Classic Ecuador and Amazon Adventure with Culinary Delights – 2023
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Ecuador is about the size of the state of Colorado, yet this mesmerizing country nestled in the heart of South America captivated me with its rich biodiversity, vibrant culture, and awe-inspiring landscapes. A visit here offers an enchanting blend of natural wonders, rich history, and warm hospitality. Ecuador is a gateway to a world of diverse experiences from bustling cities, majestic Andes Mountains, lush Amazon rainforest, and everywhere you look around just amazing scenery. Ecuador is a hidden gem that promises an unforgettable experience.
One of the areas that Ecuador excels at is their extraordinary array of natural wonders that will leave any traveler in awe. The Andes Mountains provide a breathtaking backdrop, with snow-capped peaks, picturesque valleys, and charming traditional villages. Adventurers can indulge in thrilling activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and climbing, ziplining, and more. If that isn’t enough, the Amazon rainforest is a paradise waiting to be explored. Immerse yourself in the dense jungle where vibrant wildlife, exotic plants, and indigenous communities coexist. The Amazon Rainforest with its unrivaled biodiversity allows you to connect with nature on a whole new level with exotic wildlife and its intricate ecosystem.
Ecuador’s rich indigenous heritage and vibrant cities provide an immersive cultural experience. In Quito, the country’s capital, you can explore the well-preserved historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and marvel at its colonial architecture. Otavalo, renowned for its indigenous market, allows you to interact with locals, purchase traditional crafts and other goods at great prices (be sure to haggle how much you want to pay), and witness their colorful customs. The warmth of the Ecuadorian people will make you feel welcome everywhere you go.
As hard as it could be to believe after everything that I’ve already mentioned, one of the highlights to me was the amount of culinary delicacies at every turn. Ecuadorian cuisine is a delightful fusion of flavors, showcasing the country’s diverse culinary heritage. From the mouthwatering ceviche made with freshly caught seafood and was told that Ecuadorian ceviche is cooked seafood not raw and if it’s not cooked seafood it’s not a true Ecuadorian ceviche, to the traditional hearty soup called locro de papa (Ecuadorian Potato Soup), my taste buds were in constant awe. I also savored the famous Ecuadorian chocolate and indulged in many other exquisite Andean treats along my journey.
Whether you’re seeking adrenaline-pumping activities or more leisurely pursuits, this country has it all. I do have to admit that none of this would have been possible without Wilson Bernardo Tituaña Sánchez. He is one of the greatest guides and local fixers I have ever had the pleasure to get to know. From his knowledge of the Amazonian Rainforest and the native people, to his discipline and grit due to being in the Ecuadorian Special Forces, he makes sure everyone is safe, happy, educated, and well taken care of during your visit with him. I didn’t have any expectations before my visit, but I will forever be grateful for seeing and experiencing this wonderful country called Ecuador.
Sounds good doesn’t it? Well if you decide to go below are some of the places I enjoyed some delicious meals and experiences.
La Casa del Suizo – (Amazon Rainforest) La Punta, Ecuador
La Casa del Suizo is a lodge located in the Amazon jungle. It is a popular destination for those who want to experience the beauty and nature of the Amazon region on the banks of the Napo River, one of the main tributaries of the Amazon River. It offers a variety of activities from exploring the unique flora and fauna, hikes through the jungle, canoeing on the rivers, visits to local indigenous communities, bird watching, fishing, and much more. The lodge is comfortable, the pool is great, and you can try local foods when they have an Amazon Cooking demonstration of the giant beetle grubs, locally caught fish, fruits, and vegetables.
Casa de Piedra at Samari Spa Resort – Banos, Ecuador
Samari Spa Resort is a 4 hectare ranch with beautiful gardens and 300 years of history. It formerly belonged to the Jesuit community and has maintained the old architecture, built with exquisite colonial taste combining carved stone, wood, stained glass and wrought iron. Rustic details, good taste and nature combine to make this resort a true art gallery.
Casa de Piedra, the resort’s restaurant, offers each dish containing selected organic ingredients from the resort’s own garden, a sublime experience of flavors. The wine cellar with a varied selection of wines and a tavern full of history complement the Samari Experience. I enjoyed their Locro de los Andes, Maito de Pescado, and Medallón de res.
Pumamaki Restaurant at Termas de Papallacta – Baeza, Ecuador
Termas Papallacta owns the so-called ¨Rancho del Cañón¨, a protected area of around 200 hectares, located at the entrance of the Cayambe-Coca National Park. It’s an amazing drive and view of the Andes to get here. Not only is the food great, but Termas de Papallacta has natural hot springs with eight thermal baths and two cold pools with a great spa or public area that you can choose to enjoy. For my meal I had the filet mignon that hit the spot to fill my belly in the high altitude as the resort sits close to 11,000 feet high in elevation.
Restaurant Inty Huasi at Otavalo Market – Otavalo, Ecuador
One of the things that people make sure to do is to visit Otavalo Market, also known as Plaza de los Ponchos and Centenario Market run by the Kichwa Otavalo people and their world famous crafts. You can walk around the market seeing bright colored fabrics, crafts, and everything else you might want or need. After you tire yourself out from all the shopping and build up and appetite, a great choice for an amazing meal at fabulous prices is Restaurant Inty Huasi. For only $18, I devoured their Tomahawk Steak topped with grilled shrimp. Yes, I said only $18!!!! Even if you don’t buy anything at the market, you should stop by here just for the meal.
Restaurante Balcon al Mundo – Quito, Ecuador
Ciudad Mitad del Mundo is a popular destination for anyone in Quito. Visitors can stand on the Equator, with one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and the other in the Southern Hemisphere. You can also balance an egg on a nail without having to hold it and weigh a kilo less than in other places. They have built an attraction area Middle of the World City with museums, shops, and restaurants. I dined at Restaurante Balcon al Mundo and really enjoyed their potato soup and garlic shrimp entree. Great views in the dining area and service was quick and friendly.
Restaurante Papagayo Cotopaxi at Hosteria Papagayo – Machachi, Ecuador
A visit here you will enjoy the flower gardens, or a chance to simply enjoy nature and the natural surroundings with a small farm and animals surrounding the property. I enjoyed their chicken soup and stewed goat with rice and veggies.
Restaurant Pedro Freile at Hacienda Pinsaqui – Otavalo, Ecuador
This place has been around for 300 hundred years. The restaurant is located where the first owners originally lived and represents everything that this old colonial house means. Its large windows allow the entry of the heat of the sun and the sound of the chirping of the birds in the gardens. You will feel how the elegant hand-carved furniture and the pieces of art harmonize the environment together with the predominant white color on the thick adobe walls that generates the perfect balance to taste the menu.
Cafe Colibri – Banos, Ecuador
What a fun place this cafe was to find. Café Colibrí shares its space with the Work of the renowned bañeño painter Edguin Barrera so it’s an art exhibit, cafe, and garden all mixed together. The drinks were fantastic and the ambiance you have to visit to experience. Highly recommend a visit if ever in Banos and need to chill for a few minutes.
Café Colón by Hilton Colón – Quito, Ecuador
Cafe Colon is located in La Mariscal district, Quito’s bustling commercial and tourist Avenida Amazonas. It also sits across from El Ejido Park home to a nightly craft market, Casa de la Cultura Museum and Plaza Foch close by, and just 15 minutes from Quito old town a UNESCO World Heritage Site peppered with colonial architecture. Cafe Colon Restaurant opened in 1968, and the restaurant has garnered a reputation for its exemplary Ecuadorian cuisine and is popular with locals of all generations, many who come for the famous traditional Ecuadorian ceviche. With a buffet available at breakfast and lunch, and a menu throughout the day, the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence-winning restaurant also serves international classics. Everything I had was top notch. Enjoyed their chicken soup, grilled shrimp with mushrooms and potatoes, and ice with fresh fruit.
Donde Ivan Restaurant – Banos, Ecuador
A little off the main path and down an alley from their hotel you will find the restaurant. It is a simple location, but with very friendly staff. The lunch was basic but yummy. Had their grilled chicken.
Paradero La Avelina – Cotopaxi, Ecuador
You can’t enjoy a trip to somewhere you’ve never been without partaking in some of their local snacks and treats. Well I enjoyed some pistachio ice cream, a las tradicionales tortillas de maiz that were out of this world amazing, Las Cayambeñitas which is an artisan delicacy of high quality milk with an exquisite flavor from the city of Cayambe that you use to top Bizcocha cookies to make them one of the greatest cookies ever, and Pacari Chocolate founded in Quito and they work directly with more than 3500 small-scale farmers without intermediaries and transparency giving them fair prices for their product while also sharing knowledge about organic and biodynamic processes, which allow them to obtain a better product while taking care of their piece of land.
You can see all about this area on YouTube highlighted by Hogar en Modo Creativo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2X4-DFDknlc
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