Gadling http://www.gadling.com Gadling http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Gadling http://www.gadling.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[The Inca Rally: A Road Race Through South America]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/13/the-inca-rally-a-road-race-through-south-america/http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/13/the-inca-rally-a-road-race-through-south-america/http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/13/the-inca-rally-a-road-race-through-south-america/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

The Inca Rally begins in AugustLooking 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 where racers will first barter for a car that is utterly ill suited for the roads they'll be driving on. Once they've acquired their sacrificial vehicle, they'll hit the road on August 1, driving across Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela and Guyana. What route they take along the way is completely up to the drivers, they simply have to reach the finish line in time for the blowout party at the end of the three weeks.

This is pure adventure at its finest. There will be no support crews, few directives and plenty of freedom on the open road. Teams can choose to make their way through the Andes, visit the Amazon Rainforest, follow the scenic coasts or get completely off the beaten path. They can visit large, bustling cities or remote villages; they just have to get to the finish line in Georgetown, Guyana.

While the Inca Rally is meant to be a spirited adventure it will also help shine the spotlight on local charities and help raise funds for those organizations. You can find out more about the event and those charities on the Rally's official website, where you can sign up for the race as well.

We definitely need a Team Gadling in this event!

The Inca Rally: A Road Race Through South America originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 13 May 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-travelinca rallyIncaRallyRoad RallyRoadRallySun, 13 May 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[10 Extraordinary Islands To Visit On Your Next Vacation]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/10/10-extraordinary-islands-to-visit-on-your-next-vacation/http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/10/10-extraordinary-islands-to-visit-on-your-next-vacation/http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/10/10-extraordinary-islands-to-visit-on-your-next-vacation/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

vacation islands

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 - places to recharge, gain perspective and explore. From an island in the land of the gods to a tropical Amsterdam at the edge of an ocean trench, each of these ten destinations provides something extraordinary.

Gallery: 10 Islands To Visit Next

SantoriniSantoriniSantoriniGili TGili T

Continue reading 10 Extraordinary Islands To Visit On Your Next Vacation

10 Extraordinary Islands To Visit On Your Next Vacation originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 10 May 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiaborneoCorsicafrancegalapagosGiliIslandsGR 20Gr20greeceindonesiaislandislandsmalaysiamaldivespalauperhentianperhentian islandsPerhentianIslandssantoriniscuba divingScubaDivingSt. CroixSt.CroixtasmaniaUS Virgin IslandsusviUsVirginIslandsvacationvacation islandsVacationIslandsvirgin islandsVirginIslandsThu, 10 May 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Vagabond Tales: How To Survive A Coup On Your Honeymoon: Part 2]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/04/vagabond-tales-how-to-survive-a-coup-on-your-honeymoon-part-2/http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/04/vagabond-tales-how-to-survive-a-coup-on-your-honeymoon-part-2/http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/04/vagabond-tales-how-to-survive-a-coup-on-your-honeymoon-part-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



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.

-

There are few sensations more terrifying than running away from gunfire - particularly on your honeymoon.

As intermittent pops echoed against the hillsides of Quito, I found myself entrenched in a confused and chaotic mob of civilians all running in a footrace of self-preservation.

"Heather," I thought. "My God where is Heather?"

Knowing my new bride didn't speak Spanish and our having no cell phones to reach each other, this would really be an unfortunate time to find ourselves split up.

Instantly, however, I spotted my wife amidst a nebula of panic, with her blonde hair and tall frame fortuitously standing out above the dark-haired, somewhat shorter crowd surrounding us.

"What are we going to do?" she frantically clamored as we met in a momentary embrace.

"I'm not sure, just keep moving with everyone".

Then, in a strange twist of irony, the same bus we had ridden directly into the center of the coup had made a U-turn on the highway and was now loading fleeing civilians in an impromptu evacuation effort.

Continue reading Vagabond Tales: How To Survive A Coup On Your Honeymoon: Part 2

Vagabond Tales: How To Survive A Coup On Your Honeymoon: Part 2 originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 04 May 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ecuador travelEcuadorTravelpolitical violence in EcuadorPoliticalViolenceInEcuadorQuito EcuadorQuitoEcuadorRafael CorreaRafaelCorreaseeking help at an embassySeekingHelpAtAnEmbassySeptember 30 2010September302010vagabondtalesFri, 04 May 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Cheesey Street Foods Of Latin America]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/27/cheesey-street-foods-of-latin-america/http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/27/cheesey-street-foods-of-latin-america/http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/27/cheesey-street-foods-of-latin-america/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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 of industrialization. They possess some of the most biologically and geographically diverse habitats on earth. As a result, the cuisine and agricultural practices of each country have developed accordingly.

The use of dairy may not be particularly diverse in this part of the world, especially when it comes to styles of cheese, but it's an important source of nutrition and income in rural areas, and a part of nearly every meal.

While writing a book on cheese during the course of this past year, I tapped into my rather obsessive love of both street food and South America for inspiration. As I learned during my research, the sheer variety of cheesey street snacks from Mexico to Tierra del Fuego are as varied as the ethnic influences responsible for their creation. Read on for a tasty tribute to queso.

Arepas: These flat little corn or flour cakes from Colombia, Venezuela and Panama may be grilled, baked, boiled, or fried. They're usually stuffed or topped with a melting cheese, but may also feature meat, chicken, seafood, egg, or vegetables.

Anafres: Essentially Honduran nachos, composed of giant tortilla chips, refried beans and melted cheese. Named for an anafre, the coal-fired clay pot the dish is served in.

Pupusas: This Salvadorean staple is similar to an arepa: a thick, griddled corn cake stuffed with meat, cheese-usually a mild melting variety known as quesillo-chicarrones (pork cracklings), or queso con loroco (cheese with the buds or flowers of a vine native to Central America).

Continue reading Cheesey Street Foods Of Latin America

Cheesey Street Foods Of Latin America originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>argentinean foodArgentineanFoodasasdosbrazilian foodbrazilian street foodBrazilianFoodBrazilianStreetFoodbreaking newsBreakingNewscentral american street foodCentralAmericanStreetFoodCentralParkcheesecheese breadCheeseBreadcolumbian foodColumbianFoodcomedycornculinary travelCulinaryTravelEcuadorean foodEcuadoreanFoodempanadasEmpanadasEmpanadafood marketsfood on a stickFoodMarketsFoodOnAStickhdtvindigenous foodsIndigenousFoodsmasamexican street foodMexicanStreetFoodperuvian foodperuvian street foodPeruvianFoodPeruvianStreetFoodprovoletaquesadillassalvadorean foodSalvadoreanFoodsouth american cheeseSouthAmericanCheeseSouthKoreastreet foodStreetFoodvenezuelan foodVenezuelanFoodFri, 27 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Vagabond Tales: How to Survive a Coup On Your Honeymoon, Part 1]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/27/vagabond-tales-how-to-survive-a-coup-on-your-honeymoon-part-1/http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/27/vagabond-tales-how-to-survive-a-coup-on-your-honeymoon-part-1/http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/27/vagabond-tales-how-to-survive-a-coup-on-your-honeymoon-part-1/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Bus in Quito Ecuador during Sept 30 coup

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 as friends, not customers.

"I am very scared for Ecuador" he confessed. "I am sorry you must be here for this."

Through a combination of the semi-blown speakers and my once-fluent Spanish not at it's sharpest, I wasn't able to pick up from the radio broadcast what had suddenly made Juan so sullen and concerned.

I imagined, however, that the crowd of chanting people we had seen when leaving Quito earlier that morning must have had something to do with it.

The second indicator that things were amiss was the way in which all of the taxi drivers once we had returned from Pululahua Crater were refusing to give us rides back into Quito.

"Está demasiado peligroso" they all would claim. "It's too dangerous."

In talking with Juan I had learned that President Rafael Correa had announced a plan to cut the bonuses awarded to the National Police. This, as you might imagine, did not sit well with the National Police. In response to the removal of their bonuses the National Police opted to walk off of their job and instead engage in a raucous strike. Due to this collective decision, for the entire day of September 30, 2010, there were no policemen in the entire country of Ecuador.

Having only arrived in the country the evening before, this was, as fate would have it, the first day of our honeymoon.

Continue reading Vagabond Tales: How to Survive a Coup On Your Honeymoon, Part 1

Vagabond Tales: How to Survive a Coup On Your Honeymoon, Part 1 originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ecuadorEcuador political violenceEcuadorPoliticalViolenceLa Mitad del MundoLaMitadDelMundoPululahua CraterPululahuaCraterQuitoQuito violenceQuitoViolencerafael+correarafaelcorreaSeptember 30 Quito coupSeptember30QuitoCoupSouth America violenceSouthAmericaViolencevagabondtalesFri, 27 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sleeping In Seattle: The Consequences Of SAD]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/23/sleeping-in-seattle-the-consequences-of-sad/http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/23/sleeping-in-seattle-the-consequences-of-sad/http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/23/sleeping-in-seattle-the-consequences-of-sad/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

depressionI 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 for a year that a relocation was necessary, regardless of my affection for my adopted city - despite my beautiful, relatively affordable apartment just two blocks from Lake Union and my peaceful, tree-lined neighborhood full of pretty houses brimming with gardens and backyard chickens. Even though I can walk everywhere, crime is virtually nonexistent and my landlord rocks.

The real reason I'm leaving Seattle is because I suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and arthritis (due to a bizarre infectious disease acquired in Ecuador three years ago). SAD is thought to result from a shift in the body's circadian rhythms, due to changes in sunlight patterns (think of how certain mammals hibernate in winter). Shorter, darker days also increase the amount of melatonin, a hormone linked to the regulation of sleep and waking, released by the pineal gland. Perhaps my being a Southern California native is to blame (although I'm officially a resident of Colorado...it's complicated, I know).

Continue reading Sleeping In Seattle: The Consequences Of SAD

Sleeping In Seattle: The Consequences Of SAD originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arthritisBay AreaBayAreaBerkeleyCaliforniaclimateColoradodepressioninfectious diseaseInfectiousDiseaseLake UnionLakeUnionlight boxlight therapyLightBoxLightTherapymelatoninmovingOaklandpacific northwestPacificNorthwestphototherapyPuget SoundPugetSoundrainrainy climateRainyClimaterelocatingSADSan FranciscoSanFranciscoSeattlesleepingsnowsnowy climateSnowyClimatevitamin dVitaminDweatherMon, 23 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tips For Backpacking South America]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/17/tips-for-backpacking-south-america/http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/17/tips-for-backpacking-south-america/http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/17/tips-for-backpacking-south-america/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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 trip.

Know the Exchange Rate

The exchange rates vary considerably from country to country in South America. For example, while travelers can spend a lot of time in Bolivia and Peru, stretching their dollar very far, popular tourist cities in Brazil, Chile and the Galapagos Islands can be expensive. If you're on a budget, look up which cities are the most affordable beforehand. For example, I noticed in Argentina that the farther south I went - basically the farther into Patagonia - the
more expensive things cost. For example, my usual chicken sub went from being 10 to 15 Argentine Pesos ($2 to $3) in Buenos Aires to 45 to 60 Argentine Pesos ($10 to $14) in Bariloche.

Moreover, don't always think "roughing it" will save you money. Making use of the shelters on the "W" circuit in Torres del Paine and camping your way through the Inca Trail to Macchu Pichu are quite expensive. In fact, one night in a "refugio" in Torres del Paine will cost about $40 to $60 - and that only includes the mattress. Camping in the park is free if you bring your own gear; however, this can be tricky as the hike is difficult at times and you will have to carry your own
equipment. Moreover, to trek with a good company for the Inca Trail will cost about $500 to $650 for the trek.

Continue reading Tips For Backpacking South America

Tips For Backpacking South America originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure travelAdventureTravelbackpackingbudget travelBudgetTravelhikingsouth americaSouthAmericaTue, 17 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Whiskey and chocolate: the next big food pairing?]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/03/22/whiskey-and-chocolate-the-next-big-food-pairing/http://www.gadling.com/2012/03/22/whiskey-and-chocolate-the-next-big-food-pairing/http://www.gadling.com/2012/03/22/whiskey-and-chocolate-the-next-big-food-pairing/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

whiskey chocolateWhiskey and chocolate are two of my favorite things -- but together? I was suspicious. That is, until I attended a pairing event at Union Square Wines here in New York City, hosted by Pacari Chocolate and Compass Box Whisky. Somehow, the flavors came together perfectly, and not just because of my whiskey buzz and sugar high (though those were there too).

The tasting consisted of five pairings, some traditional and others more off-beat. The one that blew me away was a pairing of the award-winning Hedonism, a vanilla and toffee-flavored Scotch grain whisky blend, with Pacari's Amazonian Lemongrass chocolate. When the high citrus notes of the chocolate hit the sweetness of the whiskey a whole other flavor emerged, which lingered nicely in my mouth for quite some time.

Another popular pairing was Compass Box's Orangerie, a Scotch whisky infused with hand-zested orange, cassia bark and clove, with Pacari's Aji Chili-Coriander Spiced Chocolate. The sweet and the spicy came together just right and the coriander added an extra kick.

Continue reading Whiskey and chocolate: the next big food pairing?

Whiskey and chocolate: the next big food pairing? originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 22 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artisanchocolatecompass boxCompassBoxfoodfoodiegourmetnew yorkNewYorknycpacariscotchst giles hotelStGilesHotelwhiskyThu, 22 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tour a Panama hat factory in Sigsig, Ecuador]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/03/20/tour-a-panama-hat-factory-in-sigsig-ecuador/http://www.gadling.com/2012/03/20/tour-a-panama-hat-factory-in-sigsig-ecuador/http://www.gadling.com/2012/03/20/tour-a-panama-hat-factory-in-sigsig-ecuador/#commentsFiled under: , ,


First popularized by President Theadore Roosevelt and worn by countless travelers ever since, the Panama hat has become a symbol of coastal and tropical locales. Nothing screams I'm on vacation somewhere warm! quite like the straw hat, which is known for being breathable and able to return to its original shape after being folded in a suitcase. But what is not as well known is that Panama hats don't actually come from their namesake country. The hats actually originated in Ecuador, but were mistakenly called Panama hats because they were shipped through the Isthmus of Panama before making it to locations across the rest of the Americas, Europe and Asia.

Panama hats are still made throughout Ecuador, where Ecuadorians call the hats sombreros de paja toquilla (or "hats of toquilla straw"). Anyone selling the hats at markets or in shopping malls, however, is well aware that tourists often ask for them by the name "Panama hat." Several towns are famous for the production of the hats, including the small town of Sigsig in the Andes Mountains near the colonial city of Cuenca. It is possible to take an hour-long bus ride from Cuenca to Sigsig to visit a Panama hat company owned and operated by indigenous Ecuadorians who work directly with wholesalers. There, you can see women with amazingly nimble fingers as they weave the hats. Remarkably, each hat takes a single weaver several days to make. While there, you can get a good deal on a hat of your own or purchase other items made out of straw -- including bowls, boxes and coasters -- from a small company store. There's also a nice photo op in front of a giant Panama hat in the courtyard of the warehouse.

Gallery: Panama Hatmaking in Ecuador

Panama Hat PileInside the warehouse.Children learning hot to make hatsInside the warehouseHat molds.


Click through the gallery above or watch the video below to learn more about the art of creating Panama hats.


ECUADOR PANAMA HATS - ATMA in Sigsig

Tour a Panama hat factory in Sigsig, Ecuador originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AndescuencaEcuadorPanamaPanama hatsigsigsouvenirsTue, 20 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Outside magazine's inaugural 'Travel Awards' winners]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/03/13/outside-magazines-inaugural-travel-awards-winners/http://www.gadling.com/2012/03/13/outside-magazines-inaugural-travel-awards-winners/http://www.gadling.com/2012/03/13/outside-magazines-inaugural-travel-awards-winners/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

travel awardsWith twenty-three categories and every continent up for consideration, the competition is fierce, but today Outside magazine released its picks for its new Outside Travel Awards. The winners include everything from travel companies and locales to cameras, suitcases, hotels, and apps, road-tested by those in the know (you know, those people).

Amongst the chosen is Seattle-based Mountain Madness, a mountain adventure guide service and mountaineering school, for its new Tsum Valley trek in Nepal, named "Best Trip in the Himalayas." Known in sacred Buddhist texts as the "Hidden Valley of Happiness," the Tsum Valley lies on the edge of the more visited Manaslu Conservation Area, which opened just three years ago to tourism.

Best travel company Geographic Expeditions (GeoEx) has "consistently taken travelers to the most remote regions of the world, from Everest's north side to Patagonia's glaciers to the far reaches of Papua New Guinea. This year its trailblazing new terrain with a 27-day trek to the north face of K2 ($11,450)." Bonus: "the price of every GeoEx trip includes medical assistance and evacuation coverage from Global Rescue and medical-expense insurance through Travel Guard." Not too shabby.

Also making the list: Myanmar is the "Best New Frontier;" Canon Powershot G-12 makes the "Best Camera;" the "Best New Adventure Lodge" is the Singular, outside of Puerto Natales, Patagonia, Chile; and the "Best Eco-Lodge" is the architectural marvel, The Mashpi in Ecuador.

[Photo credit: Flickr user tarotastic]

Outside magazine's inaugural 'Travel Awards' winners originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 13 Mar 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alpine schoolsAlpineSchoolsAmazon BasinAmazonBasinbest gearbest tripsBestGearBestTripsbuddhismcameraschoosing a guideChoosingAGuideclimbing schoolsClimbingSchoolscultural travelCulturalTraveleco lodgesEcoLodgesEverestglacier climingGlacierClimingguide servicesguidesGuideServicesHimalayasindigenous cultureIndigenousCulturejungle lodgesJungleLodgesK2mountaineeringMt EverestMtEverestoutfittersoutside magazineOutsideMagazinePatagoniaPuerto NatalesPuertoNatalesSeattlesuitcasestravel appstravel companiestravel insuranceTravelAppsTravelCompaniesTravelInsurancetrekkingTsum ValleyTsumValleyTue, 13 Mar 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Video of the Day: Quito to the Ecuadorian coast]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/03/12/video-of-the-day-quito-to-the-ecuadorian-coast/http://www.gadling.com/2012/03/12/video-of-the-day-quito-to-the-ecuadorian-coast/http://www.gadling.com/2012/03/12/video-of-the-day-quito-to-the-ecuadorian-coast/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Road trips are great. Road trips in foreign countries are an adventure. In this time-lapse video, travelers make the drive from Quito, high in the Ecuadorian mountains, to the coast. It's amazing to see the climate and topography change as the trip takes them from an elevation 9,350 feet down to sea level. The only things we're still curious about are the snacks that they packed for the ride!

Video of the Day: Quito to the Ecuadorian coast originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 12 Mar 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ecuadorphoto of the dayPhotoOfTheDayquitoroad tripRoadTripvideo of the dayVideoOfTheDayMon, 12 Mar 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gallery: A guide to South American cocktails]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/08/gallery-a-guide-to-south-american-cocktails/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/08/gallery-a-guide-to-south-american-cocktails/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/08/gallery-a-guide-to-south-american-cocktails/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,


Margaritas, Cuba libres, piña coladas and mojitos are drinks with Latin American origins that have become staples at bars across America. But what about the drinks being mixed up further south? Whether you want to know what to order up at the bar during your next trip to South America or you are looking for a way to raise the bar at home, these mixed drinks will leave you thirsty for more.

Gallery: Cocktails in South America

CanelazoPisco SourGrappamielFernet & CokeCaipirinha

Gallery: A guide to South American cocktails originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alcoholargentinaboliviabrazilchilecocktailscolombiadrinksecuadorfood and drinkFoodAndDrinknightlifeperusouth americaSouthAmericauruguayWed, 08 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Five foods to try in Ecuador (besides guinea pig)]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/29/five-foods-to-try-in-ecuador-besides-guinea-pig/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/29/five-foods-to-try-in-ecuador-besides-guinea-pig/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/29/five-foods-to-try-in-ecuador-besides-guinea-pig/#commentsFiled under: , ,


When discussing food in Ecuador, the most talked about meal is guinea pig, or cuy. But outside of butterflying cute cuddly rodents on a grill, Ecuadorians eat many other foods that are worth a try. From traditional to tropical, here are a few of the can't-miss eats in Ecuador.

Continue reading Five foods to try in Ecuador (besides guinea pig)

Five foods to try in Ecuador (besides guinea pig) originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 29 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AndesdrinkEcuadorfoodHealthSun, 29 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Money in Ecuador: How far can $1 get you?]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/27/money-in-ecuador-how-far-can-1-get-you/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/27/money-in-ecuador-how-far-can-1-get-you/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/27/money-in-ecuador-how-far-can-1-get-you/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Ecuador is one place where a little money really does go a long way. Not only does the country use United States currency, but it's amazing how many things you can purchase for just one dollar. Whether you are looking to drink an oversized beer at a pub or feast on 20 fresh bananas (just try to scarf them all down before they turn brown!), it comes as no surprise that Ecuador repeatedly makes the list of budget-friendly places to visit--as well as our top picks for adventure destinations in 2012.

Start the day with a cup of coffee--or four. Most cafes will give you your caffeine fix for 25 to 35 cents a cup. Just don't be prepared to get Starbucks-style java: in Ecuador, coffee is usually a cup of hot water with some instant coffee served on the side for you to stir in. If that's not up your alley, you can get a large party-sized cup of made-to-order juice for just a dollar at a fruterias, or fruit shop. They let you choose any mix of fruit of vegetables your heart desires, and no sugar or water will be added. Don't be afraid to try a fruit you've never seen or heard of before, either: I tried guanábana, maracuya, naranjilla and tomate de arbol while I was there, and still find myself craving them all. On the other hand, if you simply prefer soda or bottled water, it's also sold at a reasonable price: 30 to 60 cents depending on the size. Most of it comes in glass bottles, too-a fun game to play is to see how long your bottle has been in circulation; my record was a bottle that dated back to 1994.

Continue reading Money in Ecuador: How far can $1 get you?

Money in Ecuador: How far can $1 get you? originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>budget travelBudgetTraveldrinkecuadorfoodfood and drinkFoodAndDrinkGuayaquilquitosouth americaSouthAmericaFri, 27 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Galapagos Islands travel regulations go into effect next week]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/26/new-galapagos-islands-travel-regulations-go-into-effect-next-wee/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/26/new-galapagos-islands-travel-regulations-go-into-effect-next-wee/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/26/new-galapagos-islands-travel-regulations-go-into-effect-next-wee/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

New travel regulations for the Galapagos Islands go into effect next week.On February 1st, a new set of travel regulations will go into effect in the Galapagos Islands, which are designed to help protect the environment there, while simultaneously presenting travelers with a better experience. These new rules have already had an impact on available itineraries, but visitors can expect the same overall options for visiting this amazing destination.

The new rules are actually quite simple. The Ecuadorian government, which oversees operation of the Galapagos National Park, has passed regulations that state that no vessel operating in and around the archipelago will be permitted to visit the same site more than once within a 14 day period. The purpose for this change in operation is that it should help disperse the ship traffic throughout the region, thereby keeping overcrowding to a minimum, while also protecting the unique and fragile ecosystems there. By reducing crowds, the overall experience of the Galapagos should be preserved for visitors as well, keeping it one of the top destinations for future generations to enjoy too.

When the new regulations were first announced there was some concern that tour operators would do away with the shorter itineraries in favor of those that were 14 days in length or longer. That hasn't been the case however, as companies recognize the fact that they must cater to the needs of all travelers, including those who don't have two weeks to spare for their getaway. As a result, they've had to get a bit creative with their itineraries in order to operate within the 14-day rules, but there are still plenty of 7, 10, and 12 day Galapagos adventures available to go along with the more extended trips.

Adventure travel company Metropolitan Touring, for example, operates three ships in the Galapagos and made the switch over to the their new itineraries earlier this week. Their options can all be combined to create trips of various lengths ranging from 10-15 days, and guests have the ability to extend their stay further by booking rooms at an eco-lodge located on Santa Cruz Island. Other travel companies offer similar flexibility in their schedules, giving travelers the ability to find the right itinerary to fits their needs.

The Galapagos Islands are truly one of the most unique natural environments on our planet, and are home to a host of wildlife that isn't found anywhere else on Earth. These regulations will help to ensure that the islands, and the creatures that live there, stay safe and protected for years to come.

New Galapagos Islands travel regulations go into effect next week originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Most Norteamericanos are hard-pressed to locate Ecuador on the map. Those familiar with this South American country the size of Colorado usually associate it with the (admittedly) spectacular Galapagos Islands. Yet Ecuador has so much more offer besides the Galapagos, and 2012 is the year to get your hardcore on. Why? Because the country's adventure travel industry is blowing up--but it's still affordable, especially if you opt for independent travel or book certain activities through domestic outfitters or U.S. travel companies that work directly with Ecuadorean guides.

Whatever your recreational interests, budget, or experience, odds are Ecuador has it: mountaineering, glacier climbing, and volcano bagging; trekking on foot or horseback; Class III to VI whitewater kayaking and rafting; sea kayaking, scuba diving, and snorkeling; surfing; remote jungle lodges and endemic wildlife, and agritourism. Need more convincing? Ecuador's adventure tourism increasingly has an emphasis on sustainability. When it comes to protecting its fragile ecosystem and indigenous communities, Ecuador has become quite progressive for a developing nation, which hasn't always been the case.

If you like a cultural or culinary component to your travels, there's that, too. You can opt for an active, educational trip to indigenous-owned and -operated Amazonian eco-lodges, or play in the Pacific regions, which retain a strong Afro-Ecuadorean influence.

Agritourism is also hot in Ecuador, most notably at centuries-old haciendas, although there are also coffee and cacao plantation tours. Ecuadorean food is a diverse melding of indigenous and outside ethnic influences that's regionally influenced: be sure to patronize markets, roadside restaurants, and street food stalls for some of the most memorable eats.



[flickr image via Rinaldo W]

Adventure vacation Guide 2012: Ecuador originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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National Geographic Student Expeditions for 2012High school students looking for something to occupy their time next summer, just received a host of tantalizing new options courtesy of National Geographic. Earlier this week, the organization announced several new trips as part of their Student Expeditions program, which provide young people with the opportunity to experiencing some of the world's top destinations, while learning about new cultures, building new skills, and making a difference in the community there.

Nat Geo's student programs come in three different varieties: expeditions, field workshops, and community service trips. The expeditions are two to three weeks in length and focus on exploring the cultures and landscapes of the destination in a very in depth way. Field workshops, on the other hand, are shorter, usually 11-12 days, and offer students the opportunity to stay in a more central location, while taking part in daily active excursions into the surrounding area. The community service programs take place in a local community, with the participants spending roughly 30-40 hours, over a 14-15 day period, on a service project there.

Some of the new options that fall under the Student Expeditions umbrella for 2012 include community service projects in Tanzania, Peru, and Cambodia, as well as field workshops in Sicily, Buenos Aires and the Grand Canyon. Additionally, aspiring photographers will want to sign up for a new photography workshop to be held in London and led by one of National Geographic's top photographers. These new options join a host of existing trips that can take aspiring explorers to Alaska, New Zealand, the Galapagos Islands, and beyond. To review all of the opportunities, click here.

The National Geographic Student Expeditions are a fantastic way for high school students to not only explore the world, but also get amazing insights into these destinations that you can't find elsewhere. As you would expect, the trips are always led by very knowledgeable guides, and a Nat Geo expert joins the students for at least a portion of the trip as well. For example, on the Tanzania Expedition, the travelers are joined by wildlife photographer Pete McBride, while those on the Galapagos trip get to spend time with biologist and filmmaker Greg Marshall. The other options all offer similar experiences, which are simply invaluable to impressionable young people who are eager to learn about our planet.

Interested students or parents can learn more about the expeditions and how to apply by clicking here.

[Photo Credit: Erika Skogg]

National Geographic offers new Student Expeditions for 2012 originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 17 Dec 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-travelExpeditionNational Geographicnational geographic student expeditionsNationalGeographicNationalGeographicStudentExpeditionsphotographyphotography workshopsPhotographyWorkshopsstudentstudent travelstudentsStudentTravelSat, 17 Dec 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Why do we take pictures of our food?]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/10/10/why-do-we-take-pictures-of-our-food/http://www.gadling.com/2011/10/10/why-do-we-take-pictures-of-our-food/http://www.gadling.com/2011/10/10/why-do-we-take-pictures-of-our-food/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

In a sweaty, back alley restaurant in Trujillo, Peru, the shy Peruvian waiter approached my table with a vibrant plate of ceviche. Placing it upon the handwoven tablecloth, there lapsed a good three seconds where all I could do was stare. Then, before reaching for my fork, I instead reached for my camera.

I'll admit it. I'm one of those people who take pictures of their food. I know a lot of you are as well. It's only an occasional occurrence, as I'm not known to photograph cereal I'm gulping down when late to work. I only immortalize my food in megapixels when the plate in front of me goes beyond my culinary expectations. If you present me with a plate of food and I take a photo of it, consider it a compliment. While I recognize this is a curious trait, the following is an attempt to justify what exactly drives me, and many others, to feel the need to photograph their food.

First off, this exact plate of food is never going to be here again. If I don't capture it now, the moment will be lost to the acids of digestion and gone forever. This plate of food before me--particularly if it's traditional, regional cuisine-- is as much of a cultural attraction as any monument listed in a guidebook or brochure. While in Trujillo, I must have taken 35 pictures of the Huaca de la Luna, an ancient Moche temple that's stood for 1700 years. With that sort of history, there's a good chance I could come back ten years from now and snap the exact same photo. This plate of ceviche, on the other hand, is never going to be here again. It's a fleeting moment that needs documenting before it disappears forever.

Gallery: Taking photos of food around the world

Seafood chowder, Letterfrack, IrelandBaguettes at a market in Lyon, FranceHairy meat in EcuadorBanana pancakes on Koh Phi Phi, ThailandColorful ceviche in Trujillo, Peru

Continue reading Why do we take pictures of our food?

Why do we take pictures of our food? originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 10 Oct 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Courtesy LAN Airlines

Last night, LAN Airlines surprised nearly 200 unsuspecting patrons at Nuela restaurant in New York with free round trip tickets to South America. The Oprah-style giveaway kicks off the company's Only in South America campaign, a multi-year effort to promote travel to the region.

In the midst of busy dinner hours, guests at the South American restaurant in Manhattan's Flatiron district were directed to look under their tables for a major surprise. Moments later, everyone in the restaurant was holding a voucher for a ticket to any LAN destination in South America, including destinations in Argentina, Chile, Ecuador and Peru.

"It was a genuine pleasure to see the restaurant full of dinner guests enjoying South American dishes all of a sudden receive the unexpected news that they were getting the chance to travel to where our cuisine originates, just because they were at the right place at the right time," said Chef Adam Schop. Schop was recently awarded Star Chef's 2011 Rising Star award, and New York Times touted his arroz con pato (duck paella) "best tasting dish of the year."

Those who weren't lucky enough to be gifted with tickets can still enter an online sweepstakes to win tickets to Quito, Guayaquil, Lima, Santiago or Buenos Aires by following @LANAirlinesUSA. The contest ends October 13th.

LAN Airlines surprises restaurant-goers with free tickets to South America originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 07 Oct 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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I was recently made aware of the unsettling fact there are people who are not familiar with ceviche. As this is easily my favorite dish while traveling both home and abroad, this disturbs me so much I immediately find it necessary to share its flavors with the world.

In the midst of a roadtrip across the state of Oregon, a fellow hiker on a Crater Lake trail inquired about the Spanish phrase etched across the front of my turquoise tank top: Mancora, Peru "El mismo Caribe pero con ceviche". I informed him that I had picked it up in the Peruvian town of Mancora and that it proclaimed the town to be "the same as the Caribbean but with ceviche".

That's when it happened.

"What's ceviche?"

If you, too, find yourself agreeing with this question, do yourself a favor and put this dish on your culinary radar and search out the nearest available ceviche outlet immediately, even if that place is Baja, Mexico.

Continue reading An introduction to ceviche

An introduction to ceviche originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 26 Sep 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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