Tips & Insights from an Ecuador Tour Guide

We believe the best trips aren't just about the places, they're about the people who bring them to life.

The local guides who share their knowledge, stories and passion for their homeland often become the highlight of a journey. They help travellers see beyond the landmarks, offering insights and experiences that simply can't be found in a guidebook.

That's why we wanted to introduce you to Gina, one of our outstanding tour guides in Ecuador. Based in Quito, Gina spends her days helping travellers discover the history, culture and everyday life of Ecuador's capital, as well as the spectacular landscapes of nearby Cotopaxi National Park. She is often found leading our popular Six Senses day tour of Quito, sharing a deeper, more personal perspective on the city through its sights, flavours, traditions and hidden corners.

We asked Gina a few questions about life as an Ecuador tour guide, what makes Ecuador so special, and the experiences she hopes visitors will take home with them. Her answers offer a wonderful insight into the country she loves and the people who call it home.

A visit to the Basilica del Voto Nacional with tour guide Gina is a treat for the senses—from its breathtaking neo-Gothic spires and intricate craftsmanship to the sweeping views and profound sense of wonder it inspires.

Gina, what would you say surprises people about Ecuador?

Most people don't realise Ecuador is even a destination until they find out the Galápagos Islands are here. And then there's the weather — because we sit on the equator, people expect tropical heat. What they find instead is cool mountain air, spectacular Andean light, and a climate that's honestly perfect all year round.

Ecuador is called the country of the four worlds — Andes, Coast, Amazon, and Galápagos. In one small place, you get all of it.

But the biggest surprise? Quito. The first UNESCO World Heritage site ever designated, with the best-preserved historic centre in Latin America. It's a hidden treasure — and once people arrive, they can't believe they almost missed it.

Read more: Beke's Trip Review: Ecuador's Amazon & the Galapagos Islands

The breathtaking La Compañía de Jesús in Quito, a dazzling masterpiece of Baroque architecture adorned with intricate ornamentation and a radiant golden altarpiece that glows with timeless grandeur.

What does a day with you actually look like?

One of the best experiences you can have when visiting a country or city is sampling the local cuisine. I love showing guests how locals live and eat, which is why I enjoy taking them to Quito's local food markets. There, we try different fruits, snacks, and traditional dishes, and discover what locals buy for their daily lives. Food tells a story and is an important part of a country's history and culture.

Quito is one of the most unique capital cities in the world. Set high in the Andes at 9,200 feet, it is rich in history, culture, and architectural beauty. The best way to experience it is on foot, wandering through its narrow, hilly streets. Along the way, we enjoy lunch the Ecuadorian way, visiting local restaurants and sampling traditional flavours. And, of course, we can't forget two of Ecuador's finest products: chocolate and coffee. Many visitors are surprised to learn that Ecuador produces some of the world's best cacao, recognised by expert chocolatiers around the globe.

During our walks, we talk about local traditions, superstitions, and legends. Guests absolutely love these stories and insights. Many are surprised not only by how delicious the food is, but also by how warm and welcoming the people of Quito are.

But Quito is just one small part of Ecuador. From the city, there are countless adventures within easy reach. Visit the cloud forest to spot hummingbirds, orchids, and butterflies; head north to explore indigenous markets, lakes, and volcanoes; or travel south to discover traditional haciendas and the impressive Cotopaxi Volcano, one of Ecuador's highest peaks. If relaxation is more your style, there are also natural hot springs to the east of the city.

All of this can be found within a relatively small country that is incredibly rich in biodiversity. That's what makes Ecuador so special.

Stroll through the UNESCO-listed old streets of Quito with a local tour guide—where cobblestones, colonial facades, and hidden plazas invite you to wander, uncover, and step straight into centuries of living history.

 

Read more: Is Ecuador Safe to Visit?

Why do you love being a guide?

I’ve always believed in the Confucius quote: “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.”

Every time I lead a tour, I think about that. Being a guide is so much more than showing people around — it’s about being an ambassador for your country and a storyteller for your culture. I feel incredibly lucky to share Ecuador with visitors and help them experience the places, people and traditions that make it so special.

When guests leave, I hope they take home wonderful memories of both Ecuador and the people they met along the way. Maybe one day they'll eat a piece of chocolate or see a beautiful rose and instantly think of Ecuador — the country of love.

One of the things I love most about being a guide is the connections you make. Many of my guests become friends, and I hope they remember not only me and my stories, but also the streets we walked, the places we discovered together, and the moments we shared. If they go on to tell their friends about this hidden treasure called Ecuador, then I know I've done my job.

Experience Quito’s local markets—where refined chaos meets timeless tradition, wrapped in color, fragrance, and quiet elegance.

What's a story you'll never forget?

In all these many years that I have worked as a tour guide, I have so many stories in my mind, but I think one of the best ones is that they become my friends, they are people who will stay in my heart forever.

A Canadian nurse called Olivia came to us after spending three months in hospital following an accident. The first thing she said when she woke up was: "I want to see the Galápagos." She came with her husband, fell completely in love with Quito, and is now writing a book about it — and planning to retire here.

That's Ecuador. It doesn't just change your itinerary. It changes your plans for life.

Stand before Cotopaxi Volcano in Cotopaxi National Park—an unforgettable encounter with a perfect snow-draped peak set against the vast, wild Andes.

What do you love most about Ecuador?

I love being Ecuadorian, and I feel lucky to live in a place where, in the morning, I can see mountains and volcanoes while enjoying one of the best soups in the world, locro, a traditional potato soup, with great coffee and empanadas. Then, by the afternoon, I can be admiring the ocean, watching powerful waves, and enjoying incredible seafood.

The next day, I could be in a canoe on a river, looking for amazing wildlife such as monkeys, toucans, and caimans. This is something that only happens here, where so many different landscapes and experiences are found within such short distances.

Ecuador is home to a rich diversity of cultures and is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. There is so much to do, see, and taste, making it the perfect destination for travellers who want a vibrant and varied experience.

One of the main reasons I feel so proud of Ecuador is the warmth of its people, something I have not found in the same way anywhere else in the world. And of course, we also have some of the best chocolate in the world, an amazing variety of fruits, and delicious food that makes Ecuador an unforgettable place to visit and to live. 

Walk through rows of freshly cut roses at a rose factory in Ecuador, see how they’re sorted, packed, and prepared for export, and get a close look at the fast-paced process behind one of the country’s iconic flower industries.

Ready to explore Ecuador and meet our amazing tour guides? Viva Expeditions is here to make it happen.

Explore our full range of South America tours, and connect with our Destination Specialists for expert advice and a personalised quote today!