Have you ever heard the words "Mitad del Mundo" or "middle of the world"? I hadn't either until I had a chance to visit the "Mitad del Mundo" right outside of Quito, Ecuador. I had no idea there was an exact location where you could stand at the earth's midpoint - 0 degrees latitude, 0 minutes, 0 seconds in Ecuador! Apparently, people come from all over
The Galapagos Islands are home to one of the most unique ecosystems in the world. The islands are a hot spot for snorkeling and diving, as well as a premier destination for photographers intent on capturing the plethora of wildlife and birds that call these islands home. Individuals focused on underwater photography need underwater camera gear and the ability to snorkel and dive as part
Photo by Gillian Marsh Photo by Gillian Marsh That moment that I got invited to go to Galapagos scuba diving by the live-aboard Galapagos Sky is solidly ingrained in my mind. Honestly, I was ecstatic, scared, and overjoyed all at the same time. I had dreams of Galapagos scuba diving pretty much as soon as I was able to learn how to dive.
The Galapagos Islands are some of the most unique islands on the planet and it is no wonder that people want to visit these gorgeous lands owned by Ecuador. So many animal lovers and birders can’t wait to see the flood of animals that flock to this place. As I mentioned in my Galapagos Islands By Cruise: A Complete Guide article, many of these animals
Galapagos Islands Foods and Culinary influences Ecuador is a country with a diversity of climates, regions, and altitudes that makes it an exquisite country with many different types of traditional dishes. Depending on the region where you are, there is a variety of typical doses. And since the islands are owned by Ecuador, the dishes combine the elements of the Ecuadorian highland dishes with
Written by: Donnie Sexton With my first visit to the Galapagos Islands, I was anxious to experience first-hand what so many of my photographer friends rave about this unique destination off the coast of Ecuador. The Galapagos can be explored in two ways. Land-based trips start on one of four islands that offer accommodations, then you can hook up with local tour companies for day
The Islands of the Galapagos in Ecuador, South America are considered one of the top 10 bucket list items in the world. If you read as many travel articles as I do, you will see it listed over and over again. With its blue-green waters and white sandy beaches as well as the incredible variety of unique and endemic animals on the lands and sea,
This post has been updated after my recent return from the Galapagos Islands! You can read my complete guide to Galapagos Cruising here. Wide Eyed and Bushy Tailed Back in my early days of writing as a traveler, I loved every second of my new adventures. My eyes were wide and my love for travel grew exponentially. Today, I laugh as I re-read old articles
What is a trip on Ecoventura's Letty Ship Like? Moist, breezy air flows thru my Michael Kors bathing suit cover-up made of an animal print design, as I squint my eyes looking at the sky on the yacht’s top deck. I am lying here trying to decide what to tell you first about what a wonderful adventure I went on for an entire week
Ultimate Guide to Iguazu Falls Cascading down into the Iguazu River are the stunningly gorgeous Iguazu Falls between the border of Argentina and Brazil. These spectacular waterfalls are a UNESCO world heritage site and were originally inhabited by the Eldoradense people more than 10,000 years ago! Today this waterfall’s strength serves as a power source to both Argentina and Brazil. With more than 40 percent
South American food was one of my favorite types of food, especially Chilean food until I had a chance to try some delicious Ecuadorian food! Having a husband from Chile, I loved those handmade meat and cheese empanadas that are so easy to pack in a lunch or to eat by hand. Pastel de chocolo, a beef/meat corn pie is also one of my favorite meals. So
Catapulting yourself to new places for a vacation is a great way to start the New Year. Winter seems to be slowly creeping away and going on a spring vacation to underrated places is just what you need. Forget about the same old boring places like Cancun, Hawaii, or Florida for a spring vacation. Instead, take yourself on a new adventure to places like Ruidoso,
Buenos Aires - A Comprehensive Guide on What To Do! Buenos Aires is the largest city in Argentina and currently home to more than 40 million people! It is also the capital of Argentina and known as the “Paris of South America!” I can honestly attest to that, as this city is absolutely gorgeous with its European-style buildings and architecture. It is as if you
An important part of any tourist experience visiting a new country for the very first time is the food. Guyana is one place where you can dive deep into the culture when searching for and tasting the local Guyanese food. In fact, in Guyana, the food appears to be a melting pot of age-old cultures, traditions, and flavors - many coming from Africa, Britain, the
There are many adorable small towns nestled in the foothills of the Azuay province near Cuenca, Ecuador. This area is the new hub for American retirees that I wrote about in my article "Should We Retire to Ecuador?" The picturesque town of Chordeleg is just one of those small quaint towns. Getting there from Cuenca was easy, the bus crested a hill and rolled down into a
The Science Behind the Island The Galapagos Islands are located in the Pacific Ocean, approximately 650 miles off the coast of Ecuador in South America. They are isolated from any other land formation or island group. About half the size of New Jersey, you may ask yourself, according to geographical size, why are there are more unique species in the Galapagos Islands than any other
Cuenca, Ecuador is a UNESCO World Heritage city and the charming, colonial capital city of Ecuador. Going there is like stepping back in time to another world, it is quite different from my own world. But, "o what a world it is!" Filled with over 52 churches and picturesque views of the Cajas Mountains, it will charm the pants off of you! Cuenca is also the
The Road to Montanita, Ecuador So here I am, expecting a "hidden treasure" with "perfect waves" and "golden sand" and a "tropical paradise", taken directly from Wikipedia. I don't know who writes this wiki stuff, but we have different ideas about what paradise is!! Hidden Paradise Upon arrival, we did, however, find our "hidden paradise" but what we were hiding from was Montañita! Don't
While it may sound creepy to visit a local cemetery while on vacation, but this cemetery is simply one NOT TO MISS when you visit the enchanting city of Buenos Aires, Argentina. In fact, it is my number one recommendation of things to do when visiting Buenos Aires! Of course, there are so many things to see and do in Buenos Aires, but this is
Ecuador Tourism Ecuador’s cultural attractions are beginning to get more attention these days than its pristine Galapagos Islands. They are well known for a segment of tourism known as Natural Tourism and do a great job at sustainable tourism as well. But it is high time for this country to continue to develop cultural activities and highlight the local culture that will help Ecuador expand
The Galapagos Islands are famous worldwide for the endemic Galapagos animals, in particular, their fascinating birds of origin, many found nowhere else in the world! I was enamored by the variety of birds I saw on this trip booked through a small, intimate tour booking company that handles luxury accommodations on small-ship expedition cruises, as well as wilderness adventures. And as they say "Birds of
There are so many interesting and fun things to do in Ecuador. This small coastal country offers travelers a wealth of outdoor adventures - you can explore the vibrant Amazonian rainforest, discover the rich wildlife of Galapagos Islands, or simply soak in the scenic views of the Andes. Since it’s filled with a wide array of wonders squeezed into one tiny country, narrowing a list
Chile is one of the most unique countries in the world because of its shape and topography. Its long thin shape leads to many attributes that are not seen in most places of the world, including a diverse climate, from deserts in the northern region to glaciers in the south. Apart from the mainland, Chile also claims a few outlying islands including Easter Island and
Post Office Bay, Floreana, Galapagos Literally hundreds of stories start and end right here at the Galapagos Post Office on the island of Floreana. Written by those who have experienced the Galapagos Islands, there is a tiny post barrel, where since the 19th century, whalers have kept a wooden barrel for mail at Post Office Bay. This mail can be picked up and delivered
Ecuador is famous for its colorful indigenous markets. The most famous of them is in Otavalo, northwest of Quito. The Otavalo Market takes place every Saturday. The market has hundreds of stalls where locals sell their goods. This indigenous market is well known for weaving, thus selling scarves, hats, and sweaters. However, there are many indigenous markets in Ecuador, with Otavalo being the most well
In South America, there is a tiny sliver of a country nestled between the Andes and the Pacific Ocean known as the Republic of Chile. There are many legends as to why this country was named Chile including a derivation from the Mapuche word that means “where the land ends”. Others might think it has to do with Chilean food or the red chili. However,
I not only like to travel, but I love to travel. So imagine my surprise when, even for me, I end up out of my comfort zone! Where on earth could this be? Where was I when I felt this was? It happened to be Montañita, Ecuador. It was just one of those places that made me feel a little uneasy. Montañita is a small
Well, there is a first time for everything. And on the agenda for this day that I was in Guayana was this: Pirana Fishing, it was staring me in the face, as I fumbled through the itinerary. I have been out of my comfort zone before, so here we go...Pirana fish are known to quickly devour any small morsel that falls into its muddy water
Let me be the first to admit that this travel experience was a little out of my comfort zone. But nonetheless, at a jungle lodge in Guyana is where the simple rugged life of the Amazon River Basin and South American Rainforest began for me. From the hustle and bustle of Georgetown, the capital city of Guyana, to the howling of the Guyanese Red Howler
A little-known gem hiding in the South American Rainforest is Kaieteur Falls. It ranks towards the top of the list for waterfalls around the world in a number of categories. It is the tallest single drop waterfall in the world at 741 feet. When combined with the steep cascades to the bedrock below, the total height of the waterfalls comes out to 822 feet. Although
Best Places to Visit in the World 2016 Written for Expedia By Dr. Cacinda Maloney “For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been and there you will long to return.” - Leonardo da Vinci As a world traveler, I am constantly asked: “Where are the best places to visit in the world?” I have
By Cacinda Maloney Something about graffiti always catches my eye. I usually photograph it in almost every city I go to. Here is Graffiti #1 post and I am sure there will be many more to follow. Which is your favorite? Train station in Italy Cuenca, Ecuador Barcelona, Spain Barcelona, Spain Barcelona, Spain
Sergio Castillo Sergio Castillo (13 May 1925 – 19 August 2010) You never really know who you will meet on your travels. Looking at him, I never would have dreamed that he had created such a mass amount of great work that was stunning and thought-provoking. I loved the smoothness of his metal art pieces. The pieces were heavy, cool to the touch, and engaging.
I'm not sure what it is, but graffiti to me is interesting in non USA cities. In the US, it seems so destructive and a violation of personal property. But in other countries, for some reason, it almost seems like an art form. Like real art. Like the artist are struggling to get their fame. Here are some great graffiti photos I have taken:
Mainstream guidebooks don’t do Lima, Peru justice. It is a city that should be on every traveler’s list, known as the City of Kings, or “Los Cuidad de los Reyes”. It extends outward from the rugged cliffs of the Pacific coastline with a mix of Spanish Colonial and the Peruvian Andes culture all rolled into one. And since 2019, the Lima, Peru population has topped
