I've recently returned from yet another 2 week wander through Ecuador. After a similar visit just one year ago, splitting my time between the Ecuadorian cities of Guayaquil, Cuenca, and Montañita, I couldn't resist going back for more. But whereas my last journey took me along with Western Coast and down into the Southern Andes Mountains, this trip would guide me through the North, beginning in the mountainous capital of Quito and winding deep into the Amazonian jungle of the East... stopping at a few volcanos along the way.

To give this trip the homage it's due, I've decided to break the visual diary of my journey into segments of each city I visited. Traveling is a chance to breathe, to renew, to gain a new perspective. Sometimes living in the moment is the best lesson a person can learn. As always, I dedicated myself to traveling light, fast, and relatively worry free.... trusting my lightest (and cheapest) 50mm lens to document all of the wonders along the way. It never seizes to amaze me what that little lens can do!

So, we begin with Quito. Next to come... the volcanic town of Baños, where the volcano was actually active during our stay, and a day in the life of a native Amazon family! Stay tuned...

A panoramic view of Ecuador's capital city, Quito, from the Teleferico that runs up the side of Pichincha Volcano.

If you know me at all, you know I LOVE alpacas... my favourite animal in the whole world! If you want to know why, just ask... but be prepared because once you get me started talking about them it's very difficult for me to stop.