Angie Drake

Angie consults with small tourism businesses in the Americas on best practices for attracting aligned clients. She loves to travel to lesser-known destinations. She currently lives in Portland, Oregon and dreams of her next trip to Ecuador.
Indigenous Peoples of the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve

Indigenous Peoples of the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve

Visiting tourism projects in the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve that are owned and operated by Indigenous communities should not be complicated. Yet many lodges and agencies claim their tours benefit indigenous residents of the area. It isn't always so simple.  Before...

The Dream Galapagos Land Based Tour

The Dream Galapagos Land Based Tour

A few years ago, we decided to head out on a 12-day Galapagos land-based tour! This information is still up-to-date and should inform your choice on whether to island hop or to cruise. Originally published in January 2016 After a lot of research, we decided that the...

Hiking Guagua Pichincha

Hiking Guagua Pichincha

2024 Update - Before planning this hike, please check current conditions with the GAD in Lloa. Guagua Pichincha is an active volcano and local officials sometimes close the access road and refuge.  I hike places like Guagua Pichincha because hiking at high altitude...