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The Successful Search for Angie’s Ultralight Backpack
Looking for the perfect blend of durability and minimalism in your hiking daypack? The Wy’east Ultralight Backpack might be the rucksack you need for your next adventure. In this review, Scott explains why this ultralight rucksack is a game-changer for travelers and...
52 Places To Go in Quito, Ecuador
In honor of Quito making the New York Times list, 52 Places To Go In 2024, I am sharing my favorite 52 places in and around Ecuador's capital city. The furthest points are about 2 hours from North Quito, an easy and pleasant day trip, especially when combined with...
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...
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...
Experience The Dry Desert Near Quito
One of the best places to experience the Andean Dry Desert near Quito, Ecuador is at Parque Jerusalem. Only a short trip from the capital city, it is a must-visit destination for dedicated bird watchers and nature lovers, if only to enjoy the dramatic changes in the...
Finding Hope in “Esto también es Ecuador”
"Esto Tambien Es Ecuador" is the latest hashtag being used by Ecuador's Ministry of Tourism to help refocus attention on the beauty and richness of this smallest of Andean Nations. It means, "This Too Is Ecuador" and is an attempt to refocus international attention...
Stunning Orchids at Quito’s Botanical Garden
I look forward to orchid season in and around Quito! That means from about December through April, I'll find the best opportunities to see these strange and beautiful flowers in their native habitats. That's because rainy season brings on the prettiest blooms. In the...
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...
The Most Famous Rooster In Quito
Once upon a time, as all good fairy tales begin, there was a rich and arrogant man who lived in the colonial city of Quito. This gentleman lived like a prince. Worse, he thought himself better than the people of the city. Better than his peers. Even better than the...
Going To Mindo? Stop at Maraksacha.
Learn about the Maraksacha Reserve, an exciting birdwatching hotspot located a short distance from Quito along the route to Mindo, Ecuador.