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A Book Review – Moon Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands by Bethany Pitts
We're republishing this article with new links to the revised edition of Moon Ecuador & the Galápagos Islands: Outdoor Adventure, Indigenous Culture, Sustainable Travel (Revised). I’ve traveled and sought out new places my entire adult life and like to think I’ve...
A Tour of Traditions in La Tola, a centuries-old neighborhood of Historic Quito
Jacqueline Granda Marcillo has known Barrio La Tola since her childhood. Her memories of the friendly people, local dishes, and traditional culture are brought to life when she conducts tours in this neighborbood in Quito's Historic Center. For this reason, she is the...
How to Apply for the Tourist Visa Extension
Applying for your tourist visa extension in Ecuador need not be complicated. Since we went through this process in 2019, the Ecuadorian government has updated a lot, including adding an online system for those who can read Spanish. That means you have a choice in how...
Save Refugio Paz de las Aves
Refugio Paz de las Aves is a small, privately-owned birding reserve in the heart of the Choco-Andino Biosphere in Northeastern Ecuador, home to an amazing variety of wildlife, including birds like the Giant Antpitta and the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock. Recently, with the...
Where To Find Information During Ecuador’s Political Protests
UPDATED July 1, 2022 We have great news! An agreement has been found between government officials and CONAIE, bringing an end to the nationwide strike and work stoppage. Roadblocks have been removed, traffic is flowing, and goods are once again arriving in...
Protecting the Endangered Frogs of Refugio Paz
One of the positives coming out of the current campaign to save Refugio Paz de Las Aves is an interest in identifying endangered species that live on the 49-hectare property, especially within the primary forest. When one of our donors reached out to ask which species...
HEART Transforms the Way You Travel
Last year, while taking a course in Transformational Travel Design, I learned about the acronym HEART. Maybe it's the military brat in me, but I have a secret love for well-designed acronyms. This one reinforces the tools that I know are essential to a memorable trip,...
The Vulnerable Giant Antpitta
Earlier this year, the birding world was shocked to learn that the Refugio Paz de Las Aves near Mindo, Ecuador is in danger of losing its land. That news spurred many of us to find ways to contribute to the campaign to save the reserve and the birds that live there....
A Book Review – Ecuador: The Essential Guide To Customs and Culture
Having lived in six countries and worked in more than forty, I can tell you that knowing when to shake a hand, kiss a cheek, or pay for a drink can be the difference between a wonderful experience and a night in a Bolivian jail. Something A Little Different That's why...
The Enduring Ancient Sites of Quito, Ecuador
While Quito, Ecuador is not well-known for its great Inca ruins, the city and surrounding area are dotted with archeology sites well worth a visit, especially for those of us who enjoy ancient history. Each museum listed in this article has something to teach us about...