Quirky Quito

After my trip to the Galapagos Islands I felt I couldn't bypass Ecuador's capital city so I spent a few days in Quito.  I had no idea what to expect, other than that it was a capital city at high altitude (not so different from Bogotá!).  In reality Quito is much smaller, slightly higher than Bogotá and very mountainous (surrounded by volcanos).

Whilst there I did a city tour with a guide I'd been put in touch with through other travellers.  We started the day with a ride up a cable car as it was a clear day.

Then we visited various churches and buildings in the historic centre of Quito.  On the Basilico they replaced the gargoyles with Galapagos animals!

On the main plaza people were selling snacks (Ponche and merengue)

This church was all decorated in gold inside.  We weren't allowed to take photos.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Compa%C3%B1%C3%ADa_de_Jes%C3%BAs,_Quito

The Government building.

The cathedral.

The Independence Monument.

After a day in Quito I did a train excursion where I passed beautiful countryside and many volcanos (whose names I don't recall).

At one of the stations there was a performance of local dancers.

On my last day I went out of Quito to the Middle of the World (the equator).

Then we went on to the market of Otavalo (about 2 hours out of Quito).  Stopping at nice viewpoints (with Fernando, my driver and guide).

Otavalo market at Plaza de los Ponchos.

San Antonio wood carving market.

There is much more to see in Ecuador of course but that will have to wait for another trip!

Gorgeous Galapagos

Living so close to the dream islands of Galapagos I had to visit!  With giant tortoises and other exotic wildlife I wasn't disappointed.

I arrived at Baltra Island, off Santa Cruz Island.  The island is purely for the airport and cruise departures so I had to take a boat to Santa Cruz Island and then a taxi to Puerto Ayora, the main town.  I was impressed by the infrastructure of the island, with newly paved roads making the 30-40 minute trip easy.  I liked seeing the 'tortoises crossing' signs and did see one on the side of the road.

Puerto Ayora is the most developed (and touristy) town of the inhabited islands (4 out of the 18 main islands).

On this island I visited El Chato tortoise reserve.

There were lots of toroises in the fields, some cooling off in a mud bath.

There are lots of restaurants, especially in the Calle de los Kioskos where you can choose your seafood which gets cooked on the grill.

Everywhere I went there were sea lions.

I enjoyed walking around the town and watching the birds, sea lions and iguanas on the streets.

The Pelican Bay area had a fish market (spot the sea lion with the vendors).

I went diving at Gordon Rocks where the highlight were Hammerhead sharks.

Not all the islands allow overnight stays but I visited a few when I went on a cruise.

We visited islands like Genovesa which is one of the few places that has red-footed boobies, amongst other birds.

The cruise involved lots of visits to remote beaches and snorkelling.

One of the other cruise passengers took videos in all our snorkelling trips and combined it to make a video of highlights.

The cruise finished in San Cristobal.

I spent my last few days visiting tortoises there

 and diving at Leon Dormido (Kicker Rock) where I saw loads of turtles (my favourite!).