Our Blog
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...
The Adorable El Oro Parakeet of Western Ecuador
On our recent trip through Southern Ecuador, we met lots of new birds! One of the cutest was the El Oro Parakeet ((Pyrrhura orcesi)), a small member of the parrot family (Psittacidae). Recognized as a species in the 1980s, these birds are fairly new to the birding...
The Labyrinth of a Thousand Illusions
As we were waiting to get our tourist visa extension in Zamora, we ran across a great guidebook to the province of Zamora-Chinchipe. In it, we found a lot of new, interesting places to visit, including the Labyrinth of a Thousand Illusions, a hiking trail along the...
Intiraymi in Cotacachi: Dancing For A Good Harvest
A couple of years ago, I took friends to stay in the small town of Cotacachi for Inti Raymi. Our plans were simple, to enjoy the local festival as best as possible. Of course, as is pretty typical in Ecuador, I could find very little information about which days would...
Catzos – Sierra Snack Food
I almost couldn't believe it when I saw catzos con tostado for sale at the local Killa Raymi food festival in Peguche, Ecuador. I was drawn to the table like a moth to a flame. A new food, a new window into Andean culture, and a new experience. What more could I ask...
The Best of Buenaventura
The Buenaventura Reserve provides easy access to explore the flora and fauna of Southern Ecuador. However, a visit to this widespread reserve requires a little planning as many of the great things to do lie a few kilometers from the main lodge. Once you arrive, there...
Guidelines for Tipping in Ecuador
The most difficult part of a trip to a new country is often learning the rules when it comes to tipping. No one wants to be an ugly American but sometimes we unintentionally make mistakes, causing locals to roll their eyes! We've learned some of these lessons the hard...
A Stunning Long-Tailed Hummingbird Near Quito
The Violet-tailed Sylph is a spectacular hummingbird with a blue and violet tail that could compete with the brightest of neon lights. At least, the male of the species sports this brilliant, split tail. The female is slightly more sedate but a beautiful bird in her...
Un impresionante colibrí de cola larga cerca de Quito
Easy-To-See Hummingbirds in Southern Ecuador!
It's not often that we find a birdwatching destination more popular with Ecuadorians than with international visitors. But that's exactly what we found just outside of Piñas, Ecuador. On Google Maps, this special place goes by the simple name Jardín de los...