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
Get the Most Out of Local Products 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
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, 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 you. Cuenca is the third-largest city in Ecuador and lies at around
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
What is it really like on an Ecoventura yacht in the Galapagos? Moist, breezy air flows thru my Michael Kors bathing suit cover-up made of an animal print design, as I am 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 an amazing adventure I went on for
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
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
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 one of those small quaint towns. Getting there from Cuenca was easy, the bus crested a hill and rolled down into a lush
Eclipse Yacht, AdventureSmith Explorations, Photo by PointsandTravel.com The Galapagos Islands Holidays: 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
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 AdventureSmith Explorations, a small, intimate tour booking company that handles luxury accommodations on small ship expedition cruises, as well as wilderness adventures. And as they say
I wanted to let you guys know about some exciting news in my upcoming travels… I will be returning to a place that is near and dear to my heart this month, in fact, I leave in just a few days. I am thrilled to announce that I am returning to the Galapagos Islands. I went last year and I cannot tell you what an
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
Maybe it is just an urban legend to spook tourist from visiting this tiny island in the center of Galapagos, far out in the Pacific Ocean. But from the look in the deckhand’s eyes, it was as real as if he saw her himself. The way his dark brown eyebrows raised up as he told me the story made even me believe him. He
Post Office Bay, Floreana, Galapagos By Cacinda Maloney Post Office Bay, Floreana, Galapagos - Literally hundreds of stories start and end right here at the Galapagos Post Office. Written by those who have experienced the Galapagos Islands, there is a tiny spot on Floreana Island, where since the 19th century, whalers have kept a wooden barrel for mail at Post Office Bay. This
Tropical Flower at Balsa Surf Camp, Montañita, Ecuador Tropical Flower at Balsa Surf Camp, Montañita, 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!! Road to Montanita, Ecuador
Cultural Tourism: Quito, Ecuador Ecuador Tourism (Turismo) 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
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
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:
