Issue #17: Ecuador: Adventure Between the Clouds

WHAT YOU’LL FIND IN THIS ISSUE:

• Andes hikes, crater lakes, cloud forests & Amazon lodges LGBTQ+ safety notes

• Where to stay in Quito (chic or arty — your call)

• Quick Campfire Questions with Neil Laird

• New poll: What kind of travel support do you like

And the vibe?

Welcoming.

Ecuador has strong LGBTQ+ legal protections including same-sex marriage. However, attitudes can vary outside urban areas, Quito is politically progressive, artistic, and used to a diverse crowd.

You’ll find low-key queer nightlife, inclusive lodging, and the kind of place where holding hands gets curious smiles.

When to Go

Ecuador sits right on the equator (clue’s in the name), but thanks to its altitude, Quito stays cool year-round, average temps hover around 15°C.

Expect spring-like days, chilly nights, and the odd rainstorm that clears up as fast as it arrives.

Best time to visit? June to September because it’s dry, sunny, and ideal for hiking. If you’re heading to the Amazon, aim for shoulder months (May or October) to avoid the worst of the heat and bugs.

Who this is (and isn’t) for

Best for:

• Queer couples or small groups wanting flexibility, nature, and no rigid schedules

• Travellers who like cultural immersion with optional adventure

• Those curious about the Amazon (but not keen to rough it too much)

Probably not for:

• High-maintenance luxury lovers (outside Quito, it gets “rustic” fast)

• Families with very young kids (altitude + jungle + logistics = tricky)

Suggested Itinerary (4–5 Days + Optional Add-Ons)

Day 1 – Land + Local Culture

• Check into your base: Casa Gangotena (elegant) or Mama Cuchara (arty)

• Wander the Old Town’s colonial plazas and churches

• Try Ecuadorian comfort food and a local canelazo (hot spiced aguardiente)

Day 2 – Andes Views + City Vibes

• Ride the Teleférico cable car up Pichincha volcano

• Hike the high-altitude páramo trail or grab a coffee with a view

• Explore La Floresta's street art and book a low-key dinner at a rooftop spot

Day 3 – Cloud Forest Day Trip

• Day trip to Mindo, a lush cloud forest town

• Optional ziplining, chocolate tour, birdwatching, or waterfall walks

• Return to Quito for a chill evening or a glass of wine somewhere cosy

Day 4/5 – Optional Extensions
A. Quilotoa Crater Lake:

• Drive to this surreal turquoise caldera lake (see pic above)

• Hike the rim or kayak inside the crater

• Stay in a rustic ecolodge with epic morning views

B. Amazon Escape:

• Fly to Coca or Tena

• Stay in a remote eco-lodge (2–3 nights recommended)

• Canoe safaris, wildlife watching, rainforest treks, river swims

Final Takeaway

Ecuador isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about letting the place reveal itself, layer by layer. If you're craving something flexible, culturally rich, and quietly queer, Ecuador delivers.

Quick Campfire Questions

This week, we’re lighting up the campfire with Neil Laird (He/Him), executive producer & travel/history content creator who’s been exploring queer joy in unexpected corners of the world.

In this mini-feature, he answers 5 quick questions about travel, identity, and what keeps him coming back for more. Grab a cup of something warm, and join us by the fire.

Q1. Where in the world are you right now, Neil?

In the exotic lands of Downtown Brooklyn, mere steps from the BQE Expressway.

Q2. What’s your go-to travel vibe? (e.g., slow & scenic, thrill-seeking)

I love anything that transports me into the ancient past-- the older the better. So for me, a thrill-seeking holiday crawling through Mayan ruins, diving on ancient Greek vessels, or exploring forgotten Egyptian tombs is my getaway of choice. Followed by a good cocktail bar, of course....

Q3. One place you’d go back to in a heartbeat, and why

Egypt has long my happy place. Its the locale that got me excited about far-off travel, and I never get bored sailing the Nile, or touring another cliff-side tomb. It also has my favorite gay site on the earth--the (so-called) Tomb of the Brothers, which is really the world's oldest known queer couple, buried together in the shadow of the pyramids and a testiment to eternal love.

Q4. What’s your dream adventure, no budget, no limits?

I'd love to take the old Hippie Trail across Asia, as it was in the 1960s-- from Istanbul and overland in a Magic Bus through Turkey, Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and into India and Kathmandu. But I guess that involves a bit of time travelling, doesn't it?

 Q5. What’s one myth about LGBTQ+ travel you’d love to bust?

Even in places where gays are officially outlawed by the government, most of the locals don't care who you are or who you love. They mostly only see people who love their country so much that they've come for a visit.

 Anything else you'd like to add? 

Nope! Happy to chat further

Catch Neil at www.neillaird.com

A Quick Poll (if you don’t mind)