Ecuador. TCC Territory #18.
June 8 and June 17, 2026
Quito is a lovely city, and I wish I had planned for more time here pre/post Galapagos Islands.
June 8. Did a walking tour of the historical center. Saw lots of signs of Catholicism, which was of course to be expected since the Spanish destroyed all indigenous temples and replaced them with cathedrals, etc. Visited a fruit market where we tasted a variety of South American fruits, all of which were delicious. Also did a chocolate tour and learned how the best chocolate is made from the best cacao beans. The best cacao comes from Ecuador. So now I am a coffee snob thanks to Colombia and a chocolate snob thanks to Ecuador.
June 17. Visited Ciudad Mitad del Mundo, The Middle of the World, which is about 16 km north of Quito. The equator runs through this area and there are two different locations where one can stand on it. Two locations, because the first one (with the giant monument) is now considered to perhaps be a bit off with the true line running a hundred-ish meters away at today’s Intiñan Solar Museum. It’s easy enough to visit one location and then walk to the other. The museum features many displays of indigenous Quitu culture and has a few interactive exhibits. Fun fact: the Quito people knew this area was the “middle of the world” long before Europeans arrived. They could figure this out based on the location of the sun and stars throughout the days and seasons.
Time for me to head back to the States now. Will do a LASH of the North Country Trail soon followed by finally finishing the Ice Age Trail. Will continue my TCC (international) quest either late this year or at some point next year, depending on which National Scenic Trail I can pursue in 2027 (which will depend on which permit I can snag later this year).
