Exploring Quito & Ecuador’s Cloud Forest | World Vegan Travel Podcast
Welcome back to the final chapter of our Ecuador mini-series!
If you’re just joining us, make sure to check out:
- Part 1: Vegan Travel in Ecuador | Guayaquil & Cuenca Adventures 1
- Part 2: Vegan Travel in Ecuador | Exploring the Galápagos 2
Both episodes help set the scene for this last part of the journey — from busy city streets to magical islands, and now into the mountains and misty cloud forest.
In this episode, Brighde takes us through Quito, the Andes, Mindo, and the lush Maquipucuna Reserve, where hummingbirds sparkle and Andean bears roam. This is the slower, softer part of the adventure… but just as full of surprises.
Day 1: Leaving the Galápagos & Arriving in Quito
After one last breakfast on the yacht, it was time to say goodbye to the crew who had taken such good care of the group all week. Once back on land in San Cristóbal, everyone enjoyed a final wander through town — sea lions sleeping on the beach, barking, flopping, and reminding us why the islands are so special.
Soon it was time to fly to Quito, the world’s highest capital city. The change was instant: the salty air of the Galápagos swapped for crisp mountain air at 2,850 meters.
The group checked into the beautiful Casa Gangotena, a boutique Relais & Châteaux hotel right on Plaza San Francisco in Quito’s historic center. With its rooftop views, grand rooms, and centuries of history outside the front door, it felt like stepping into a real-life museum.
A cozy dinner, a stroll through the old town, and early bedtime wrapped up the day.
“Quito and the cloud forest reminded me that travel isn’t only about big sights — it’s also about the soft moments. A hummingbird hovering right in front of you, a warm bowl of soup after a rainy walk, a storyteller’s voice echoing through old streets. These tiny feelings stay with you long after the trip ends.”- Brighde Reed
Day 2: Quito – Legends, Landmarks & Laundry
The next morning started with something simple but wonderful: laundry! In Ecuador, laundromats are affordable and fast — a small travel joy that future World Vegan Travel groups will definitely appreciate.
From there, the group visited El Panecillo, home to Quito’s famous winged Madonna statue. The views were incredible — rooftops, domes, mountains, and the entire city spread out below.
Next stop: Mitad del Mundo, the famous “Middle of the World,” where you can stand on the equator, do quirky balance experiments, and learn about Ecuador’s Indigenous cultures.
Lunch at Donde Gopal was hearty and delicious, and the afternoon brought art and history from the Guayasamín Museum.
But the true highlight was Quito Eterno — a magical nighttime storytelling tour through the old town. Costumed actors shared legends, myths, and local tales as lanterns lit up ancient streets. It felt like walking through a storybook.
The evening ended with dinner and a glowing view over the entire city at Café Mosaico.
“It was our last evening with Pauline and Veronique, and sitting there together, with the city twinkling below and dogs curled up at our feet, it felt like the perfect farewell to our little group.”- Brighde Reed
Day 3: Quito – Hotel Visits & High-Altitude Views
This day was all about choosing the best hotel partners for future WVT Ecuador trips.
Casa Gangotena set the bar high, but visits to Mama Cuchara and Illa Experience Hotel added new contenders — each with friendly staff, beautiful design, and vegan meal options.
To break up the day, the group rode the TelefériQo, a cable car that takes you up to 4,050 meters. Even though the clouds hid some views, seeing Quito from above was still breathtaking. And watching 78-year-old Pauline conquer the altitude was the proud moment of the day.
That evening, the group shared rooftop drinks and said goodbye to Pauline and Veronique before they flew home.
Day 4: Quito → Mindo – Chocolate, Mountains & Mist
After a few more practical hotel inspections in Quito, it was time for lunch at Vegano De Altura, where dessert stole the show — chocolate cake and tiramisu that were simply unforgettable.
Then came the beautiful drive to Mindo. As the altitude dropped, the scenery changed from dry highlands to lush green forest wrapped in drifting clouds. This was the famous cloud forest, one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth.
The group checked into La Terrazza de Dana, a warm, family-run lodge with forest views, private balconies, and hummingbirds darting everywhere.
That night, everyone fell asleep to the sound of frogs and crickets — a completely different soundtrack from the Galápagos waves.
Day 5: Mindo → Maquipucuna – Birds, Chocolate & Andean Bears
The day began with birdwatching at dawn, guided by Julia, who has spent more than 20 years studying birds in this region. The group saw 43 species, including the dazzling Quetzal, colorful tanagers, woodpeckers, and tiny hummingbirds.
After breakfast, the group explored Mindo village before taking the incredible Yumbos Chocolate Tour — a bean-to-bar experience with tastings of chocolate flavored with chili, lemongrass, mandarin, and more.
In the afternoon, everyone traveled to the Maquipucuna Reserve, one of the best places in the world to see the endangered Andean bear. Although sightings are seasonal, learning about their lives, habitats, and conservation challenges was unforgettable.
The lodge was rustic, warm, and full of life — hummingbirds zoomed around feeders like tiny flying jewels.
Days 6–7: Maquipucuna – Hikes, Hummingbirds & Conservation
Over the next two days, the group explored Maquipucuna on foot, hiking through forests dripping with moss, orchids, bromeliads, and morning clouds. They learned how local communities support conservation and how shade-grown coffee and cacao help protect the forest.
Although the Andean bears stayed hidden, fresh claw marks on trees reminded everyone that the bears were very close.
Evenings were quiet and peaceful — simple meals, good conversations, and the sounds of the forest drifting in through the windows.
Day 8: Farewell to Ecuador
On the last morning, the group made the drive back to Quito and enjoyed one more delicious lunch at Donde Gopal. After one final hotel inspection, it was time to fly home.
With hearts full and cameras full, the group boarded their flight — tired, happy, and so grateful for every moment.
💚 Final Reflections
This three-part Ecuador journey showed just how diverse this small country is.
In only a couple of weeks, you can go from:
- city streets
- to volcanic islands
- to Andean peaks
- to misty cloud forest
Each place feels like a different world.
More than anything, this trip reminded us why we design vegan travel that is ethical, immersive, and joyful. Travel isn’t just about seeing new places — it’s about the laughter, the stories, the wildlife encounters, the rooftop sunsets, and the quiet forest moments you carry home with you.
If this episode leaves you dreaming of Ecuador, remember:
Our 2026 Galápagos trips are sold out, but pre-registration for 2027 is now open.
🌍 Places Mentioned in This Episode
- Casa Gangotena, Quito – a beautiful Relais & Châteaux boutique hotel in the historic city centre.
- Plaza San Francisco, Quito – a historic square with centuries of stories, right in the heart of the old town.
- El Panecillo & La Virgen de Quito – the hilltop statue overlooking the city with sweeping views.
- Mitad del Mundo & Intiñan Solar Museum – where you can stand on the equator and explore Ecuador’s Indigenous culture.
- Donde Gopal, Quito – a beloved plant-based restaurant serving hearty vegan meals.
- Quito Eterno – an immersive storytelling night tour that brings Quito’s legends and history to life.
- Café Mosaico, Quito – a hillside restaurant with panoramic views across the city at dusk.
- TelefériQo (Quito cable car) – a dramatic ride up the slopes of the Pichincha Volcano for sweeping views.
- Mama Cuchara Hotel, Quito – a welcoming boutique property with vegan tasting menus and warm hospitality.
- Illa Experience Hotel, Quito – a boutique mansion-style property offering immersive cultural experiences for vegan travellers.
- Vegano De Altura, Quito – a plant-based lunch destination known for creative plates and indulgent desserts.
- La Terrazza de Dana Boutique Lodge, Mindo – a forest-view lodge perched above the cloud forest, perfect for birding and nature.
- Yumbos Chocolate Tour, Mindo – a bean-to-bar chocolate experience, tasting multiple flavour-twisted varieties.
- Maquipucuna Reserve – a lush cloud forest sanctuary near Quito, home to hummingbirds, Andean bears and thousands of plant species.
Want More Vegan Travel Inspiration?
- Vegan Travel in Ecuador | Guayaquil & Cuenca Adventures 1
- Vegan Travel in Ecuador | Exploring the Galápagos Part 2
- Vegan Travel in Canada | A Vegan Traveler’s Autumn in Ottawa
- Best Vegan City Food Tours – North America (US, Canada, and Mexico)
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