Name: Esteban Velásquez

Age: 28

Hometown: Ecuador-Galapagos

Occupation: Owner of a Tour Operator and Hotel in Galapagos Islands

Status: Lovelorn

Diva Minds Want to Know…

1. Where do you like to flirt?

Depends, if I am in Quito, the capital city, I will hang out by La Mariscal neighborhood specifically at Plaza Foch
. Great place to start the night for food and drinks! If I am in Guayaquil down in the coast, I will be by Plaza del Sol or by La Torre. Good outdoor places to enjoy from the warm weather and the cool breeze.

2. Where is your favorite table for two?

Ah, well there are many excellent places to dine in Ecuador. I recommend La Choza for typical Ecuadorian cuisine, Zazu for international dining and El Chacal sport steakhouse. In Galapagos, I recommend La Garrapata!

3. Where should we stay when we visit?

I recommend staying at Via Colonna or Patio Andaluz in the Old Town of Quito or the Le Parc Hotel if you are staying in the modern part of the city. In Guayaquil I recommend you stay at the Oro Verde or the Unipark. The Hampton is quite good as well. In the Galapagos, I recommend staying at our company hotel, Casa Natura, in Puerto Ayora or cruise the islands with the Monserrat Yacht.

4. What qualities do you find irresistible in a woman?

A very sensual style of walking! Strong character and personality! Good dresser and I take special note of the shoes!

5. Where can we find you on a free Sunday afternoon?

Depends on where work has taken me. Usually, I will be hanging out on the beach, reading a book on the Ecuadorian coast or in the Galapagos. Otherwise, I will be walking to and from the Metropolitan Park in Quito—great place to enjoy a Sunday afternoon.

6. What do you love most about your hometown (besides our arrival)?

Diversity of the people and cultures and of course the beautiful landscapes!

7. What should we bring when we visit? What should we leave with?

Bring an open mind to see how people carry on with their lives in this part of the world. Good walking shoes, a good jacket if you are visiting haciendas, a nice bikini if you are planning snorkeling in the Galapagos and of course plenty of sunscreen.

8. What do we absolutely have to see while we’re there?

Make sure to buy the real hand woven Panama hats for you or a loved one! Great embroidery can be found in the Lake District near the Otavalo Indian Market. The Old Town of Quito, especially the Compania Colonial Church. Otavalo and the lakes, the Cotopaxi, the beautiful Andean Haciendas, the Amazon basin, and of course the Galapagos Islands.

9. Any areas of town we should avoid?

Avoid the south part of Quito and Guayaquil. Other than that you should be ok if you are a responsible and conscientious traveler. Galapagos is very safe!

10. Any local secrets you want to share?

Family matters and loyal friendship are the centerpiece of Ecuador! They are the essentials to make for a great and meaningful life experience!