Morning: Colonial Wonders & Skyline Views

• 09:00 AM – Basílica del Voto Nacional: Begin your day at this breathtaking neo-Gothic masterpiece. Keep an eye out for the unique gargoyles carved in the shapes of native Ecuadorian animals like iguanas, armadillos, and tortoises. Climb the steep stairs to the top of the Condor Tower for an unforgettable, panoramic view of the Andean peaks cradling the city.

• 10:30 AM – Historic Center & Plaza Grande Walking Tour: Head down into the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Old Town. Stroll through cobblestone streets to Plaza Grande (Independence Square), flanked by the Presidential Palace and the stunning Metropolitan Cathedral.

• 12:00 PM – Coffee & Queer History: Take a quick mid-day break at Café Memoria, a hidden gem in the heart of the Old Town. This safe, cozy, and proudly LGBTQ+-friendly space pairs delicious local coffee and traditional Ecuadorian bolones with an inspiring display of local queer history.

Afternoon: Guardians of the City & Standing on the Equator

• 01:00 PM – El Panecillo Hill: Catch a quick ride up to El Panecillo, a volcanic hill rising above the colonial rooftops. Here, you will stand at the base of the majestic, winged Virgin of Quito—a towering aluminum monument that protects the valley below. The view from this vantage point offers a striking look at the divide between the historic old town and the modern north.

• 02:30 PM – Intiñan Equator Museum: Leave the valley behind and drive north toward the middle of the world. Skip the massive concrete monument next door and head straight into the interactive Intiñan Museum. This open-air indigenous museum lets you participate in quirky, gravity-defying science experiments—like balancing an egg on the head of a nail or watching water drain in different directions just inches apart across the true equatorial line.

Evening: Modern Flavors & Nightlife

• 06:00 PM – Gourmet Dinner in La Mariscal: Head back down into modern Quito to La Mariscal or the upscale González Suárez neighborhood. Enjoy modern Ecuadorian gastronomy or artisanal cocktails at Mimi Bar Fluido, an inclusive, women-led kitchen and cocktail lounge known as a stellar safe space for the local queer community.

1. Personal Growth: Meeting and sharing experiences with people of diverse identities and orientations enriches my perspective and enhances my understanding of the world.

2. Creating Safe Spaces: Helping LGBTQ+ travelers feel comfortable and welcomed in new destinations is essential. It’s gratifying to contribute to an inclusive environment.

3. Cultural Sharing: Promoting cultural diversity and the stories of the LGBTQ+ community in different places enriches the travel experience, showcasing the richness of our shared histories.

4. Empowerment: Witnessing travelers express themselves freely and enjoy their authenticity is inspiring. Supporting others on their journey toward self-acceptance is an honor.

5. Connections: Each trip is an opportunity to form meaningful bonds. The connections made during these experiences can last a lifetime.

6. Education and Awareness: Guiding the LGBTQ+ community also involves educating others about the realities and challenges we face, contributing to greater understanding and acceptance.

I enjoy every moment of this work, knowing that I am helping others explore the world in an authentic and safe way.