I’ll jump right in. This place is pure magic! There are two main nature reserves in Ecuador’s Amazon region: Yasuní National Park and Cuyabeno Reserve. Yasuní National Park is arguably the more famous one; it’s the biggest and has one of the highest biodiversity rates per square meter in the world. However, Cuyabeno is justContinue reading “Cuyabeno Reserve, Ecuador”
Tag Archives: South America
Midad del Mundo, el Teleférico, & Other Ecuadorian Adventures
Can we talk about the fact that it’s July? How did that happen? Shane and I are just back from a glorious 10 days in the Galápagos Islands (!!), but before I get to that, I need to round out my family trip back in *gasp* April, when my mom visited for about 3 weeks.Continue reading “Midad del Mundo, el Teleférico, & Other Ecuadorian Adventures”
Otavalo & Lago Cuicocha: A Day Trip from Quito
Twice now, I’ve taken a scheduled day tour from Quito, the first time to Quilotoa and now to the market in Otavalo. Twice I’ve had nothing but a positive experience, so if you’re short on time or don’t want the hassle of figuring out the bus system, a scheduled day trip is absolutely worth theContinue reading “Otavalo & Lago Cuicocha: A Day Trip from Quito”
La Isla de la Plata (the Poor Man’s Galapagos), Ecuador
La Isla de La Plata (or the Island of Silver) is an uninhabited island about an hour by boat off the coast of Puerto López, making it an easy and popular day trip and a “must-do” on our trip. Based on what we saw, all tours are nearly the same. So, although we scheduled ourContinue reading “La Isla de la Plata (the Poor Man’s Galapagos), Ecuador”
Anaconda Lodge in the Amazon Rainforest, Napo, Ecuador
For the past year, I’ve been taking Spanish classes online. The people in your class change from day to day, so typically, the teachers start by having everyone briefly introduce themselves. Where are you from? Where do you live? Why are you learning Spanish? Consequently, one of the first phrases I learned was “Vivo enContinue reading “Anaconda Lodge in the Amazon Rainforest, Napo, Ecuador”
Rafting in Tena, Ecuador, with Raft Amazonia
We’re switching it up, folks! When Sis and Terry were here, we went rafting with Raft Amazonia, a Kichwa-run rafting company in Tena. We had THE BEST TIME! However, in this case, I don’t think my words can do it justice. On the other hand, Terry’s a storyteller; his words make you feel our experience.Continue reading “Rafting in Tena, Ecuador, with Raft Amazonia”
Our First Visitors in Tena, Ecuador!
Finally! This trip was a long time coming. Sis and Terry were supposed to come to visit back in July, but thanks to the nationwide protests during that time, they ended up canceling their trip a week before they were due to arrive. Shane and I were super excited for them to visit! Somehow, it’sContinue reading “Our First Visitors in Tena, Ecuador!”
Rumi Wilco Nature Reserve: Vilcabamba, Ecuador
Remember when Shane and I went to the Buenaventura Nature Reserve to collect butterflies? Of course, you don’t because it was back in JULY (🤯), and I’ve been incredibly slack about writing on the blog. Well, there was a part two to that trip; the other species we needed lives near Vilcabamba, about five hoursContinue reading “Rumi Wilco Nature Reserve: Vilcabamba, Ecuador”
The Shwits 