Most people associate this country with an old song with the same name as the country. And it really lives up to the name. Just a short drive north of the city centre there is a place called Mitad del Mundo – or middle of the world if you like. Right here is the equator. Still a little jet lagged I woke up before the sun and made my way here. They say that early bird gets the worm – and I must say that it was true this time (as so many other times). I was first at the place and was soon to be accompanied by two young “hombre” from Colombia. Always nice to avoid the crowds when visiting tourist attractions. Regardless of visiting some special places I like getting up early. That special vibe in the morning when the streets are empty and the city has still to wake up is, besides sunset, my favorite part of the day
Today there were blue skies pretty much all day. It’s warm when the sun’s out, but after the equator I decided to go hiking to enjoy the view over Quito and also get some exercise and altitude acclimatization. I came to 4100 m.a.s.l and the air was both thinner and colder – but the views were not too shabby!
Now I’m a little confused where to go though. The first alternative is to stay on the mainland here in Ecuador, either in the mountains or perhaps I’ll go to the coast. I have to admit that after spending almost the entire summer in the mountains, it’s tempting to have a couple of days on the beach. Especially when Peru, Bolivia and Chile will bring even more, higher and colder mountains than here. The other alternative is something of a dream – Galapagos Islands outside Ecuador. The only bummer there are the prices. It’s said to be super expensive. But hey, you only live once.
Have you been to Galapagos?
