Gay Quito

Thriving in the Andes at over 9,000 feet above sea level, Quito greets travelers with two gifts upon arrival: Thin air and great views. The second gift never gets old, but the first may surprise any new converts to high-altitude travel. That said, this Ecuadorian Elysia offers plenty of breathtaking experiences -- even after you learn to take your high-altitude medicine (read: tea) every morning. Quito has a beautiful Old Town, featuring one of the world's most spectacular examples of Spanish Baroque architecture. It's also located right next to the Equator, earning it the local nickname "The Middle of the World." (In fact, "Ecuador" means "Equator" in Spanish.) For an unforgettable experience, you can travel just outside the city to straddle the Equator yourself. The Catholic influences of the Old Town also extend to the populace, who can skew towards the conservative in some parts. Quito, however, is Ecuador's capital, and thus a melting pot of communities and ideas. You can expect a warm welcome here. The Mariscal neighborhood, near the heart of the city, contains several queer-owned hotels as well as an abundance of nightlife. The area's "Zona Rosa" is especially vivacious at night, and La Plaza Foch is an excellent place to people-watch (and meet up with online dates). Though Ecuador overall did not legalize gay marriage until 2019, its June Pride and November queer film festival have been going on for longer. Additionally, The Old Town, while a bit sketchy at night in some parts, is not just a tourist attraction. It's also a great place to stay, due to its collection of upmarket and boutique hotels. Wherever you stay, though, you'll find plenty of charmingly frenetic markets and fine-dining havens to enjoy. The Sierra culture of this part of Ecuador produces an alien elixir of local shamans, fourth-generation cobblers, and sophisticated international cuisine, daring visitors to travel both forward and backward in time. You can find award-winning French, Japanese, and Spanish restaurants next to contemporary picanterías and fish markets. Then, when you need a break from quiteño decadence, you can find even more thrills just outside the city. A popular activity is to take the "TelefériQo" sky tram up the towering side of Pichincha Volcano (yes, Quito has its own volcano). Once there, you'll find the sprawling, progressive city in all its hopeful glory -- and you'll be glad, for once, that your lungs can barely function. That's just the effect that the Middle of the World has on people.