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 of diverse places in a short amount of time, but Ecuador is super affordable, four hours from Miami, and uses the U.S. dollar to make it extra convenient. After a month here, we can confirm Ecuador holds up to the bold four-worlds claim and give it an extra nod for super-friendly people and adventure at every turn (intentional or not). We love Ecuador, which is all the more reason we need to give them a little razzing. You know you’re in Ecuador when…
– No matter the time of the year, the temperature only fluctuates few degrees, the sunset is within a few minutes each day, and you weigh a little less along the equator. Score!
– The country invents one of the most classic hat styles of all time…and Panama gets all the credit!
– A “vegetarian meal” just means a smaller portion of pork
– The greatest densities of volcanoes in the world has you checking the daily forecast for torrential ash, rock, and lava
– Humans and Galapagos Sea Lions live in total harmony…they even share park benches, boats, and beach towels
– There is something really funny about the trash cans
– A guinea pigs is no longer your pet, it’s what’s for dinner
– Traffic isn’t caused by rush hour, but front-end loaders clearing the day’s landslides
– When dogs are so fashionable in Cuenca, they strut the cat walk (Check that savvy model on the right, she can even tie her own shoes!)
– Marine iguanas can’t be found anywhere else on earth, but in the Galapagos you can hardly walk the beach without tripping on them
– You don’t end your hike at 16,000 feet above sea level, you start there
– A Coatimundi is a more likely pet in the Amazon than a poodle
– No matter what the ladies do, they always look beautiful
Hey Mike and Anne,
Thanks for the photo blog! I always enjoy seeing your photos. We feel like we left our backpacks and our backpacking hearts there when our trip was abruptly changed by a potential job in Austria. We wish we spent more time out there especially since we didn’t get to the Amazon or to the Galapagos Islands.
The peaks and hikes were incredible and we loved the Andes. Wish we could have explored Quilotoa though.
The wildlife which yall have highlighted throughout your Ecuador series is unreal, especially for birders haha.
The one thing I learned from this post is that I weigh less out there!
Love from Manila,
Mark
Mark, glad Ecuador has a piece of your hear too and that our blogs have been bringing you back. Sounds like you’ll be returning and get your chance to get to the Amazon and Galapagos..it’s worth it! Best of luck with gig in Austria!
Great post! Ecuador has been recommended to me many times–you guys did a great job of showing all the unique factors.
Thanks Magdalena! We hope you go to Ecuador someday…you’ll love it!
Those creepy trash cans!! And the vegetarian meal one, SO true!! I love these posts!!!
LOL love that you know all about those creepy clown cans and this incredible obsession with pork. Thanks for the love, world traveler.
Mike and Anne, love the pictures! We met you a last year at a Meet, Plan, Go conference in NY. Currently, we are in Cuenca, Ecuador enjoying hiking, eating and the beauty this country has to offer. Galapagos Islands are a must for everyone on Earth. We believe though, the best way to visit is simply flying into Puerto Ayora, staying in a apt/hostal/hotel, then simply paying for any tours from the abundant amount of tour agencies in Puerto Ayora. Hope to see you both on the road sometime.