Refugio Paz de las Aves is a small, privately owned birding reserve in the heart of the Choco-Andino Biosphere in Northeastern Ecuador, home to an amazing variety of wildlife, including birds like the Giant Antpitta and the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock. However, unless...
While Quito, Ecuador is not well-known for its great Inca ruins, the city and surrounding area are dotted with archeology sites well worth a visit, especially for those of us who enjoy ancient history. Each museum listed in this article has something to teach us about...
I have discovered a love for high altitude travel that makes my poor altitude-hating husband want to cry. Something has changed since my horrendous five-steps-at-a-time hike over Dead Woman's Pass on the Inca Trail left me nauseous, stumbling with lassitude, and...
La Casa del Alabado is a privately owned museum in an old Spanish-colonial residence located very near Quito's historic San Francisco Plaza. And when I say old, I don't mean a hundred years or so. I mean truly antique. The house was built in 1671. Therefore, the...
I can heartily give a big thumbs up for the Otavalo artisan market! Some folks will try to tell you that you can find the same selection of Andean handcrafts in Quito's Mariscal district but they're not telling you the entire truth. The Otavalo Market Has The Best...
Solo travel for women is a growing trend worldwide, including in Ecuador. Not long ago, the Ecuadorian government published a list of recommendations for female travelers. While not a bad list in itself, most of the information was a guide for ALL travelers. It made...
Transformational travel provides the answer so many of us are looking for in a post-Covid-19 world. The idea that travel can change a person is nothing new. For centuries, travel writers have shared their stories of how travel impacted their lives, enlarged their...
While we have attended many cultural gatherings throughout Ecuador, the celebration of Mushuk Nina, or the Andean New Year, at the archeology site of Cochasquí has to be one of my absolute favorites. Locals welcomed us as if we were dear friends and greeted my camera...
The Museo del Carmen Alto is dedicated to the life and work of Mariana de Jesus. She is best known today as Quito's Patron Saint. About Mariana de Jesus Mariana was born in Quito on October 31, 1618 to Jerónimo de Paredes Flores y Granobles, a Spanish nobleman...
Celebrating Easter in Quito, Ecuador doesn't need to be complicated. Here is a simple guide to help you understand the ins and outs of the weeklong celebration. Hot Tip: Easter Sunday is the least celebrated day of this event-packed week. Holy Week in Quito Holy Week...
