What makes or breaks a place for me is the people and the food. Right from minute one Quito was a success on all fronts. I kinda liked Panama, but I loved Ecuador. Driving into the city everything captures your attention, from the little small stop off points, the eateries in towns outside of Quito who have people outside with flags trying to entice locals in, and the elevation of colorful homes built into the hills all around the capital. Independence Square has a vibrance all of it’s own. San Francisco church is jaw dropping, and you can just about find a good viewpoint anywhere you want to go. The people you run into in and around, all add to what a special place Quito is.

Quito is the 2nd highest elevation capital in the whole world, it stands at 9,350 feet above sea level, only La Paz in Bolivia is higher. I have medication to try to avoid altitude sickness and it has worked well, that said, going from Panama which is virtually at sea level to Quito is a huge jump in elevation, something you shouldn’t do quickly. With flying in from Panama, quickly that was exactly what I did. I notice the change, but for me it all worked out fine.

Days were filled with exploring, the weather was welcoming and this is a wonderful city. Come on by.

The food experience in Panama wasn’t great, but it was in Quito I had great food and experience at the wonderfully named “Hasta La Vuelta, Semor”. You can get Locro de Papa in most places (and I had it a few times), but here was the best. Muy delicioso.

Out of interest I did see a an amateur mens soccer game, and. I took this photo. As they say, a picture paints a thousand words. This game was just about to start at Itchimbia Park, Quito.