Nov 25, 2013

South America Travelogue

I've just returned from a whirlwind trip in Ecuador and Peru (and my first time in South America!). If you've been following along on my Instagram, you'll have a pretty good idea of what I've been up to. And here, I will try to recreate some of the highlights of this trip so you can experience it with more context. I must thank LAN and TAM Airlines for inviting me on this trip to experience some of the incredible sights that South America has to offer.

Our trip began in Quito, Ecuador after a quick stop in Guayaquil, the largest city in Ecuador. From the Quito airport, it was a rocky 90 minute drive to Casa Gangotena, a historic 1920s mansion converted into a 31-room luxury hotel in the old town section of Quito. From the tin ceilings to the winding staircases to the wood panelings, the design elements of the hotel had me gasping at every corner I turned. My room itself was perfectly charming in a soothing color palette with exquisite wallpaper. And how do I not have photos of the marble-clad bathrooms!? Well, they were white, airy, even a bit modern-like, and beautiful. From the hotel's terrace, you get a great aerial view of San Francisco Plaza and the houses on the hills (which actually reminded me very much of our own San Francisco, CA). On the ground floor, there is a little outdoor garden with colorful blooms.








We had a little lunch at the hotel's ground floor restaurant with our guide from Metropolitan Touring before heading out for a walking tour of the city. The huge corn kernels in our sampler were a delight, some almost potato-like. And who doesn't love some good old shrimp empanadas? This meal was pretty indicative of what we'd be having over the next week - lots of soup, lots of ceviche.





Next up, scenes from Quito.

22 comments :

  1. Wow, so envious of you! Traveling everywhere and taking amazing photos :)

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  2. Great travel photos! So clean and neat. I can't wait to see more Alice.

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  3. Alice, you have a gifted ability to see things so beautifully. Love these photos! xo

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  4. Ecuador is in my list must-visit!

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  5. I feel like i could live off ceviche. mmmmmm!!!

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  6. what an adventure! i loved following you on IG and these photos are just phenomenal!

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  7. That hotel is so beautiful , love those such rich lovely details! Can't wait to see more from your trip! :)

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  8. Oh my god. Your snapshots are so beautiful. Your style of photography is so fresh, clean, and simple. They really highlight the most gorgeous aspects of your hotel. (All the food looks so yummy)! What a fun trip you had!

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  9. I went to Ecuador about 30 years ago but never had the chance to stay in such a fancy hotel. It looks very Spanish. I loved the market towns I saw up in the mountains. Please post more. I love your blog

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  10. Your South American experience was much more luxurious than mine... this is a side I haven't seen! But still beautiful!

    http://lasaloperie.blogspot.com

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    1. I thought the same thing! this is a really different side than mine too ...
      Even if these pictures are amazing, this doesn't show the real South America I think.

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  11. I couldn´t live off ceviche but I could def live at that beautiful casa forever and ever!!!

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  12. Wow, gorgeous photos! What lens do you use for the interior shots? I love how you're capturing the room details but also enough of the space - do you use just a wide angle or do you have a tilt shift lens? Would love to know!

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    1. Hi Lara, I use a 24-70mm for almost all of my photos and always have that around for interiors.

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  13. Okay. Next time I go to south america i'm going to ecuador. I am excited to see your Peru pics... that country has my heart!!!

    <3

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  14. These are amazing. Loved following you around the world on Instagram!

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  15. Hi Alice, I was wondering whether you'll be offering a calender again for the year 2014? Loved the one from last year, but can't seem to find a new one?

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  16. My country!
    Oh my, how I miss mellocos, chochos and mote!
    Beautiful photos.

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  17. Absolutely beautiful photos! My husband and I traveling to South America for a sightseeing tour of Argentina next week and I really hope my photos can stack up to these!

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