Learn the difference between a bird watcher and a birder and find the perfect gift for either.
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.
Rolando Luna’s Labor of Love: Pomasquinde
"Cuida el wayqu, mi padre me decía...." "Protect the ravine, my father said to me..." With those words, Rolando Luna begins to recite an ode to his father's incredible work rehabilitating the polluted ravine that runs through the back garden of the family's property...
Mindo’s First Woman Bird Guide: Julia Patiño
“Do you know Mindo’s first woman bird guide? Her name is Julia Patiño.” Mindo, Ecuador, located within the UNESCO-designated Choco-Andino Biosphere, is known to birdwatchers worldwide for its amazing biodiversity. To see many species, one merely walks into the garden...
5 Essential Tips To Avoid Mosquito Bites in the Amazon
On my recent trip to Ecuador's Amazon, I was extremely fortunate to walk away without a single mosquito bite. Yes, I'm shaking my head in disbelief as well. It seems unlikely that anyone would be able to avoid mosquitos in the rainforests of the Amazon. Especially as...
Ecuadorians Vote YES for the Environment!-edit
This past Sunday, Ecuadorians passed two referendums, sending a clear signal to the government that the environment takes precedence over mineral extraction. In the first, Ecuadorians voted to halt oil drilling in the Yasuní National Park. In the second, they voted to...
Seven Handy Tips for Hiking with MS
Not long ago, I thought my hiking days were done. When I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), I was struggling with my health in multiple ways, no pun intended. I found it difficult to walk without limping, heat sapped my energy in ways I never expected, and I...
