Casa Kirei, Ecuador’s Hidden Gem

The view from Casa Kirei looking east toward the International Airport.

Looking for a quiet and scenic Andean getaway that is midway between Quito and the International Airport? Check out Casa Kirei and let Elena and team to host your stay for a day, week or longer.

Years in the making, with much prayer and Elena’s unstoppable faith, Casa Kirei grew from a seemingly impossible dream to providing full-service relaxation for Ecuadorians and tourists worldwide, to hosting weddings and other special events. Host Elena is also a certified tour guide who can arrange your personal or group tours as well. Her husband is a skilled carpenter, electrician and all-around craftsman. As a family of five they do it all: flower arrangements, baking, tasty meals, exquisite decorations and friendly hosting in English and Spanish (and a little Japanese).

As a “Bed and Breakfast” it is much more personal in experiencing Ecuadorian culture and hospitality. After all, you’re staying with family.

For more information, visit their Face Book page here.

Trencito Magico (Magic Train) in Ibarra

Last Sunday we were treated to an absolutely magnificient trip.  The only thing not so magnificient was that we had to get up at 4:00 in the morning in order to get a taxi from Tumbaco to Quito to catch the tour bus at 6:00.  Our Ecuadorian friend who invited us had arranged for a taxi to pick us up at 4:45 and then drive to her home to pick her and another friend up at her house.  By 5:00 the taxi had not arrived so we called Rosie, a local cab driver that we have used often and has been very reliable.  Rosie showed up in five minutes and we were on our way.