I landed in Ecuador just after Christmas with a clear sense of excitement, an empty stomach, and a deep craving for mountains, fresh air, and movement. What followed was not a checklist of places, but a single, flowing experience. One that blended volcanoes, cloud forests, hot springs, endless hikes, and food that surprised me at every turn.
After arriving in Quito and settling into Cumbayá, it didn’t take long to feel the altitude and the magic of being so close to the equator. Standing at the Middle of the World was surreal, but what made it unforgettable was visiting the Intiñan Museum. There, I watched gravity behave differently – or at least it felt that way. I was able to balance an egg perfectly on a nail, something that still feels impossible, and it was one of those small, mind-blowing moments that make travel feel playful and magical. Ecuador doesn’t ease you in; it immediately pulls you into its stories.
Food became a central character in this trip. Fresh juices appeared everywhere – bright, cold, and bursting with flavors I didn’t always recognize. I tasted fruits straight from trees, some sweet, some tangy, some completely new to me. Breakfasts often happened on the road, simple and perfect, fueling long drives and longer hikes. Meals were never rushed; they were moments to pause, look around, and realize how lucky I was to be exactly where I was.
One of the most unforgettable experiences of the trip was Quilotoa. Standing at the rim of the crater, the lake below looked unreal—an intense turquoise surrounded by rugged volcanic walls. Hiking down to the crater lake was steep, quiet, and humbling, every step pulling me deeper into the landscape. When it was time to head back up, I rode a mule along the switchbacks, giving my legs a break while still soaking in the scale and beauty of the place. It was one of those moments that stays with you long after you leave.
Cotopaxi was a completely different kind of challenge. Hiking up an active volcano demanded everything: thin air, biting cold, strong winds, and the steady burn in my legs as we climbed higher and higher. It was hard in a raw, physical way, but also incredibly rewarding. Standing there, surrounded by vastness and silence, I felt small in the best possible sense. The effort made the experience unforgettable.
As we moved north and west, the landscapes softened into cloud forest. Staying at a family finca in Nanegal felt like stepping into a different rhythm of life. The finca was also home to seventeen Dobermans, all protective, curious, and surprisingly gentle. One of them, Joe, completely stole my heart and followed me around whenever he could. Days were filled with birdwatching, orchid gardens, fruit tasting, swimming, and sitting still long enough to notice how alive everything felt. Nights were just as memorable: quiet, cozy, and filled with conversation and board games after long days outside. It felt intimate and grounding, the kind of place that reminds you to slow down.
Adventure peaked in Mindo, where hiking truly took center stage. Trails led us to waterfalls surrounded by thick, green forest. Ziplining added an adrenaline rush, while cacao and coffee tours pulled everything back to earth, reminding me how deeply connected this country is to its land and its flavors.
New Year’s Eve became one of the most memorable cultural moments of the trip. As midnight approached, the Año Viejo traditions took over. Large effigies symbolizing the past year were set on fire, meant to release what no longer serves and make space for what’s ahead. Watching the flames, the laughter, and the emotion behind the ritual made the transition into the new year feel intentional, symbolic, and deeply Ecuadorian.
And then there was the cheese ice cream. I didn’t expect to love it, and yet I still think about it. Creamy, slightly salty, and completely unexpected, it somehow worked perfectly in the warm, humid air. It became a symbol of the trip for me. Ecuador constantly surprising me in the best way.
Returning to Quito after days immersed in nature felt different this time. We explored the Centro Histórico on foot, joining a walking tour that brought the city’s past to life. Wandering through churches, plazas, and narrow cobblestone streets, I felt the layers of history everywhere. Colonial architecture, daily rituals, and stories woven into modern life. Walking through the historic center, I felt the layers of time everywhere – churches, plazas, cobblestone streets, and stories woven into daily life.
Midway through the trip, we made our way to Papallacta, and it felt like hitting a reset button. After days of hiking and long drives, soaking in hot springs high in the mountains was exactly what my body needed. Surrounded by mist, silence, and rugged peaks, the thermal pools felt deeply restorative. It was a pause in the adventure – stillness before diving back into movement.
When it was finally time to leave, I realized how much this trip had given me. Ecuador fed me well, challenged me physically, surprised me constantly, and reminded me how alive travel can make you feel. From volcano hikes and cloud forest trails to fresh juices, unfamiliar fruits, and yes – even cheese ice cream – this wasn’t just a trip. It was a full-bodied experience.
And I’d go back in a heartbeat.