Quito, Ecuador; January 2020

Right after Tahir left Panama, in January 2020, I embarked on my humanitarian deployment to Ecuador. This trip was particularly exciting because it was my first time visiting the country, and I was eager to experience its rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, and the vital humanitarian work taking place there.

Adding to the excitement, I was finally going to visit AnaMaria, a close colleague and friend who is permanently based in Ecuador. Having collaborated remotely for so long, it felt special to finally meet in person. To make the trip even better, I was travelling with Nicolas, another fantastic colleague and friend, who joined me from Panama.

Quito – The First Encounter with Ecuador

Our journey began in Quito, Ecuador’s high-altitude capital, where we held various meetings related to our humanitarian work. Despite the work commitments, we managed to find time to explore the city, which immediately captivated me.

Quito is a city of striking contrasts—its colonial heart, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a labyrinth of narrow streets, grand plazas, and beautifully preserved churches, while the modern parts of the city pulse with contemporary life. Walking through Plaza Grande, surrounded by historic buildings and lively street vendors, I felt an immediate connection to Ecuador’s past and present.

The views from El Panecillo, a hill overlooking the city, were breathtaking. From there, we could see the Andean peaks stretching beyond the city limits, a reminder of Ecuador’s dramatic geography.

The Road to the Earthquake-Affected Areas

After our time in Quito, we set off by car towards the regions affected by a past earthquake, where we were tasked with evaluating recovery projects. This part of the journey was both humbling and awe-inspiring—a chance to witness the resilience of communities rebuilding their lives while travelling through some of the most spectacular landscapes Ecuador has to offer.

Driving through Parroquia Pilahuín, we passed vast high-altitude plains dotted with herds of llamas and alpacas. Yes, I had to stop and question myself—are these llamas? Their fluffy coats and curious gazes were a charming sight against the majestic backdrop of Chimborazo, Ecuador’s highest peak. Chimborazo is often called the closest point on Earth to the Sun, due to the planet’s equatorial bulge, and seeing it in person was an unforgettable experience.

Chillanes and Bolívar Province – Community Resilience

Our destination was Chillanes, a town in Bolívar Province, where we were briefed on ongoing recovery efforts and visited communities affected by the earthquake. Despite the hardships these communities had endured, what stood out most was their strength and determination. People were actively rebuilding their homes, improving infrastructure, and finding ways to restore their livelihoods.

As we toured different villages and towns in Bolívar Province, we saw firsthand how humanitarian aid and reconstruction projects were making a tangible difference. Meeting local families and hearing their stories made the work we were doing feel even more meaningful.

Back to Quito – Preparing for the Next Leg

After days in the field, we returned to Quito, where I had some time to reflect before continuing my journey. Ecuador had left a deep impression on me—from its warm people to its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage. But this trip wasn’t over yet; after a few days, I was off to Bolivia for the next part of my humanitarian mission.

This first visit to Ecuador was an unforgettable experience, blending meaningful work, friendships, and awe-inspiring landscapes. It was a reminder of why I do what I do—helping communities rebuild and ensuring that people affected by crises receive the support they need. I left Ecuador knowing that it would not be my last time here.

Click here to access the album.