Here’s our Intentional Travelers collection of blog posts on transformational travel experiences, travel tips and guides for trips in Latin America, South America, and Central America.
While the Galapagos and the Amazon might have the best name recognition in Ecuador, the most visited area of the country is actually the Andes Mountain region – and we’ve seen why! The mountains, volcanoes, and valleys are stunning. We found travel through the Andes to be relatively easy and affordable, and we highly recommend it….
Cuenca, Ecuador has been one of our favorite cities to spend time in South America. Part of it is the UNESCO World Heritage level of charm, the ability to practice Spanish, and the affordable things to do and to eat. There are also a variety of nice day trips from Cuenca that can add another…
Otavalo makes a great day trip or weekend get-away from Quito. In this post, we’ll share what you should know before you visit and what to do in Otavalo on a day trip. Visiting Otavalo Ecuador The Otavalo area is known for its indigenous artisans and woodworkers, so most visitors go to shop for crafts….
The mountain town of Girón is about a one-hour, $1 bus ride from Cuenca, Ecuador and is best known for the spectacular waterfalls in the hills above the town. While most people visit the lower falls just a short walk from the “check in station,” those up for an adventure (and a real work out) will not be…
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…
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…
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…