Exploring Quito Provides Opportunity to Experience Local Culture

By Melissa Arnot

Our first day in Quito starts with a fresh-fruit breakfast influenced by the coastal regions before we head out to see what Ecuador is really all about. The culture in Quito is an amazing mix of old and new. You literally can be walking in front of a skyscraper, only to turn the corner and find yourself on a dirt road with children playing and the indigenous people carrying loads of fruit on top of their heads.

We headed out of the city and straight to the marketplace capital of Ecuador, Otavalo. The colors are exquisite. Most of the crafts from Ecuador that are sold around the world are crafted here. Some artists are weaving, while others are selling beans off of a tarp on the ground.

Jeff planned a trip to Ecuador years ago but was unable to make it. I know this was a big part of his desire to be here – to experience the artisans in their element. We laugh as they try to sell us cowboy hats and alpaca chaps, not knowing we will need these items later.

After a traditional lunch of hard corn and an interesting potato tamale with peppers (we passed on the guinea pig today), we head back to the city to prepare for our acclimatization hike tomorrow.