We drove from Quito down the Pan-American Highway, the storied road from Alaska to Tierra del Fuego, towards the highest active volcano in the world…Cotopaxi. It towered over us at 19,347-feet, growing even taller with a steady stream of smoke and ash. We rounded the gravel road and the charming Hacienda el Porvenir appeared, nestled…
They say Ecuador is four worlds in one….in a country the size of Colorado. The Galapagos Islands, Pacific Coast, Andes Mountains, and Amazon Jungle are all packed into this South American country making it one of the most stunning places we’ve ever been. Not only does its small size allow you to experience a ton…
Every city in Ecuador has a small indigenous population…but in Otavalo they aren’t at the fringe, they are at its heart. The Otavalos are an industrious group of skilled craftsmen and savvy business people. They have managed to keep their traditions of weaving, painting, and carving, and ditch the middleman to garealize the full potential…
The Amazon is where the HoneyTrek began, nearly four years ago (can you believe it?). It’s where we cast off our 9-to-5 nets, and walked into the jungle towards our new nomadic lives. It holds a special place in our heart, so much so, that we were a little nervous to go back. Could the…
If someplace is called “The Adventure Capital of _______,” you know we’ll will be there. Baños de Agua Santa is where the Andes slope into the Amazon, waterfalls gush from the mountains, and adrenaline-junkies play in their wake. River rafting, canyoning, ziplining, rock climbing…you name the adventure activity and this spunky little town has it…
The sound of trumpets, trombones, and snare drums is getting louder and louder…we roll over in bed. Then a crescendo hits like it’s pounding at our hotel door. There is no sleeping through this–Cuenca is calling. We threw a jacket over our pajamas and chased after the music. We followed a brass band of dapper…
Smoke is billowing from Chimborazo volcano. We pull over to let our jaws hang low as we stare cautiously at this irritable mountain. An indigenous woman with a baby swaddled on her back waits on the side of the road, looking so poised with her velvet skirt, matching red tights, and felted bowler cap. She…
Penguins dash between the pier pylons, blue-footed boobies dive bomb for fish, sea lions sunbathe on the back of unmanned boats…and we haven’t even docked our boat. You’d think this was a Sea World show but it’s everyday life in the Galapagos and part two of our 10-day expedition with Active Adventures (read the first…
Exploring the Galapagos is like safari at sea. But unlike an elusive cheetah or lioness in the tall grasses of the savanna, the Galapagos wildlife don’t shy away…they are equally curious about you. Playful sea lions swim up to snorkelers, penguins do laps around kayakers, and iguanas sunbathe alongside you. Many of the animals you…
Our month-long journey through Ecuador begins with a whirlwind tour of the capital…Quito! Join us as we explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site from historic churches to markets to the center of the world… Quito in 12 hours Quito Fast Facts: