Rare are the experiences that leave such a profound impact that they feel as if they were just lived, even when recalled from memory. In the hustle and bustle of these “fast-paced” times, we often overlook life’s intricate details, making truly “memorable” moments feel increasingly scarce and consequently more valuable. As humans, our essence is shaped by the experiences we encounter. Among these exceptional encounters, there are those that transcend ordinary boundaries. They have the power to transform us, aiding in our personal evolution, and when we emerge from them, we are undeniably chang ..read more

“It’s my conviction,” says Juan Sebastián Gallardo, head chef of Zero Lab, “that Ecuadorian cuisine is the best in the world. I truly believe that. From the products, the flavors, the intriguing aspects, to the popular culinary culture… our basic, village recipes have an extremely high level of sophistication. Showing this to the world, using our culinary heritage as a palette to create, is truly a gift for any chef who loves cooking.” In the culinary world, there are those who cook out of necessity, and then there are those who elevate food to an art form. And then… there are those who elevat ..read more

In 2012, UNESCO recognized the artistry of the iconic Ecuadorian straw hat, known as the “sombrero de paja toquilla”, as Intangible Cultural Heritage for Humanity. To truly appreciate the depth of its cultural significance, one must delve into its rich history and evolution as a symbol of identity. Perfectly timeless, universally appealing, and environmentally friendly—both elegant and casual, modern yet classic… a beautiful art. A visit to Homero Ortega in Cuenca leaves you with the perspective that there is simply no other hat like the paja toquilla! More Than Just a Hat “I grew up surround ..read more

Few experiences are like this. Let’s begin with the location. In a quiet and peaceful area in the northern part of the city, far from the “gastronomic” neighborhoods like La Floresta or La Mariscal, Zero Lab is easy to locate in every sense. Like if made with Venetian granite, the walls stand out amidst dozens of simple, white residential homes with their gates and garages… You don’t expect it at all. Like everything at Zero Lab, it’s an absolute surprise. The door opens, and you are immediately struck by the colors; the lights, gleaming glass, and a huge flag, embroidered by the Carmelite nu ..read more

Imagine a journey that takes you from an elegant family hotel in the busy capital of Quito to the untamed depths of the Amazon rainforest. Such an adventure promises something transformative… perhaps transcendental! A change from luxury and city life to the overwhelming purity of the most biodiverse corner of our planet, in only one morning! This extraordinary journey is made possible thanks to the visionary team behind Ikala Quito Hotel, who have extended their commitment to providing the best hospitality in the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon with Yacuma Ecolodge. Hotel Ikala Quito: A haven ..read more

In the heart of Quito’s modern city,  Ikala Quito Hotel invites us to revel in the concept behind the name. From the Aymara, Anahí Torres, the hotel’s manager, tells us ikala means ‘refuge’: “in the heart of a cosmopolitan city, just a block from Calle Isabel la Catolica (the city’s undeniable gastro-hub), where thousands of students enjoy the neighborhood, you walk in and… just listen,” she says… She’s right. Silence and absolute peace. A bird tweets from a tree? I hear it clearly from where I’m sitting, in one Ikala’s many memorable lounging spotss, enjoying a delicious Ikala Blue, one ..read more

Yacuma Ecolodge sits amidst two rivers… the Napo and the Chontayacu, between the provinces of Orellana and Napo in eastern Ecuador. Here, deep in the jungle, surrounded by hectares of primary forest, lies the ecological project that changed the lives of nearby residents and all those who venture to visit. A place as special as its location, which from the beginning was conceived to preserve the magnificent natural environment that surrounds it. Navigate along the Chontayacu River, where the community of the same name is located, home to Yacuma.A dream for conservation The story of Yacuma Ecolo ..read more

They say that such was the magnificence of San Francisco Church in Colonial times, that King Felipe II of Spain —when approving the construction of its emblematic towers— boasted he could see them, sitting on his throne, looming over the Atlantic Ocean. They were an important addition to the church—aesthetic, grandiose—but they also reveal something else; the evolutionary character of this unique religious edifice, one that has grown with the city, one that has transformed over time, both in its decorative aspects, in in most basic architecture and, of course, in the hearts of the citizens fai ..read more

Tierra del Volcán, a remarkable tourism operator in the Ecuadorian Andes, offers two iconic products: Hacienda El Porvenir and Hacienda El Tambo. These destinations are rare gems that provide a unique “experience,” offering a new way to discover oneself through breathtaking landscapes and unexpected connections. The Beauty of the Páramo It all begins with the location—the páramo, one of the most extraordinary ecosystems on the planet. We are specifically referring to the Ecuadorian páramo, and not just any Ecuadorian páramo, but the páramo surrounding the majestic Cotopaxi volcano, the most s ..read more

What more can one ask for at Somos? It’s a place to have an incredible time, filled with vibrant ambiance, one of the best restaurants in the country, boasting a first-class store with Ecuadorian products, adorned with art on the walls, and offering complete traceability of each ingredient. They have a carefully curated music playlist, cocktails that are simply enchanting, and to top it all off, a profound mission to elevate Ecuadorian cuisine to the highest global level. Chef, founder, and mentor Alejandra Espinoza embodies the concept of “we are one”: a group of people who believe in the gas ..read more