This would NEVER be allowed in the US!
One of Quito, Ecuador’s biggest attractions, both literally and figuratively, is the massive Basilica del Voto Nacional (“Basilica of the National Vow”). The towers are a full
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All four seasons in a single day
Quito, Ecuador lies nestled in a mountain valley in the Andes Mountains. Because it lies almost exactly on the equator,
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...
$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...
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...
Adventure on the cheap in the Galápagos Islands
My daughter and I landed today in the Galápagos Islands. If you didn’t know, every year I take her on a trip for her birthday. Even though her birthday is in December, this year we had to schedule the trip around other commitments we both had. The Galápagos is certainly...
Cactus Flowers
By the side of a busy road in Guayaquil, where basically no one pays attention or appreciates them, stand a bunch of very large cacti. I was fortunate enough to see them in full flower. The flowers on these cacti last only 3-4 days. So when I returned the next...
Teeny tiny lizard
Guayaquil is teeming with lizards. They mostly try very hard to stay away from humans. I have seen lizards of many different sizes. From longer than my leg to shorter than my thumb. This little guy is so tiny he can actually walk around underneath the glass top of this...
Statues and Architecture of Guayaquil
At first glance, Guayaquil didn’t seem all that special to me. It took a while, and a bit of exploring before I started stumbling across some of the more beautiful little places hidden scattered about the city. Here is a random assortment of statuary, architecture, and other beautiful sights of...
Parqué de las Iguanas
About two blocks in from Malecon 2000, is a small city park. This park isn’t really advertised and isn’t a tourist destination. It’s only about one block square but is home to perhaps 100 free-roaming iguanas. They are literally everywhere! Check out the photos and video.