Exploring the Wonders of Ecuador: A traveled Journey Through the capital of city of Quito, over the Andes, to the exquisite islands of the Galapagos and through the Amazonia rainforest.

Welcome to Ecuador:

I recently traveled on a Bucket List trip. I traveled with the experienced professionals of Gate1 Tours in January 2025, #Gate1. We couldn't have asked for a better experience. The itinerary was packed and accommodations were above our expectations.

Sacha Lodge - Amazonia

Quito: A Historical Gem

• Ecuador is a vibrant country worth exploring. I recommend checking out the capital city of Quito and its culture. I enjoyed seeing the charming colonial architecture and learning that the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I highly recommend taking a day to visit the Basilica and explore the crypts. Look for upcoming cultural events or festivals for more ways to experience Quito's diverse offerings. I had a memorable time shopping for vegetables, fruits, and meats in the local markets, and even ate at a market with the locals, enjoying their fresh seafood and avocados. Add a visit to a cacao farm for a more authentic experience.

The Majestic Andes: Nature's Backbone

The Majestic Andes is nature's backbone, and they are beautiful and inspiring. The mountains feature stunning views of volcanos and valleys. Hot springs at Termas Papallacta Spa will take your breath away. There are many ways to explore the region, including trekking to the Caldera, and there are opportunities to meet the local street dogs.

Visit The Ciudad Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World City) is a tract of land owned by the prefecture of the province of Pichincha, Ecuador. It is located at San Antonio parish of the canton of Quito, 26 km (16 mi) north of the center of Quito. Best place to shop for souvenirs at the many handmade markets. Roses from Ecuador are so unique. They are long stemmed and can produce 4 buds a year and are shipped world-wide.

 The Galapagos Islands: Nature's Sanctuary

The Galapagos Islands, with their spectacular wildlife, offer many unique experiences and are a truly unique destination. While on the islands, consider spending some time bird watching or snorkeling. You might also enjoy island hopping or exploring the many conservation efforts in place to protect these fragile ecosystems.

Gate1 will set your accommodations at the Scalesia Lodge. The modern, luxurious, safari-style tent resort is in the middle of 16 hectares (40 acres) of a magical forest with a spectacular view of the coast. For those interested in the islands' remarkable flora and fauna, the wildlife is incredible.

The Galapagos Islands inspired Charles Darwin's theories of evolution, and it's not hard to see why. The plants and animals found on these islands are unlike anything you've ever seen before. And since this area is still largely untouched by human civilization, the pristine natural beauty of the place is simply mesmerizing.

The Amazon: A Lush Wilderness

The Amazon rainforest has the unique distinction of being the largest tropical rainforest in the world. It's called the "lungs of the planet" for good reason because it generates around 20% of the world's oxygen. And this area of about 5.5 million square miles offers a truly immersive travel experience.

Visitors to the Amazon rainforest can encounter rich cultural experiences. While the jungle stretches across nine countries, the majority of it is located in Brazil, and the area is home to 1% of the world's population.

The Amazon has been populated for thousands of years, and the jungle holds the ancestral roots of thousands of different native tribes. The native communities are known for a number of different things.

First, they are known to be knowledgeable in plant medicine. This knowledge helps them live off the land with few external resources. Second, many groups continue to follow the traditions of their ancestors, and visitors can learn about everything from hunting to harvesting to healing traditions that have survived the test of time.

Third, the tribes have a distinct connection to the rainforest that makes them stewards of the environment. They have a vested interest in keeping it healthy, and they have been instrumental in educating others about the importance of protecting the rainforest.

In addition to the culture of the Amazon, the forest itself offers the best way to experience it: hiking. Though many prefer to take a guided tour, many visitors prefer to set out on foot. Hiking trails are usually located near the park entrance. If you have hiking experience, you can easily enjoy the scenery on your own, but even if you don't, this is a relatively easy trek.

Whether you're hiking or guided through, you're likely to encounter a variety of animal life, including the three-toed sloth, monkeys, macaws, and perhaps even the anaconda, which is the largest snake in the world.

The Amazon rainforest is a must-see on anyone's travel bucket list, and when you get there, you'll know why.

Add experience it all in the heart of the Rainforest at Sacha Lodge. South America's best Primary Rainforest Amazon sanctuary with the only canopy walk in Ecuador, birdwatching tower, and amazing wildlife.