Two Backpackers

Discover Quito Ecuador

| by Jason on August 23rd, 2024 | 13 Comments » | Ecuador, South America

Quito is the capital city of Ecuador and stands 2,800 m (9,186 ft) above sea level, making Quito the second-highest capital city in the world behind La Paz in Bolivia.  Its official, less popular name is San Francisco de Quito.

Quito, Ecuador

Quito is most often visited for it’s proximity to the celebrated middle of the world, equator line (La Mitad del Mundo).  In addition, Quito’s old city (Centro Histórico), also boasts the most exquisite Spanish colonial architecture that attracts photographers from around the world.  Cathedrals dot the landscape and the Andes mountains wrap the city valley.  Looking off into the distance at the 45 m (148 ft) tall aluminum monument of a madonna that stands overlooking the city from a hilltop, I felt I was in a special place. (more…)

Otavalo Market In Ecuador

| by Aracely on July 20th, 2024 | 10 Comments » | Ecuador, South America

The Otavalo Market is one of South America’s most grandest and famous markets.  The best day to experience the market is on Saturdays.  From Quito, it’s a 2 hour bus ride to the city of Otavalo.  Passengers will start to get off the bus at several stops after you enter town, but be patient and you will arrive at the bus terminal.

Within five minutes of walking the vendor lined streets,  Otavalo made my top 5 most interesting places I visited in South America.  The energy felt while browsing the endless market is uplifting and fun.  It evokes curiosity and an uncontrollable desire to shop once immersed in the chaos.

We have chosen pictures that best provide an idea of what the Otavalo Market is all about.  To be fair, I feel as though this is one of those cases where you really need to experience the market to know what it’s truly like.

Plaza Simon Bolivar in Otavalo

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Discover Chone Ecuador My Hometown

| by Aracely on July 15th, 2024 | 10 Comments » | Ecuador, South America

As I stare out the window of the bus, I watch a world passing by.  It is moving quickly through my window and it’s incredibly different from my world today.  Every time I visit my hometown of Chone, located in the province of Manabi in coastal Ecuador, I can’t help but wonder what my life would be like had I never left.  Where would I be?  Who would I be?  I can only wonder.

Here are few pictures to show what my hometown of Chone is all about:

Local Transportation In Chone, Ecuador

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