While Quito, Ecuador, offers many opportunities for Inca history, diverse architecture and trendy restaurants, my favorite part about visiting this busy city was its side trips. In less than three hours you can be hiking through waterfall-filled forests, climbing one of the ...Click on a label to read posts from that part of the world.
Ecuador
Getting Out Of Quito, Ecuador: Day, Weekend And Weeklong Excursions
While Quito, Ecuador, offers many opportunities for Inca history, diverse architecture and trendy restaurants, my favorite part about visiting this busy city was its side trips. In less than three hours you can be hiking through waterfall-filled forests, climbing one of the ...Photo Of The Day: Galapagos Crab
The unique diversity and one-of-a-kind wildlife of the Galapagos Islands makes it a hotspot for traveling nature lovers from around the globe. In today's photo, taken by Flickr user wesleyrosenblum, we find a brilliant red crab in close-up on the island of Santiago. This ...Lonesome George, The World's Last Remaining Pinta Island Tortoise, Has Died
The world's only Pinta Island Tortoise died on Sunday, leaving the planet one species poorer. Lonesome George, the iconic tortoise of the Galapagos Islands, was believed to be over 100 years old.
When Lonesome George was discovered on Pinta Island in 1972, Galapagos ...Banos: Ecuador's Top Adventure Destination
If you're the type of traveler who loves extreme adventure and being active, you'll love Baños, Ecuador. Located about three hours south of Quito, Baños is a small but lively town surrounded by mountains and lush greenery. There are dozens of tour agencies ...How To Visit The Galapagos Islands On A Budget
While the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador are known for being extremely expensive, once you pay for the flight and $100 entrance fee, it is possible to explore this beautiful area on a budget. After going there myself, I discovered these tips for saving money in this ...Would You Sleep In A 300-Year-Old Ceibo Tree In The Galapagos Islands?
On San Cristobal in the Galapagos Islands, you can find a unique accommodation that is part treehouse, part underground cave. Known as El Ceibo, the property is located in the El Progreso neighborhood and features the largest tree on the entire island at 48 feet high. ...Swimming With Sharks And Sea Lions In The Galapagos Islands
"Don't freak out, but there are two huge hammerhead sharks right below us."
My guide Jens' attempt at having me "not freak out" over the two carnivorous beasts that are 10 feet away from my juicy calves only leads me to begin shrieking and jumping on his back. Soon, ...Mindo: A Nature-Inspired Day Trip From Quito, Ecuador
Quito, Ecuador, is a big, bustling city that can sometimes be overwhelming. For those who need a change of pace, one great day trip idea is to head to nearby Mindo, a tranquil town filled with nature-inspired activities. Located in the Los Bancos canton of the Pichincha ...Street Art Brings Color To Ecuador (GALLERY)
New York, Los Angeles, Buenos Aires and Melbourne are just a few of the cities known for street art. But that doesn't mean the streets aren't being spray painted, wheat pasted and stenciled in other cities – and more importantly, it doesn't lessen the messages ...Exploring The Dark Side Of Banos, Ecuador, Through Graffiti
Not only is Banos, Ecuador, home to pristine waterfalls, active volcanoes, adventure sports and delicious candy, it's also got some impressive graffiti art. What's interesting is that while the city itself gives off an optimistic and happy vibe through its natural beauty, ...Legends And Myths In The World's Highest Forest
"Ladies, be careful," warns Juan, our guide for Cajas National Park in Ecuador. "This forest is known to have evil elves."
We are currently in the Quinoa Forest, which we are told, at 13,124 feet high, is the highest forest in the world. Because I'm from New York and ...Hiking, Drugs And Inca History In Cajas National Park, Ecuador
Cajas National Park outside of Cuenca, Ecuador, is an idyllic and peaceful park with five ecosystems, over 150 bird species and many exceptional features. For example, Cajas has one of the highest densities of lakes in the world, and is also home to the Quinoa Forest, the ...A Budget-Friendly Wellness Retreat In Ecuador's 'Valley of Longevity'
As soon as you step off the bus into Vilcabamba in Ecuador, you'll be amazed at how rural and small the town feels. Surrounded by the Andes Mountains and lush valleys, Vilcabamba is a tranquil place where you go to clear your mind and get away. Upon closer inspection, ...The Inca Rally: A Road Race Through South America
Looking to add a little excitement to your summer? Then look no further than the Inca Rally, a new road race that is set to get underway in August and promises to offer plenty of adventure to those crazy enough to enter.
The three-week long event begins in Lima, Peru ...10 Extraordinary Islands To Visit On Your Next Vacation
Summer is the time of island vacations. It is time to put as much distance between you and the real world as possible. It is time to stand outside of your everyday life and to see how it all looks from a paradise perspective. Here is a collection of islands for escape ...Vagabond Tales: How To Survive A Coup On Your Honeymoon: Part 2
The following is a continuation from last week's "Vagabond Tales" column, a rundown of events leading up to Kyle finding himself in the middle of a political coup in Quito, Ecuador.
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There are few sensations more terrifying than running away from gunfire – ...Cheesey Street Foods Of Latin America
With the possible exception of Argentina, most people don't associate Central or South America with cheese. Like all of Latin America, these countries are a mix of indigenous cultures, colonizing forces, immigrant influences, and varied terroir, climatic extremes, and levels ...Vagabond Tales: How to Survive a Coup On Your Honeymoon, Part 1
With the radio crackling from the speakers of his rusty old cargo van, Juan's furrowed brow indicated a greater focus on the newscast than on shuttling us to Pululahua Crater.
My wife and I being the only two passengers on his 11am tour, Juan had begun to speak to us ...Sleeping In Seattle: The Consequences Of SAD
I recently mentioned my somewhat reluctant decision to relocate from Seattle when the right opportunity presents itself (A job and nice one bedroom in Berkeley, North Oakland or Boulder anyone? Anyone?).
While my move was precipitated by a layoff in February, I've known ...Tips For Backpacking South America
Backpacking South America is a worthwhile adventure I recommend everyone to have at least once in their lives. Before I arrived on the continent, I was unsure of what to expect. To help prepare you before you go, here are some things I wish I had known before I left for my ...
