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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...
The Ancient Polylepis Forests of Ecuador
Once upon a time, Polylepis forests covered the high Andes. These magical trees with their wind-blown, sinuous trunks, paper-thin layers of rust-red bark, and tiny green leaves intertwine to make dense, dark forests. Extreme weather and high altitude shape not just a...
Best Photos from the Santa Elena Province, Ecuador
I love Santa Elena. This province along the Ecuadorian Pacific Coast has it all: wildlife, archeology sites, a fairly large city, several towns, and even more small fishing villages, rocky coast, and miles upon miles of sandy beaches. Although we never plan on...
The Three Knows of Safe Backcountry Travel in South America
As promised in my post about personal safety in urban locations in South America, here’s one about how you can stay safe in the backcountry. Like the “Three B's,” the “Three Knows” are based on my personal experiences. Unlike the Three B's, which are actions to take...
Ecuador Ranks Level 1 on New State Department Website
n its updated travel information website, the US State Department ranks Ecuador as a Level 1 country, safe to travel taking normal precautions. However, there are a few caveats. Travel Advisory Ecuador At the top of the travel advisory Ecuador...
The Three B’s of Safe Travel in South America
Growing up, my parents taught me the three “Be’s” to keep me out of trouble. After living in and getting to know Ecuadorian culture, I find they work really well as a safety guide in urban areas like Quito, Cuenca, and Guayaquil. The three rules are: “Be Polite,” “Be...
How the Saraguros Celebrate Kapak Raymi
n the southern province of Loja, the city of Saraguro, Ecuador is famous for its local traditions including the winter festival called Kapak Raymi. Officially recognized on the winter solstice, December 21st, celebrations and events crop up for...
Best Photos from Manta, Ecuador
Our trips to Manta, Ecuador are full of great memories. When I pulled together the nine shots needed for publication in Ecuador Por Mis Ojos, I had a hard time deciding which ones to share. I could focus on the ever-so-welcoming people of Manta, especially those...
New Galapagos Entry Rules for 2018
orena Tapia, president of the Governing Council of the Galapagos, told the newspaper El Comercio that the Ecuadorian government will enforce five rules for entering the Galapagos Islands starting on January 1, 2018. During her interview, she stated...
Great Shots from the Manabí Province, Ecuador
he Manabí province of Ecuador is famous among Ecuadorians for its beautiful beaches and tasty cuisine. It is also a province rich in wildlife, especially birds. While Manabí was hard hit by an earthquake in April 2016, most hotels, hostels, and...