Off-the-cuff / South America

Surprising Things that Simply Don’t Exist in South America

Having now traveled extensively through five different South American countries, I’ve started to notice a handful of things that are common in North America but more or less nonexistent in South America. (The reverse is also true but I think most people expect to find exotic foods and such when...

Off-the-beaten-path / South America / Tropics / Wandering

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...

Nature / Off-the-beaten-path / South America / Tropics

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.  

Sedate / South America / Tropics

Guayaquil, malecon 2000

Guayaquil, Ecuador is not on a sea coast. Yet it has two separate waterfront boardwalks; malecons, in Spanish. That’s because there is both a bay and a navigable river flanking the city from either side. Both provide ocean access for shipping. Both also provide lovely recreation areas for residents and...

Off-the-beaten-path / South America / Tropics / Wandering

🎼…from Hawaii to the shores of Peru…🏄🏻

Me: “Is there a malecon in Trujillo?” Martin (who owns the hostel where I’m staying): “If you want a good malecon, the one in Huanchaco is much better. You should go there.” At least that’s the gist of what he said. Martin speaks very clear Spanish but it’s still sometimes...

Activities / Moderately Active / Off-the-beaten-path / South America / Tropics / Wandering

Secret passageways to Trujillo’s backstage

Trujillo, Perú has so many amazing doorways and alleyways, it’s tempting to want to just wander through every one of them. Instead I decided to design my own little walking tour and photograph some. Quite a few doors were closed and alleyways gated. That only added to their mysterious allure....

Art / Culture / Off-the-beaten-path / South America / Tropics / Wandering

Trujillo College of Medicine

While out wandering around Trujillo, Perú I stumbled across the campus of the Trujillo College of Medicine. Like many places here, the college is surrounded by walls. However these walls are covered in amazing mosaic artwork. Spanning several blocks, these giant and elaborate masterpieces stand as public showpieces.

Off-the-beaten-path / South America / Tropics

Trujillo: Perhaps the prettiest city in all of Perú

Trujillo, about 9 hours’ drive north from Lima, is a beautiful colonial city right on the Pacific Ocean. Less than ¼ the distance to the equator as Miami, Trujillo is decidedly tropical. With mostly narrow streets, lovely town squares, and colonial architecture everywhere you look, Trujillo is an overlooked gem with...