Follow My Journey: Discovering Ecuador and the Galápagos with Elsewhere

Chamidae Ford, a writer for Dinogo Planet, has just returned from an exhilarating 10-day journey through Ecuador thanks to Elsewhere. Here, she offers a fantastic itinerary for first-time visitors and essential tips to make the most of this diverse destination.

Elsewhere by Dinogo Planet is a travel planning service that connects adventurers with local experts who design and book tailored itineraries. My mother and I utilized it to organize our recent 10-day adventure in Ecuador. Given that we live on opposite coasts of the US, I must say this has been my favorite rendezvous spot to date. From Quito to the Galápagos Islands and Cotopaxi, we enjoyed some of the country's most stunning landscapes.

What was your travel itinerary?

We arrived in Quito, where we spent two nights soaking in the sights. This mountainous city offered a fantastic introduction to Ecuador. Coming from the Pacific Northwest, I was amazed by the towering heights and the snow-free peaks. Guided by our outstanding local tour guide, Santiago, we ascended to the top of the Basílica del Voto Nacional to gaze at the Virgin Mary overlooking Quito's picturesque hills.

In the Galápagos, we discovered that wildlife truly rules the roost — from sea lions leaping onto our boat for a midday snooze to the evening parade of pelicans as the fishermen returned from their day at sea. During our five days there, we skillfully navigated around lizards and crabs scurrying at our feet while watching cars patiently wait for iguanas to cross the road on their way to the beach. I hadn’t expected how seamlessly nature blends into everyday life.

We capped off our adventure with three days in the Andes at El Hacienda Provenir. This family-run hacienda, rich in tradition, serves as a tranquil retreat amidst four towering volcanoes. We enjoyed horseback riding, indulged at the spa, tackled a ropes course, and planted trees to aid local conservation efforts.

What did you reserve before your trip? What recommendations do you have for others?

We arranged everything ahead of time with the assistance of Maria Augusta, a travel expert based in Ecuador at Elsewhere. After we submitted our trip request, she reached out to understand our travel style and what we hoped to experience. She then designed a remarkable itinerary that perfectly balanced my mom's and my desires for the trip. With a daily plan and all our transfers organized, we only needed to be ready for pick-up, making it the most relaxed travel experience I’ve ever had.

What was your favorite activity during the trip?

Let me clarify: I’ve snorkeled numerous times, but nothing compares to this experience. Encountering vibrant fish up close is one thing, but the incredible wildlife of the Galápagos elevates it to an entirely different level.

We snorkeled around Tintoreras, a small islet off Isabela Island’s coast. Equipped with fins and goggles, we marveled at sea lions darting by, spinning playfully in the water. Their mischievous antics were impossible not to laugh at.

From the rocky shoreline, we were observed by penguins, pelicans, and blue-footed boobies, while turtles glided gracefully through the water. When our eyes met, I wished I had brought an underwater camera to capture the moment.

The highlight of the adventure was navigating through a narrow crevice in the lava rocks. Our guide instructed us to swim quietly, avoiding splashing our fins, as white-tipped reef sharks rested below. Though they’re not a threat to humans, our guide wanted to prevent any sudden movements that could trigger a frenzy. Fortunately, everything went smoothly, and while my heart raced the entire time, the thrill of seeing them up close made it worthwhile.

What was the most delicious dish you tried?

The highlight of my culinary experiences was likely the meal we prepared ourselves. While at Hacienda El Provenir in the Andes, we participated in a cooking class led by Lucy, the Hacienda's chef. She guided us through making traditional Ecuadorian dishes, including empanadas, her secret salsa, and naranjilla tea. It was an incredible experience!

Although I still need to improve my empanada-folding technique, the class was a wonderful opportunity that provided me with new recipes to recreate at home whenever I crave a taste of Ecuador.

I must also give a special mention to patacones (twice-fried green plantains), which have definitely won me over.

What was the most useful item you packed?

Make sure to pack a long-sleeved button-up shirt and a hat—they're must-haves! The heat is intense, so breathable materials are key, but the sun's rays can be brutal. You can easily spot a local compared to a tourist by how much skin they're exposing. Those who work outdoors typically cover up, wearing long sleeves, hats, gaiters, and applying generous amounts of sunscreen. Despite my tendency to tan easily, I ended up with a few sunburns on this trip. The UV rays are serious!

What’s your favorite picture from the trip, and where was it taken?

This photo of my mom and me on horseback, heading towards the breathtaking view of Cotopaxi, is one of my favorites. We wore traditional chaps and ponchos, embodying our inner chagra (Andean cowboy). While the wind howled at the viewpoint, we enjoyed fresh muña tea (a remedy for altitude sickness) as Maria, the Hacienda owner, shared stories about the ever-changing landscapes around us.

What was the most unexpected activity you enjoyed?

Hiking to the Sierra Negra caldera in the Galápagos was a standout experience during our trip. The trek takes about 45 minutes each way, and instead of following the main path, we chose the steeper trail for better chances of spotting wildlife. Our local guide on Isabela Island, Emma, is a skilled birdwatcher who would whistle to draw out some of the shiest species. We were lucky enough to see several vermilion flycatchers, which are said to bring good luck, with their vivid red bellies peeking through the greenery. The view at the caldera, especially as the fog rolled in, was simply enchanting.

What are some things I wish I had known before my trip?

The effects of the altitude in Quito and the Andes are quite serious. It's essential to stay hydrated and prepare yourself for the reduced oxygen levels you'll encounter. Coming from sea level, being at 12,000 feet hit my energy levels harder than I expected.