maquipucuna, it was powerful to know we were in one of the best places in the world to see these remarkable animals.
Evening – Dinner & Forest Sounds
Dinner at the lodge was hearty and homemade — zucchini and soy-meat lasagna topped with vegan cheese, a beet salad, and a stewed fruit dessert (possibly persimmon). Nothing fancy, but after such a full day, it was perfect.
That night, we fell asleep to the hum of the forest — insects buzzing, frogs calling, leaves rustling. It had been a day of contrasts: the delicate flash of a Quetzal’s feathers in the morning, the rich taste of artisanal chocolate in the afternoon, and stories of elusive Andean bears by night.
And I couldn’t help but think: this was Ecuador at its most magical — a country where every day reveals a new layer of nature, history, and flavor.”

Days 6–7: Maquipucuna – Forest Hikes, Hummingbirds & Conservation in Action
Friday, 5 September – Into the Cloud Forest
We woke to the sound of the forest itself — a chorus of insects, frogs, and birds echoing around the lodge. After breakfast, we set off on a guided hike through Maquipucuna’s trails.
The forest here feels ancient. Every surface is covered with life — mosses, orchids, bromeliads. The air is damp, almost heavy, and clouds drift through the canopy like living creatures. Hiking at this altitude is slow-going, but that’s part of the magic. You’re not rushing; you’re noticing. A brilliant blue butterfly flickering past. Leafcutter ants carrying their green banners down the path. Julia, our naturalist, pointed out medicinal plants used by local communities — leaves for fevers, bark for stomach aches — reminders that this is both an ecosystem and a pharmacy.
And, of course, the birds. Hummingbirds hovered so close you could feel the wind from their wings. We added more species to our growing list, each one dazzling in its own way.
Back at the lodge for lunch, we joined other guests on the veranda. The hummingbird feeders are like a stage, and the birds never stop performing. Dozens of species, from tiny violet-ear hummingbirds to long-tailed sylphs, zipped in and out. Cameras clicked constantly, and honestly, I could have sat there all day, just watching.
That evening, we attended another conservation talk, this time focused on community involvement. The Fundación Maquipucuna works with nearby villages to create sustainable livelihoods, so people have reasons to protect the forest rather than clear it. Coffee and cacao production, ecotourism, and reforestation projects all play a role. It reminded me that conservation isn’t just about wildlife — it’s about people too.
Dinner was simple but satisfying — quinoa stew, fresh vegetables, and tropical fruit. By the time the forest night chorus started up again, we were happily exhausted.
Saturday, 6 September – Final Day at Maquipucuna
Our last full day at Maquipucuna started with another early walk. No bears — which we knew was likely outside of avocado season — but the thrill was still there, just knowing they were somewhere out in that forest. We did find fresh claw marks on a tree, clear evidence that a bear had climbed there recently. That was enough to send a little shiver of excitement through the group.
Later in the morning, we joined a short workshop on sustainable farming practices. Staff showed us how they grow coffee and cacao in harmony with the forest — no monocultures, no chemicals, just shade-grown plants that support biodiversity while also providing income. It felt good to see the whole cycle: from forest protection to birdlife to chocolate bars on a shelf.
After lunch, we had a bit of downtime to simply be in the forest. I sat on the veranda with a journal and a cup of coffee, watching hummingbirds dart around me, and thought about how different this was from the Galápagos. The islands were bold, dramatic, almost theatrical. Here, the cloud forest was intimate, layered, and quietly powerful.
That evening, the lodge organized a final communal dinner — hearty Andean fare with plenty of vegan adaptations. We raised a glass with our fellow travelers, trading highlights and promising to share photos once we were back home.
Reflections – What Maquipucuna Taught Us
Maquipucuna wasn’t about ticking off famous landmarks or chasing “the big sighting.” It was about slowing down, listening, and realizing just how much life thrives when it’s given space to flourish.
The Andean bear may have remained hidden, but the knowledge that we were sharing its home — walking its trails, seeing its claw marks, hearing its story through conservationists — was enough. Add to that the endless parade of birds, the taste of shade-grown chocolate and coffee, and the warmth of the people who call this forest home, and it felt like a complete, deeply rewarding chapter of our Ecuador journey.
Perfect — thank you for the notes. Since this is your final day in Ecuador and the wrap of the whole trip, I’ll write it as both a day-in-the-life story and a reflective conclusion. That way listeners get the travel details they enjoy, but also feel the emotional closure of the journey.
Day 8: Maquipucuna → Quito → Miami – Jungle to City & Farewell to Ecuador
“Our last day in Ecuador began quietly at Maquipucuna Reserve. Breakfast was simple and hearty: plantain fritters, white corn arepas, and a pancake-like patty — fuel for the long travel day ahead. By 9:30, we’d said our goodbyes to the staff and were back in the car for the three-hour drive to Quito.
The journey was scenic, winding out of the dense, misty cloud forest and back toward the city’s bustle. After so many weeks of travel, the car became our mobile office. Seb and I spent the ride catching up on editing the mountain of photos and video clips we’d collected — a way to relive the trip even before it was over.
A Final Quito Feast
By lunchtime, we were back in the city and of course made a beeline for one of our favorites: Donde Gopal. This beloved plant-based restaurant is one of those places I’d recommend to any vegan traveler passing through Quito.
That day’s almuerzo special was extraordinary. It arrived wrapped in a banana leaf, and when I unfolded it, I found a vibrant, layered plate of seasoned plantains, bright yellow rice, tender seitan strips, and mushrooms in a creamy sauce, all topped with pickled onions and a house salsa. It was colorful, hearty, comforting — the kind of meal that makes you stop mid-bite and say, this is exactly what I needed today.
One Last Hotel Inspection
After lunch, we squeezed in one final hotel inspection in Quito’s Old Town. The property had undeniable charm — beautiful architecture, atmospheric interiors — but it sat high on one of Quito’s steep hills. At 2,850 meters, the city is already the highest capital in the world, and that location just felt impractical for guests who might struggle with the altitude. It was a good reminder of why these inspections matter: even gorgeous hotels aren’t always the right fit for our groups.
Saying Goodbye & Heading Home
By late afternoon, it was time for a bittersweet farewell to our driver, who had been with us throughout our mainland journey — reliable, kind, and always ready with a smile. Then we were off to Mariscal Sucre International Airport. Customs was busy but efficient, and before we knew it, we were boarding our Copa Airlines flight via Panama.
We landed in Miami just after midnight, and by the time we’d collected bags and checked into the Marriott at the airport, it was nearly 3 a.m. Exhausted but grateful, we collapsed into bed — our Ecuador adventure officially behind us.
Reflections
As I lay there, somewhere between jet lag and contentment, I thought about what we’d just experienced. From sea lions and penguins in the Galápagos to giant tortoises in the highlands, from Quito’s history and rooftop views to Mindo’s birds and chocolate, and finally the conservation heartbeat of Maquipucuna — Ecuador had given us everything.
It wasn’t just about seeing new places. It was about understanding how diverse this small country is, and how much care goes into protecting its treasures. And, of course, it was about sharing it with family, friends, and fellow travelers — laughing over sea lion antics, clinking glasses on rooftops, and marveling at the flash of a hummingbird’s wings.
Leaving Ecuador was hard, but the memories felt stitched into me. And the best part? I know we’ll be back — and I can’t wait to bring more of you along.”
Final Outro – Farewell to Ecuador
“And that brings us to the end of our Ecuador adventure — from the busy streets of Guayaquil and the charm of Cuenca, to a week among sea lions, penguins, and giant tortoises in the Galápagos, to the cobbled plazas of Quito, the misty skies of Mindo, and finally, the conservation heartbeat of Maquipucuna.
What strikes me most about Ecuador is how much diversity is packed into such a small country. In the span of just a couple of weeks, we went from volcanic islands to Andean peaks to dripping cloud forest. Every day felt different, every landscape revealed something new, and every person we met deepened our connection to this place.
For me, travel is always about more than ticking off sights. It’s about those unforgettable moments: laughing as a sea lion pup tried to nap on our bag, sipping cocktails on a rooftop as Quito lit up at sunset, spotting a Quetzal in the early morning light, or simply sharing a meal with friends and family. Those are the memories that stay with you long after the plane lands back home.
And while this trip was a research journey for us — to refine itineraries, test experiences, and choose the right partners — it also reminded me why we do what we do. To create travel that is immersive, ethical, and joyful. Travel where vegans can explore the world without compromise, and where every detail is designed to make the journey unforgettable.
Now, I know many of you listening are probably wondering, ‘When can I do this?’ Our 2026 Galápagos trips are already sold out, but we’ve opened pre-registration for 2027. If the thought of snorkeling with penguins, wandering Quito’s historic plazas, or waking up to hummingbirds in the cloud forest has you smiling right now, I’d love for you to be part of it. You’ll find the link in the show notes.
Thank you so much for joining me through this three-part series. It’s been such a joy to relive the journey with you. And wherever your own travels take you next, may they be full of discovery, laughter, and a little bit of magic — just like Ecuador