What’s the story behind Machu Picchu?
What’s the story behind Machu Picchu? What’s the story behind Machu Picchu? That’s a good question to ask before heading there. Scientists are still guessing exactly why Machu Picchu, or Old Peak, was built. Here are a few theories. It’s thought that Machu Picchu, which measures 1 square mile and rests about 2,400 meters above sea level in the midst of the Sacred [...]
The real reason why Darwin was inspired by Galapagos Islands
The real reason why Darwin was inspired by Galapagos Islands Galapagos Islands are famous, not only as a paradise for naturalists, but also as a source of inspiration during History. The Islands inspired poets, explorers, scientists and dreamers. They inspired, for instance, the writer Daniel Defoe with his novel Robinson Crusoe, and they also boosted scientific progress, as Charles Darwin was amazed by the Enchanted [...]
Galapagos cruising, the perfect activity for LGBT couples and families
Galapagos cruising, the perfect activity for LGBT couples and families Galapagos are a paradise of naturalism and relax, and visiting the islands on board of a cruise is a very comfortable way to discover them. There are special LGBT cruises, one of the best ways to enjoy yourself, with your couple or your family. Imagine spending some days discovering incredible fauna and flora [...]
The mystery of the Nazca lines, what do archeologists say?
The mystery of the Nazca lines, what do archeologists say? Among the Peruvian cities of Nazca and Palpa, lies one of the greatest archaeological mysteries of all time. Since archaeologists began studying the figures of Nazca desert in the thirties of the twentieth Century, there have been dozens of theories about its creation. Which is the correct one?Nazca Desert, one of the driest in the [...]
The most beautiful landscapes in Ecuador for photography lovers
The most beautiful landscapes in Ecuador for photography lovers Ecuador in pictures A picture is worth a thousand words! And these photographs of some of the most beautiful landscapes in Ecuador will make you feel like travelling there with hand-held camera only. We hope you enjoy them! Ecuadorian Andes mountain range is an example of the rich variety of landscapes that can be [...]
The main reasons to travel for seniors
The main reasons to travel for seniors When we age, we often make the mistake of thinking that we have already done everything in life, that the most important things have already happened. If Verdi had thought the same, he would not have premiered Othello at 74 years, nor would Goethe have published Faust in his 80s, nor would Cervantes have written the second [...]
What is the best itinerary in Galapagos? (Second Part)
What is the best itinerary in Galapagos? (Second Part) We continue with the objective of acquainting you with all the information you need to choose which is the best itinerary in Galapagos?, this time we will talk about the Western Islands. These islands are the remotest of the archipelago, but they highly recommend to visit, if possible. If you want to get in touch with the endemic animals [...]
Top 3 land creatures at the Galapagos Island
Top 3 land creatures at the Galapagos Island On a previous article we wrote about the top birds on the Galapagos Island based on my last visit and experience lived on this amazing archipelago. Nevertheless, this time I would like to write about the ranking of land creatures that according to my stand point of view, and based on my last journey on one of the cruises [...]
What to do in Quito? 30 activities to do in one month
What to do in Quito? 30 activities to do in one month What to do in Quito? Let’s Go! – 30 ways to spend 30 days in Quito. The 30 activities to do in one month 1. You can’t skip the teleferico. This 10 minute gondola ride that takes you 1,000 meters up to Cruz Loma to witness the city and its valleys [...]
We celebrate the 38th Anniversary of Quito as World Heritage city
We celebrate the 38th Anniversary of Quito as World Heritage city Ecuador is on celebration mode: Quito, the capital, was considered World Heritage by UNESCO 38 years ago on September 8th, 1978. Furthermore, it was the first city in the World that had this honor. Why is this city so extraordinary? Quito, that was founded in 1534 on the ruins of an Inca city, has the best-preserved colonial [...]
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, an extraordinary tour to do once in a lifetime
The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, an extraordinary tour to do once in a lifetime In 1533, the Inca Empire fell into the hands of the Spanish conquerors, led by Francisco Pizarro. Since the new discovery of many Inca monuments in the twentieth century, the rests of this ancient civilization have attracted people from all over the world. The most famous trekking route [...]
The Inca trail becomes a World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO
The Inca trail becomes a World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO Perhaps part of the reason why this marvelous spot of ancient culture became a world cultural heritage site is due to the propelling of modern communication channels that came after this masterpiece.An ancestral road of communication established many centuries ago, became the heart of the Incas´ Empire for the trade of goods [...]
Snorkeling in Galapagos
Snorkeling in Galapagos The Galapagos islands are a special place, where the most avid lovers for snorkeling will find unique landscapes decorated by coral reefs, bright coloured fish, sea creatures from different sizes and colours. When you travel to Galapagos, snorkeling will pop straight to your mind. The magnificent areas offer scuba diving which allows snorkelers to observe underwater attractions for extended periods of time with relatively [...]
The Galapagos Sea Star Journey, Cruise of the Month
The Galapagos Sea Star Journey, Cruise of the Month The Galapagos Islands have approximately 90 vessels of different types, capacities, and categories. Hence, standing out from the crowd is a hard work to do, but it is not impossible. In the May/June 2018 edition of the renowned Cruise Travel Magazine, published in the US, the Galapagos Sea Star Journey appears as a Cruise [...]
The experience of cruising in Galapagos Islands
The experience of cruising in Galapagos Islands Many travelers that come to Ecuador think about visiting Galapagos Islands, a paradise of biodiversity declared World Heritage. However, many of the visitors ask us the same question: “Should I take a cruise or do a land-based tour?” A cruise is a unique experience, an opportunity to soak up a place without losing the comfort and intimacy. Discover [...]
The charming experience of Galapagos Sea Star Journey
The charming experience of Galapagos Sea Star Journey Galapagos Islands, located in the West coast of Ecuador, are extraordinary! They are a paradise of biodiversity, unique among other travel destinations around the world. Let me tell you that there is nothing like a nice and small charming yacht to relax and to have dinner after a full day exploring the Islands! The Cruise Ship We are [...]
After one year of being closed, the Cotopaxi Volcano is now open
After one year of being closed, the Cotopaxi Volcano is now open Due to the increasing volcanic activity that the Cotopaxi Volcano had in August 2015, the Cotopaxi National Park (CNP) was closed to any touristic activity. Nonetheless, on August 5th 2016, the Geophysics Institution of Ecuador,the Ecuadorian Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Tourism and the Risk Management Sub-Secretary Section, has announced the [...]
Six senses of Ecuador – Quito experiential city tour
Six senses of Ecuador – Quito experiential city tour No, we cannot travel away from our sofa, at least not for now! How boring would be our lives without the real experience of visiting other places and immersing ourselves in other cultures! If traveling was just taking photographs and planting the flag in one place, we could just navigate with the computer and travel around the World. However, [...]
The Charles Darwin Research Station in Galapagos
The Charles Darwin Research Station in Galapagos The Charles Darwin Foundation is responsible for operating the Charles Darwin Research Station (CDRS), which is a biological research station. The research station also serves as an active breeding center. It can be found in Puerto Ayora located on Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos Islands. One of the missions of the research station is to provide scientific [...]
Ecuador vacation: Short trips from Quito
Ecuador vacation: Short trips from Quito While Quito is a fantastic place to wander and take in the sites, it’s certainly not the only stop on your Ecuador vacation. Here are some short side trips you can take to see what other marvels Ecuador has to offer. 1. Mindo Distance from Quito: 60 miles (96.8km) Travel Time: 2h Every Ecuador [...]
See Galapagos through the eyes of 8 artists
(Photo: eltelegrafo.com.ec ) See Galapagos through the eyes of 8 artists Within the framework of the new edition of the Latin American Roaming Art, this year the main topic is Galapagos. LARA Project has received an important international interest and respect from the Latin American contemporary art community. Every new edition invites eight artists to travel to an specific place, and this year the project is focused on the Enchanted [...]
The Cemetery of Guayaquil- Part 1
The Cemetery of Guayaquil- Part 1 Although the Guayaquil cemetery has been overlooked for many years by locals and international visitors, its hidden historical value represents a variety of stories that came to this city by the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century.There is an urban myth that back in the days that consist on the following, some of [...]
The birdlife in Galapagos (Part 1)
The birdlife in Galapagos (Part 1) The Galapagos Islands are encircled by thousands of miles of Open Ocean, this fauna of the islands proves to be a natural for the seabirds to occupy and populate. Visitors notice about nineteen resident species while the Biologists estimate that 750,000 seabirds exist in Galapagos which includes thirty percent of the world’s blue-footed boobies. World’s largest red-footed [...]
The best monuments of the Quito School of Art
The best monuments of the Quito School of Art Quito, that was founded in the XVI Century on the ruins of an Inca city, has the best-preserved colonial downtown in Latin America. It is located in the heart of the Andes and has a lot of monuments worth to be visited that were part of the Baroque style imported from Europe. So, if you [...]
The best jewels to discover if you travel to Cuenca in Ecuador
The best jewels to discover if you travel to Cuenca in Ecuador Cuenca is a treasure to discover in Latin America, a city you fall in love with when you visit it. Known as the Athens of Ecuador, it is the third largest city, set in a valley surrounded by the Andean mountains in the south of the country. Why is this town [...]