Set atop one of Quito’s rolling hills is Parque Itchimbia, an expansive park overlooking the capital city’s historic district. Today we mixed icebreakers with intellectual discussion and emerged from our orientation at Parque Itchimbia a cohesive group and loving family ready for the adventure that lies ahead!

We had lunch on the balcony at Cafe Mosaico. Students dined on Ecuadorian favorites like ceviche, locra de papa (potato soup), chifles (plantain chips), and empanaditas, all to their stomachs’ delight.

We spent the rest of our day at other Quito sites, like the Teleferico, a cable-car system that lifted us into mountains of the Pichincha Volcano, and the Monastery of San Diego.

Tomorrow we leave for Otavalo and the village of Iltaqui. Thanks for everything, Quito!

More photos and blog posts to come soon!

Grecia y Tim