Author: Jeffrey Kontur

South America / Tropics

Views no matter which direction you look

I’ve mentioned before that Quito, Ecuador lies in a mountain valley deep in the Andes Mountains. The city is surrounded on all four sides by mountains. In fact, it’s only a little over four miles wide at its widest point and about 20 miles long at its longest. In terms...

South America / Tropics

Brand new pair of hiking boots, $1.00

After the theft of my backpacks and, along with them, my second pair of shoes, I have been wearing the same hiking boots basically every day. They were never premium quality boots to begin with so the wear and tear was beginning to take its toll. After only a month...

Active / Bucket List / Nature / South America / Tropics

In the footsteps of Charles Darwin… exploring the Galápagos Islands

The expense of visiting the Galápagos aside, it really is quite a unique place and the trip of a lifetime. Being as isolated as it is, 600 miles from the nearest mainland shore, means it has unique flora and fauna that is seen nowhere else on earth. It also means...

Bucket List / Logistics / South America / Tropics

$75 sunblock?!!!

Fair warning: the Galápagos is basically Disney for environmentalists. Expect to overpay for everything. Things in Galápagos are not just far more expensive than on the Ecuador mainland, they are even more expensive than most places in the US. Although you can wander around whichever island you are on, if...

Active / Activities / Adventure / Bucket List / Guided Tours / South America / Tropics

The Most Touristy Thing I’ve Done

For those who don’t already know, every year I take my daughter on a trip for her birthday rather than buying her stuff that she doesn’t really need. We have gone to some amazing places together. This year, for her 22nd birthday, I took her to the Galápagos Islands. Simply...