Göslikon

Touchdown in Quito, the sky wide and clear, a world away from Zurichs winter shroud.

From above, Quito looks unique—it's built across flat mountains and deep canyons, likely carved by rivers over time, sitting high at 2,800 meters.

I took a taxi to my hotel, checked in, and then headed out for water and a bite at a small, cozy restaurant. The food was delicious, and I met a friend of the owner, a local guide. She showed me a map and listed some options: a five-hour hike to the mountain peak, exploring historic Quito with its large chapels and museums, visiting the Botanical Garden, or even standing on the Equator line nearby. I could also do half-day trips to nearby lagoons or hike the volcano up to 5,700 meters.

It’s 7:00 in the morning now. After breakfast, I’ll head out and decide where to start exploring.Read more