From Freiburg to Quito, halfway around the world, what a change in pace, scenery, and altitude! For two weeks, I had the chance to explore this fascinating country alongside two friends.

Starting in the capital city, situated at an elevation of about 2,800 meters – the highest capital in the world – then journeying to the Tena canton into the Amazon basin along the Río Napo to explore the jungle’s remarkable flora and fauna.
Snakes, spiders, caimans – and of course not to forget the mosquitoes, who were just as thrilled about my visit as I was ecstatic to explore the jungle. Long story short after 2 days my legs looked like apple crumble!

Leaving the apple crumble behind, we ascended once more into the Andes, making a quick stop in Baños before pressing on toward Ecuador’s highest mountain and stratovolcano, Chimborazo (6,263m). Hiking up to 5,100m without proper acclimatisation came with its own challenges – lightheadedness included – but the breathtaking landscapes made every step worth it.

Unlike Chimborazo, whose last eruption was 1,500 years ago, Cotopaxi (5,897m) remains active.
Its eruptions could send lahars, a mixture of water and pyroclastic debris, as far as southern Quito.

Quick sidenote – speaking of eruptions, volcanoes, and water: I couldn’t have described my bowel movements any better during the first week. Maybe not “laharing” all the way to southern Quito, but I definitely stayed on high alert for any opportunity to escape the sudden onslaught of internal pyroclastic activity!..But I digress.