travelblog

We took a trip to Quito and Baños, Ecuador, for a week and I took 492 photos (no kidding). Don't worry, I won't make you look at all of them, these are just a few of my favorites. We had a blast, I would recommend the beautiful country of Ecuador for anyone looking for a trip to somewhere completely different. Quito is a moderncity with plenty of historical sites to visit by day and restarants and clubs to party by night. It is situated in a mountain valley, about 10000 feet above sea level, surrounded by active volcanoes, some of which are beautifully capped by ice (even though they are on the equator!) Quiteños are friendly people, and they tolerate foreigners well. Knowing some essential Spanish words phrases is a must, but most people in the cities know at least some English. They use US dollars in Ecuador, believe it or not, so no currency to exchange!! If you rent a car, get used to the way the people drive-- they are aggressive, both in the cities and on the mountain highways as well. Buses, taxis, and trollies are everywhere in Quito, making getting from place to place quite convenient, but be sure you know where you're going. Do your research before you travel and be careful in certain neighborhoods, same as any other big cities. Be sure to visit La Mitad del Mundo, the equatorial monument. Bring your passport and they'll stamp it for you. Baños is a beautiful town about 3 hours outside Quito. It's full name is Baños de Aguas Santas (Baths of Holy Water...