Hi, I’m Helen and I am the Digital Marketing Associate here at Tea! In March, I had the opportunity to visit a friend in Quito, Ecuador. During my one-week trip, I was able to adventure to some incredible places, see more below for some of the highlights!
Cotopaxi National Park
- National Park south of Quito, known for the famous active Cotopaxi Volcano, characterized by its snowy peak. Due to the cloudy weather, we weren’t able to see the top, but went on a little walk to check out the park.
- Mate – traditional caffeinated indigenous drink made of yerba mate leaves and boiling water, very common throughout this region of South America in several countries including Ecuador
- Black Sheep Inn – stayed near Cotopaxi in this hostel with incredible views, activities, and amazing hospitality
- Home cooked meals, yoga studio, hiking trials, sauna and hot tub
Hacienda El Porvenir
- Cozy hotel/lodge refurbished farmhouse, near Cotopaxi with full amenities and activities, known for being a working ranch and wild cattle
- We had Canelazo tea, which helps with altitude sickness and adjustment
- Restaurant on location featuring traditional Ecuadorian meals (ceviche featured)
- Full spa with sauna, hot tub, jacuzzi, cold plunge, and massages
- Activities include horseback riding, hiking trails, cooking classes, lasso classes, and mountain biking
Quilotoa Lake
- Another park, further south from Cotopaxi, that is an old volcano crater filled with water
- Did a LONG hike here, made our own path and hiked uphill for an hour straight – worth the beautiful views!
Mindo
- Mindo is a little town northeast of Quito on the edge of the rainforest, we stopped nearby for a hike prior to arriving at our hotel for the night
- We stayed at Terrabambu Lodge, another beautiful resort with included meals and activities (we chose to go ziplining, on a swing over the river, and river rafting)
- Before leaving, we stopped in the town to check out the shops and restaurants
