Urban encounters in Quito

​Two Dogs and a Quiet Street

​After yesterday's—let's call it—interlude, I'm continuing to share a curated selection of photos from our journey through Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands.

This image was taken on March 3rd, during a guided walking tour in Quito, right at the start of our trip. That day was Carnaval in Ecuador—a nationwide celebration famous for its parades and playful (or not-so-playful) foam fights in the streets.

To avoid ending up covered in shaving cream, we took a quieter side street to return from the Basílica del Voto Nacional, located in the north of the historic center, to our hotel on Plaza San Francisco, in the southern part of the old town. That's when we came across these two street dogs—paused for a moment in what looked like a silent conversation—set against the hilly backdrop of colonial Quito.

While the moment was charming, it also reflects a growing concern. Street dogs have become a real issue in Quito. Many are abandoned or born on the streets. Despite some efforts by the city, resources for sterilization and shelters are limited. As a result, their numbers continue to rise, especially in lower-income neighborhoods.

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Carrying the Shop Through the City

​After taking a detour to avoid the Carnaval foam fights, we explored some of the quieter backstreets of Quito's old town. What struck me—more than the chaos of the festivities—was what people were carrying through the streets.

This woman was pushing a cart full of blankets and clothes, carrying a full mannequin on her shoulder as if it were the most normal thing in the world. In cities like Quito, street vendors are part of the urban fabric. Whether selling clothes, snacks, or toys, they creatively and determinedly move their goods through the historic center.

It's a small, unposed glimpse into the everyday hustle behind the colorful façades and colonial charm.