One off-the-beaten-path destination in Ecuador that is especially popular with hikers is the Quilatoa Loop. Quilatoa, a crater lake inside a sunken volcano, is perched in the Andean mountains South of Quito. Surrounded by dramatic peaks and valleys, this corner of Ecuador is home to breath-taking views and remote, rural villages. We put together the 45-second video below…
This is a guest post by one of our featured intentional travelers, Alyssa Padgett. I think my husband and I are the youngest couple living in an RV on the road. Inspired by our grandparents who shared amazing stories of life on the road, Heath and I decided to forego a “typical” honeymoon and spend seven…
Banos Ecuador is one of the most beautiful destinations to visit in the Andes of Ecuador. If you’re planning a trip to Banos, this guide will help you find the best things to do. A number of people, both Ecuadorians and North American friends, recommended we visit Baños while in Ecuador. Although touted for its…
Visiting Ingapirca – Ecuador’s largest site for ancient ruins – is a great day trip from Cuenca, Ecuador. This post shares what we learned about the Ingapirca ruins and how to get there. How to Get to Ingapirca Ruins from Cuenca, Ecuador From Cuenca, you can either arrange a package tour, drive yourself, or take public…
Cajas National Park is a UNESCO-protected site just outside of Cuenca, Ecuador. Because of its location near the equator and directly on top of the Continental Divide, this may be the only place at such a high altitude (13-14,000 ft) where it never snows! This post covers things to know about visiting Cajas and hiking in the…
This is a guest post by fellow Intentional Traveler, Alyssa Padgett. Shortly after their wedding, she and her husband, Heath, bought an RV and filmed a documentary across the country called Hourly America. The best and worst of the USA In 2014, I drove – well, that’s not true – my husband drove across the…
A big part of the reason we chose to visit Ecuador was to practice our Spanish, so we signed up for a one-week Spanish program during our first week in Cuenca. Cuenca has a number of Spanish schools as well as private tutors, so I narrowed down my search by scouring reviews online. I was…
I have always been intrigued and inspired by families who travel frequently or long-term. We have met a number of traveling families here in Ecuador, and one of the biggest secrets that helps them break through the cost barrier is using miles and points. That’s why I’m really excited to introduce you to Leana, whose…
When my Uncle did the Peace Corps in the 70’s, my Mom would record messages for him on tape and wait months to receive his response in the mail. Times have really changed! These days, many Peace Corps Volunteers are just as connected by phone and internet as they would be in the States. While this new…
As the year comes to a close, it’s a perfect time to stop and reflect. For the past few years, we’ve really enjoyed the practice of doing an Annual Review because it helps us celebrate our victories, recognize areas for improvement, and start taking steps toward fulfilling our dreams. During our recent stay with Jedd’s brother in Honolulu,…