How to Find a Cheap Galápagos Cruise: All You Need to Know!
Ever wondered how to bag a cheap Galapagos cruise? It’s all about those last-minute deals! Grab and pen and start making some notes… you’re going to the Galapagos!
Ecuador
Quilotoa Loop: A Guide to One of Ecuador’s Best Hikes!
For the past few weeks, backpacker and travel writer, Regina Röder has been hiking the trails and spending time with the indigenous communities of Guayama Grande, a small village close to the spectacular Laguna Quilotoa in the Ecuadorian Andes. Here she describes her unique experience getting to know the women of the community and what it taught her about harsh mountain life…
Is Ecuador Safe to Visit? A Safety Guide for Travelers
How safe is Ecuador? Make sure you avoid common mistakes and stay away from danger with our practical travel safety tips for all kinds of traveller.
Quilotoa Lake: A Guide to Ecuador’s Breathtaking Crater Lagoon
Quilotoa Lake is located in the Ecuadorian Andes, a short journey from Quito. This magnificent crater lake is known for its turquoise waters and immense size. This guide will tell you everything you need to know to plan your visit.
Unmissable Places to Visit in Ecuador
Heading to Ecuador and looking for the best places to visit? You’re in the right place! From the awe-inspiring Galapagos Islands to the varied mainland, Ecuador has something for all travellers!
13 Incredible Beaches in Ecuador You Must Visit
Known for being one of the most bio-diverse countries on Earth, Ecuador is home to the unique Galapagos archipelago, the …
Biking Ruta de las Cascadas in Baños, Ecuador
Baños, Ecuador is the ultimate destination for adventure lovers, with an activity for every budget and adrenaline level. One thing you can’t miss in the area is biking the Ruta de Las Cascadas, or the Waterfall Route. The path follows the road from Baños to the town of Puyo, along the Río Pastaza canyon. The route leads you past 7 waterfalls, culminating in the mighty Pailón del Diablo, or Devil’s Cauldron.
Cotopaxi, Ecuador – Hiking & Biking Ecuador’s Famous Volcano!
Cotopaxi Volcano is Ecuador’s second largest volcano and the most popular for trekking. Climbing Cotopaxi has become somewhat of a bucket list activity for backpackers and day trips can be easily arranged from Quito. If you are taking on the almighty Cotopaxi, check out this post to help plan your hike!
Casa Michael, Guayaquil: A home away from home in Ecuador’s most chaotic city
Choosing a place to stay in Guayaquil, Ecuador can be difficult. Not only do you want somewhere with a sense of community but you also need your accommodation of choice to be located in safe area. Sheree and Tim went to check out Casa Michael’s. These were their thoughts!
Kayaking Ecuador – There’s No Place Better Than Tena!
Tena is Ecuador’s hotspot for experienced and beginner kayakers alike! Keen to experience life on the river, South America Ambassadors Sheree and Tim headed to the city and arranged a taster kayak lesson with reputable company Kayak Ecuador. Read about their experience.
Hostel Pachamama, Puerto Lopez, Ecuador
Hostel Pachamama is a popular hostel in Puerto Lopez, Ecuador. Did it live up to expectations? Sheree and Tim went along to check it out…
Hidden House, Montañita, Ecuador – Backpacker Heaven from $5 US!
If you’ve found yourself wandering the streets of Montañita, you’ve probably come to surf or party or more than likely, …
Hidden House, Montañita, Ecuador – Backpacker Heaven from $5 US! Read More »
Hotel Ancora – The Perfect Place to Stay in Puerto Lopez, Ecuador
If you’re looking for a clean and comfortable place to stay with a swimming pool in the heart of Puerto Lopez, Ecuador, look no further than Hotel Ancora!
La K Leta Guesthouse – Luxury on a Budget in the Galapagos Islands
Want a great place to stay on a budget in the Galapagos Islands? La K Leta Guesthouse comes complete with the most knowledgeable host on the island!
Esperanto Hostel – An Eco-Friendly Stay in Montañita, Ecuador
Looking for a hostel in Montañita, Ecuador with the perfect balance of relaxation and social atmosphere? The eco-friendly Esperanto Hostel is it!
Organic Farm Tour & Cooking Class – Sustainable Tourism in Baños, Ecuador
A sustainable approach to tourism in Baños, Ecuador is the organic farm tour and cooking class with Takiri Travel. It’s not all adrenaline activities…
Erupción Art Hotel & Hostel, Baños, Ecuador – Traveller Review
Baños is one of Ecuador’s most popular destinations. We checked out one of its most reputable hostels to find out what the fuss was about. How did it fare?
Canyoning in Baños, Ecuador – Don’t Think. Just Jump!
As someone who is afraid of, well… everything! Would I enjoy my first Canyoning Experience in Ecuador’s adventure capital of Baños?
Hostel Nucapacha – The Perfect Place to Stay in Guayaquil, Ecuador
Looking for a sociable, colourful and budget friendly hostel in Guayaquil? Hostel Nucapacha is an excellent choice for the backpacker!
Cajas National Park, Ecuador – A Scene Straight out of Middle Earth!
Just 45 minutes from Cuenca, Cajas National Park, Ecuador is a stunning mountain wilderness of 768 lakes, wild animals & birdlife. What’s the best way to visit?
Ingapirca, Ecuador – The Inca Ruins that Tourism Forgot
While Peru’s Machu Picchu attracts huge crowds, the Ancient Inca Ruin of Ingapirca in Ecuador is devoid of tourists! Is this historical site worth a visit?
Zip-Lining in Baños, Ecuador – I Believe I Can Fly!
Despite my fear of heights I embarked upon a 2-hour zip-lining adventure with Takiri Travel in Baños, Ecuador. Flying over the jungle like superman was an incredible experience!
Review: Hostal Tena Ñaui, Ecuador
With great private rooms for as low as $7 US, Hostal Tena Ñaui is one of the best budget options in Tena, Ecuador. Spectacular views of the city come free!
Rafting the Jondachi-Hollín River – A Must Do Experience in Ecuador!
Tena is the best place in Ecuador to go rafting! With amazing scenery & Class IV rapids, we had the time of our lives on the Jondachi-Hollín River!
Community Hostel, Baños, Ecuador – A Place You Don’t Want to Leave!
Community Hostel is the perfect place in Baños, Ecuador to meet other travellers and get stuck in. With everything from movie trivia nights to beer-pong…
Getting Back To Our Roots in Tena, Ecuador @ Jungle Roots Camping!
Offering one of the best toilet panoramic scenes that you will ever see, Jungle Roots prides itself on its breathtaking viewpoints!
All Hands Volunteers: Building Bamboo Homes in Ecuador after Earthquake
In April 2016, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake tore across the west coast of Ecuador leaving 660 dead and an estimated 20,000 without homes. Lily Khambata shares her experience of volunteering in the affected region…
A Magical Stay with the Indigenous Tsachila People, Santo Domingo, Ecuador
Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas, Ecuador, is an industrial hub that draws few visitors, but in its outskirts lies an indigenous people struggling to survive the encroachment of modernization. The Tsachilas are best known for their knowledge of medicinal plants and use of the achiote seed in colouring their hair red. Only 2800 Tsachilas remain, and they comprise one of Ecuador’s 14 officially recognized nationalities. Traveller, Marina Wang visits one of their communities to find out more about their unique way of life…
Why a Trip to Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands is Worth Every Cent!
There were two classes of backpackers I met whilst travelling through Ecuador – those who agreed the Galapagos Islands were the highlight of their South America trip, and those who lamented they weren’t going because it was out of their budget… but “one day” they’d get there. Whilst it is true that a trip to Galapagos is bound to burst your budget bubble, I can with complete confidence tell any traveller – do it anyway. You know those “life-changing” travel destinations forcefully touted? Galapagos is it…
The Inspiring Intag Project: Volunteering in the Remote Cloud Forests of Ecuador
From a remote farm in the cloud forest in north-west Ecuador, Ned Cresswell has set up the Intag Project, a volunteer programme through which he hopes to introduce sustainable tourism to his local community. This is one backpacker’s experience volunteering with the Intag Project at Magdalena Primary School… TV and internet don’t reach here, and there is no hot water or, in many cases, electricity. Flashpackers need not apply.
Learning Spanish in Montañita, Ecuador
Explorer Tyler Protano-Goodwin ponders the question; can you really call yourself a traveler without language? With a desire to brush up on her Spanish skills and connect more to South American culture Tyler enrolls in language classes at the Montañita Spanish School in Ecuador.
Cultivating Cacao on an Organic Farm in Ecuador
Recently traveler Shakia Stewart dove into the world of chocolate to learn everything she could about the process from cocoa bean to bar. She made sure to sample plenty, but also saved time to document the process for all of you curious chocolate loving backpackers out there…
The Long Haul: Overland From Cuenca, Ecuador to Mancora, Peru
We recently traversed ‘the most dangerous border crossing in South America’ from Ecuador to Peru. What did we find? A whole lot of nothing, the process was actually quite easy. Read our account of the trip so that your experience is equally unspectacular!