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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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:
