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Ancient Pyramids of Cochasquí
Not far from the imaginary line that divides the world in half is an archeology site still waiting to be fully uncovered. The place is Cochasquí. The name is made of two words in the ancient language of the Quitu-Cara: cocha (water or lake) + qui (half or divide) Many...
Border Crossing from Colombia into Ecuador
While on our big trip from Bogotá to Lima, we heard about lots of potential problems crossing the border from Colombia into Ecuador. It was just after some of the worst waves of Venezuelans attempting to cross the very same border and there were rumors of...
The Spectacular Topiaries of the Tulcan Cemetery
Among Ecuadorians, the Tulcan Cemetery in Northern Ecuador is famous for its evergreen statuary, huge topiaries carved from living cypress trees. The history behind these natural monuments begins almost 90 years ago. Tulcan Cemetery Lives Up To The Hype The first...
Los espectaculares topiarios del cementerio de Tulcán
Entre los ecuatorianos, el cementerio de Tulcán en el norte de Ecuador es famoso por sus estatuas de hoja perenne, enormes topiarios tallados en cipreses vivos. La historia detrás de estos monumentos naturales comienza hace casi 90 años. El cementerio de Tulcán está a...
The Origin of the Cañari
Throughout the provinces of Cañar and Azuay, we hear a consistent story about how the Cañari people came to be. Only one simple fact changes, the location of the mountain where the story takes place. In Chunchi, they told us Cerro Puñay; in Tambo, Cerro Yanacauri; in...
A Forest of Statues in San Agustin, Colombia
The region around San Agustin and Isnos in southern Colombia is riddled with archeology sites. Over the years, collectors of ancient artifacts, including some thieves, have plundered these sites, moving statues and other important artifacts to both public and private...
The Flowering Guayacanes: A Photo Essay
Flowering Guayacanes: A Photo Essay Each year following the first downpour of the rainy season, thousands of hardwood trees paint the dry forests of Southern Ecuador a brilliant, golden yellow. This very short bloom lasts no more than about five days as flowers open,...
Fiber Artists in Cuenca, Ecuador
We just love walking the streets of Cuenca. Mainly because we are always finding something new around the corner. That's how we found the wonderful exhibit of handwork and embroidery hosted by the Centro de Bordados Cuenca. About the Centro de Bordados Cuenca Founded...
The Birdwatchers House, Mindo, Ecuador
Birding guide and business owner, Vinicio Perez has more than 35 years of experience leading birding tours in Ecuador. When he decided to settle down to a single location, he chose a small property that skirts the twin valleys of Tandayapa and Mindo. Each and every...
Where to See Andean Condors in Southern Colombia
Those of you who have followed us for a while know that we take local recommendations pretty seriously. Therefore, when a friend of a friend told us to contact Wilson Aguilar about seeing Colombian Andean Condors, we were game to try. Andean Condors in Purace National...