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ranchandcoast.com 78 APRIL 2023 RANCH & COAST MAGAZINE Roses? Shortly before we left for the Galápagos, Herrera mentioned that Ecuador is a major producer of roses. is seemed incongruous and I wanted to see for myself, but she said that growers don't welcome visitors out of a need to protect their trademarked beauties. en, while we were away, she worked her magic and, on our one remaining day in Ecuador, we headed out bright and early for Sacha Rose. e farm, located at 10,500 feet above sea level, claims to grow the biggest roses on earth. Why so tall? Because that's how their best customers — residents of Russia — like them. In fact, Sacha Rose and other farms have suffered financially since Russia went to war with Ukraine. Want to see the flowers for yourself ? An order placed on SachaRose.com will arrive in San Diego in three days. A Farewell Lunch I was thrilled with the farm visit, but Herrera had one more surprise: a wonderful Italian lunch in one of Quito's most affluent suburbs. Cumbaya, I learned, is home to wealthy Quiteños and expats from North America and Europe who live in gated communities with golf courses and country clubs. ey also, apparently, appreciate good food, because they were seated all around us at La Briciola Ristorante Italiano. e menu and the wine list were both extensive, and I loved our al fresco table overlooking beautiful gardens. It was with a grateful heart that we said farewell to Quito and our outstanding host. Want to connect with guide Johanna Herrera to plan your own Quito excursion? Email her at johaherrera17@hotmail.com. << TOP Sacha Rose is located at 10,500 feet above sea level BOTTOM The Sacha Rose Farm grows the biggest roses on earth PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF ADAMS / HANSEN PHOTOGRAPHY