Ecuador

[2wheels4eyes]

Hi all,

I'm travelling to Ecuador next week (yay!). I fly into Quito and stay in Old Town for a couple of days. Then head out for the conservation reserves around Nanegal to volunteer for a couple of weeks. I'm ok once I get to the reserve--they've assured me they can accommodate my diet.

But does anyone have restaurant recommendations for Quito and surrounding area?

I'm hearing that the traditional diet is pretty gluten-free anyway--but are there any specific ingredients, menu items, spices, popular sauces or dishes, etc, that I should stay away from? I don't know a word of Spanish, alas--so if you know the English *and* Spanish equivalents, my many thanks.

Any tips on what items would be useful to pack? I'm backpacking it (uphill!) so can't take much.

Just to make it more interesting (ha ha) I also try to limit soy and dairy and eschew red meat...

[Felidae]

Hi all,

I'm travelling to Ecuador next week (yay!). I fly into Quito and stay in Old Town for a couple of days. Then head out for the conservation reserves around Nanegal to volunteer for a couple of weeks. I'm ok once I get to the reserve--they've assured me they can accommodate my diet.

But does anyone have restaurant recommendations for Quito and surrounding area?

I'm hearing that the traditional diet is pretty gluten-free anyway--but are there any specific ingredients, menu items, spices, popular sauces or dishes, etc, that I should stay away from? I don't know a word of Spanish, alas--so if you know the English *and* Spanish equivalents, my many thanks.

Any tips on what items would be useful to pack? I'm backpacking it (uphill!) so can't take much.

Just to make it more interesting (ha ha) I also try to limit soy and dairy and eschew red meat...

I love Ecuador! Quito is a great city to see. We had a tour of it and it really is very populated. Also, the coffee is great in Ecuador. "Leche" or "con leche" with or without milk.

However, when I was there I was still eating gluten. I had no problem with not eating red meat though. They offered chicken, veg/soy or fish.There are some comparatively large grocery stores in Quito where you could pick up some food or other items. I unfortunately can't remember the restaurant names. We mostly ate at our hotel restaurant when we were in Quito.

Breakfasts usually consisted of fresh fruit, eggs, and bread. They eat a lot of bread in Ecuador. So, you may want bring something like corn tortillas, crackers, or rice cakes for replacement. I would bring Lara bars or something equivalent to those, just in case you need a quick snack. I think there was also a lot of chicken and a soft mild cheese everywhere we went in Ecuador. They have wonderful fresh, thick juices which I'm not sure are gluten-free. You may want to avoid the "tree tomato" juice though; I think it is an acquired taste.

Ask me anything else and I'll try to remember.

Oh yeah, they have lots of Coke products, i.e. Sprite...

[SydneyGF]

My partner and I will also be heading to Ecuador to do a Galapagus Islands cruise in 3 weeks. I have heard from fellow travellers that a staple is Quinoa (small rice like grain) which is gluten free and is added in soups mainly.

The only concern I have is for breakfast as I know bread is the main part of it. So I'm taking a bag of my favourite cerial just in case.

Have a good trip and take some translation restaurant cards to explain what gluten free is.

SydneyGF

[Jestgar]

Ecuador, What to watch out for

Umm, the men?

[Felidae]

Umm, the men?

They're all nice Catholic men. On the Galapagos ships you may want to watch out because the crew are known to be overly friendly. I didn't have any problems, but I'm married and kept my wedding ring visible.

[2wheels4eyes]

Fortunately, I'm just shy of 6'. But I'll be sure to casually mention my equally tall "husband" with the ferocious jealous streak...

Thanks also for the food tips, folks! Can't believe I leave in 3 days!

[kml55]

Ive been to Quito 2 times, i absolutely love it there, it is like my second home!!! have a great trip!

they eat a ton or bread there!

after my first trip there i was diagnosed with celiac, i came home with major intestinal problems...no wonder right?

their diet is pretty basic, the fruit their is amazing and also the coffee! oh! and the chocolate!

[kml55]

also, i was told to never motion someone to come over with one finger (do you know what i mean?)

i guess it is very seductive and the men think that you are interested if you do ...

i love going to different countries and learning their customs! good luck!