Our Blog
Our Recommended Ecuador News Websites
Recently, we had a reader reach to ask for our recommendations on websites to read Ecuador news. The last time I had written on the topic was during the political protests in 2022. Those made international headlines, so finding news was fairly easy. But the day to day...
Quinoa Salad with Mangoes and Curry Dressing
Whole Foods had mangoes on sale last weekend - those tiny mangos that turn bright yellow when they're ripe and taste as sweet as honey. Less than $1 a piece if you bought an entire case. That's a steal in Washington DC. Since then, I've been eating mangoes morning,...
Ají with Ginger (Ají con Jengibre)
We've had a lot of fun trying the many different varieties of ají, the hot sauce made with tree tomatoes and hot peppers. I've already shared two different recipes, one very traditional and the other with the small addition of peanut butter. Today, I want to share my...
The Virgin of El Quinche (and Oyacachi)
Every year, thousands of Ecuadorians make a pilgrimage from Quito and the surrounding suburbs to a small but beautiful church in El Quinche. These pilgrims spend six to ten hours walking through the night to pay homage to the Virgin of El Quinche, an antique...
Meet Our Cofounder: Scott Drake
What’s my story? Hello everyone! I’m Scott, the other half of the team here at Not Your Average American. Over the last five years or so, I’ve been watching along with all of you as the blog has evolved from just talking about Ecuador to a full up travel consulting...
The Dangers of Driving in Ecuador
With recent news of two fatal bus crashes in three days, it is hard to ignore that driving in Ecuador is a dangerous proposition. The latest bus accident, which took place a short distance from the Quito International Airport, was especially shocking. At least 24...
Choco-Andino: A New Biosphere Reserve in Ecuador
On July 25th, 2018, UNESCO announced that Ecuador will receive its seventh biosphere designation, the Choco-Andino de Pichincha Biosphere. The new reserve hugs the northern Ecuadorian Andes near the capital city, Quito. High peaks give way to foothills that are taller...
Great Waterfall Hike in Vilcabamba, Ecuador
While staying in the rural community of Vilcabamba, my youngest son and I took the opportunity to enjoy hiking into the mountainous Podocarpus National Park. Our goal was to find the Cascada El Palta, a beautiful waterfall tucked into the folds of the undulating Andes...
Our Next Trip: Colombia to Peru via Ecuador
As our life in Washington DC winds to a close, we are finally able to make plans. My husband finished his last days of military service last week. Terminal leave is filled with doctor's appointments and cleaning out closets for our impending move. Most exciting, we...
What is Melloco?
A platter of grilled borrego arrives at the table with a side of tasty-looking baby potatoes. I pop one into my mouth and instead of the dry, fluffy texture of a perfectly cooked potato, my tongue recognizes the sliminess of nopales. I've just tried my first melloco...