Showing posts with label ecuador. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ecuador. Show all posts
As we gear up for the holiday season and prepare for Thanksgiving just a week away, our hearts and minds turn towards those things we are grateful to be blessed with. Throughout our travel experiences I have to say this little girl, Luz (meaning light in Spanish), will forever hold a special place in our hearts. When I lived in Ecuador I gave her this hat. It once belonged to Lisa and then was passed along to Megan, and finally me. Luz and her sissies loved this hat and took turns wearing it each time I'd visit. It was such a small thing, but I wanted her to keep it as a gift to hopefully remember that awkward American girl stumbling into her village one day with a camera in tote. I like to think that although we can't always give a lot, we can give a little.
FREAKY FRIDAY
Ecuador
On the 10th day of Christmas
Traveling Triplets gave to YOU
10 videos
1. Baños, Ecuador / 2. Faces of Peru / 3. Fly Girl Christmas in Hawaii / 4. Daydreaming in Tuvalu / 5. Dole Plantation on Oahu / 6. Quilotoa Ecuador / 7. Volcano Boarding in Nicaragua / 8. Kauai / 9. Guatemala / 10. Honduras
10TH DAY OF CHRISTMAS
While cruising around the coast we took note of some of our favorite places to stay in Ecuador.
These two places made the top of the list for various reasons, of which I will share with you for your accommodation pleasures (should you make the journey to Ecuador yourself).
There are a few things to keep in mind when hunting for a good place to stay.
#1 - LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
#2 - PRICE + WHAT IT INCLUDES
#3 - SECURITY
That being said, let's begin!
Destination: Canoa / Accommodation: $8 per person per night
#1 - LOCATION
We absolutely loved this little privately owned hostal in Canoa. Canoa is a quiet, peaceful little beach town that sees less tourists than other congested beach towns on the Ecuadorian coast. While the surf is not as prime, the beaches are long and stretch for miles with plenty of privacy for those looking for a more tranquil escape. This hostal was tucked back down a side street, away from the nighttime party noise and in its own secluded area. Depending on what kind of travel tickles your pickle, you may fancy something different - but for Traveling Triplets, we prefer quiet seclusion
to bumpidy bump bump bump all night.
Destination: Baños / Hostal: Hostal Chimenea / Accommodation: $8 per person per night
#2 - PRICE + WHAT IT INCLUDES
I like to get the most bang outta my buck. This place did the trick. At an affordable rate, it included a private bathroom (which in Ecuador and for this price is hard to find) with hot water, it was clean, a couple beds (which is unnecessary but that's just how they do it), our own private balcony, FREE wi-fi and access to computers (amazing), a book swap (my personal fav... rummaging through the library is always fun), and great customer service. It also had a restaurant on the roof where we'd eat every morning with views of waterfalls cascading into the jungle and mountains so high that clouds would float through and thicken the sky with white puffy fog until early afternoon.
Now THAT is MY kind of deal!
Now THAT is MY kind of deal!
#3 - SECURITY
Call me paranoid, but I like my doors to lock. Some people are pretty chill about sharing rooms with strangers, staying in huts that have doors with no locks, putting the good ol' faith in fellow travel mates of the world...well, I like people but I also know people - and when you're on a budget things lyin' around start to look pretty alluring. I like to know I can lock my door, walk away and not wonder if somebody is gonna go rummaging through my personal stuff. If there's a caja fuerte (safe/strong box) in the room, swell. If not, fine. I have sneaky ways of hiding REALLY valuable valuables... and I always leave a sticky on the door in places that have room service saying NO GRACIAS... you just never know! Security is a big deal for me - especially since I carry around a lot of expensive photography and videography equipment wherever I go. This hostal in Baños fit all my worry needs. The deadbolt was secure, the location was away from busy streets and shenanigans, and the people were sweet as honey. That's my cup of tea.
HOW TO: FIND PLACES TO STAY IN ECUADOR
Doesn't that smile just make you all warm 'n fuzzy? Her name is Luz, and she really is a light in my life. I really miss her. When I lived in Ecuador we used to play together for hours. My sisters and I decided to give her this hat as a gift to share with her siblings and hopefully remember us by! It feels so good to give.
You should have seen how her eyes lit up! She was SO excited she shoved it on her head right away and starting running around giggling. When she rushed to show her mother, her mother immediately got a worried look on her face and tried to return it. When I explained to her that it was a gift I wanted the children to have, she was so touched she gave me a sweet shy smile and thanked me sincerely. It was such a sweet and simple moment. Who knew a hat could mean so much? I'm tipping with gratitude and love to know it's on the precious little heads of these children and this family. Our hearts are always with them.
A LITTLE LOVE
After living in South America and doing some backpacking around, I'd like to share the top 5 must see's in Peru and Ecuador (that I've been to). There are many, many more but from Traveling Triplet's experience this may help guide you to some gold mines if you're a diggin'!
1. Machu Picchu / Aguas Calientes, Peru
If words could say it all, they just did. Just do it. Get the major deets about our trip here.
2. Baños / Baños, Ecuador
If you're like us and try every kind of adventure possible - from repelling waterfalls, biking, hiking and soaking in thermal baths to jumping off bridges, renting go-carts and buggies then you need to just get your buns to Baños asap. Fo' reals.
3. Otavalo / Otavalo, Ecuador
Girls - we like to shop. It's just what we do. Come to Otavalo and shop to your heart's desire! They have all the handicraft and homemade goods to make your heart sing. Besides, who doesn't want to buy anything off that darling little old lady on the right? Forget shopping, I'm tempted to just pocket la abuelita and take her home as my adorable souvenir (friend)!
4. Pisaq / Pisaq, Peru
Pisaq is a rad little town located outside of Cusco. You can hire a taxi or take a short bus ride up to this mountainside town. There are ancient ruins to explore, terraces galore, and another haven of shopping and good eats. It's a chill hippie town so just throw showering out the window. Fuhggitaboutit!
5. Amaru / Amaru, Peru
To all you people who want to travel but also want to EXPERIENCE THE CULTURE - the true IMMERSION - then Amaru is the place to go. You can pay to sleep in these adobe mud homes, and be hosted by some of the kindest, gentlest, most genuinely generous people known to Earth. They treat you like GOLD, they cook like KINGS, and make sure you have 800 ponchos to stay warm up in the high mountains. DO IT. Want the scoop on rural tourism? Read about our experience HERE (SERIOUSLY... click the link) - it is SO much cooler than any other kind of travel. You NEED to do it.
1. Machu Picchu / Aguas Calientes, Peru
If words could say it all, they just did. Just do it. Get the major deets about our trip here.
2. Baños / Baños, Ecuador
If you're like us and try every kind of adventure possible - from repelling waterfalls, biking, hiking and soaking in thermal baths to jumping off bridges, renting go-carts and buggies then you need to just get your buns to Baños asap. Fo' reals.
3. Otavalo / Otavalo, Ecuador
Girls - we like to shop. It's just what we do. Come to Otavalo and shop to your heart's desire! They have all the handicraft and homemade goods to make your heart sing. Besides, who doesn't want to buy anything off that darling little old lady on the right? Forget shopping, I'm tempted to just pocket la abuelita and take her home as my adorable souvenir (friend)!
4. Pisaq / Pisaq, Peru
Pisaq is a rad little town located outside of Cusco. You can hire a taxi or take a short bus ride up to this mountainside town. There are ancient ruins to explore, terraces galore, and another haven of shopping and good eats. It's a chill hippie town so just throw showering out the window. Fuhggitaboutit!
5. Amaru / Amaru, Peru
To all you people who want to travel but also want to EXPERIENCE THE CULTURE - the true IMMERSION - then Amaru is the place to go. You can pay to sleep in these adobe mud homes, and be hosted by some of the kindest, gentlest, most genuinely generous people known to Earth. They treat you like GOLD, they cook like KINGS, and make sure you have 800 ponchos to stay warm up in the high mountains. DO IT. Want the scoop on rural tourism? Read about our experience HERE (SERIOUSLY... click the link) - it is SO much cooler than any other kind of travel. You NEED to do it.
TOP 5 PERU AND ECUADOR
Destination: Montañita and Canoa / Accomodation: $8 per person / Transportation: $10 bus from Quito
Although my visit to the coast of Ecuador was during the off season when the weather is gray, gloomy, cloudy, wet and chilly it was still worth seeing. Montañita and Canoa are the most popular beach destinations in the country, and with beach bungalows along the beach and bebidos up the yoo-hoo you are bound to find some "me" time relaxing in hammocks and sipping drinks. Despite the fact that they're both beach destinations, there is more than just surfing and swimming and playing in the ocean!
If you're looking for some hopping clubs, dancing, loud music and a serious fill of hippie-dom then you need to go to Montañita. Montañita has a huge variety of restaurants and is said to have the best food in Ecuador all in one place. It won't let you down!
Canoa is for those of you who are looking for some peace and quiet. Things are slower pace here, and there are less people milling through so you can find yourself a nice little pocket on the beach all to yourself. Morning walks on the beach are always rewarding when there is no one in sight.
LA COSTA DE ECUADOR
Happy December, everyone!
Thought we'd bring in some warm and cozy thoughts alongside some serious adventure today.
I spent a lot of time sipping tea and having light conversation with country folk in the mountains of Ecuador. Te verde is a classic, and with the fire stoked and friendly company nothing really beats it.
Spencer and I took a series of busses to end up here - in the middle of the street - with nowhere to go, really. We stumbled across a quaint little hostal, a darling cabin tucked in the mountains hosted by families. It's such a small town that there are no restaurants or stores, except a few cabins made into hostals for the few passersby.
We spent the day hiking the crater rim of Quilotoa Lake, which was seen in our video here. It was pretty chilly so we bundled up in our beanies and jackets and had ourselves a little adventure. It takes about 6 hrs to complete the entire rim, and you can even rent little boats or horses!
The best part of traveling is trying new things. Although I can't say that "cheese tea" really captured my interest, I was definitely intrigued to watch as the cheese floated to the bottom of their cups. They loved it! The fact that we Americans thought it odd made them chuckle.
Destination: Quilotoa / Accommodation: $10 per night/person (includes 2 meals) / Entrance: $2
If you are looking for a RAD place to stay when you come to Quilotoa, you need to go to this hostal. Too bad I forgot what it's called (how lame) but you only have a few options anyway, so just look inside to get a peek. The lady who owns it is amazing - she and her daughters cooked all our meals for us, and made sure to keep us warm by stoking our fire in this little cabin. There are enough beds to sleep you AND 8 of your friends! How rad is that! So cheap, too. And it has a loft upstairs with more beds... seriously, the coolest set-up ever. Lots of thumbs up to Quilotoa - a little out of the way, but definitely worth the trip!
STAYING WARM IN CHILLY ECUADOR
Traveling around South America is lots of fun. It's quite the adventure because you get to take the bus everywhere you go. In Peru you become best friends with what is known as the "combi," or an overstuffed minivan that cost less than a quarter to get around anywhere you want. In Ecuador, depending on where you're at, you stick to taxis or busses. If you're traveling a long distance, the bus is your best friend.
The nice thing about South America is the easy access to bus stations - they're everywhere. Just gotta look it up on a map, in your handy Lonely Planet, or ask around. At all bus stations there are lines and lines of busses packed and loading, waiting for their departure. Look inside the front window for the destination - they will have little signs that say where they are headed. People are also shouting at the top of their longs destinations and which bus to load onto, so be sure to tune in to the chaotic noise around you. If you don't speak Spanish, just use your eyeballs and do some reading and you'll eventually find it. It's a bit of a mad house but somehow things ALWAYS work out in Latin America.
On the other hand, you can always hitch-hike too! Just put your best looking foot forward and try to act real cute. And then have your travel companion pop out and surprise them once they pull over - be safe, and always travel with a buddy!
. . . . . . . . . . . .
To get some major South American experience, check out my friend's blog Mike & Cole and contact them for information. They traveled all over South America for 6 months and would have all the answers you could ever possibly need from hitch hiking, bus, and plane from one end of the continent to the other. Be sure to let them know Traveling Triplets sent you!
The nice thing about South America is the easy access to bus stations - they're everywhere. Just gotta look it up on a map, in your handy Lonely Planet, or ask around. At all bus stations there are lines and lines of busses packed and loading, waiting for their departure. Look inside the front window for the destination - they will have little signs that say where they are headed. People are also shouting at the top of their longs destinations and which bus to load onto, so be sure to tune in to the chaotic noise around you. If you don't speak Spanish, just use your eyeballs and do some reading and you'll eventually find it. It's a bit of a mad house but somehow things ALWAYS work out in Latin America.
On the other hand, you can always hitch-hike too! Just put your best looking foot forward and try to act real cute. And then have your travel companion pop out and surprise them once they pull over - be safe, and always travel with a buddy!
. . . . . . . . . . . .
To get some major South American experience, check out my friend's blog Mike & Cole and contact them for information. They traveled all over South America for 6 months and would have all the answers you could ever possibly need from hitch hiking, bus, and plane from one end of the continent to the other. Be sure to let them know Traveling Triplets sent you!
HOW TO: GET AROUND IN S. AMERICA
As I mentioned earlier, Baños is super rad. We rented some bicycles and zoomed around (well, more like pedaled super slow to the point walking became more useful) up crazy hills and mountains in search of a conspicuous zoo. We were successful in our hunt, and although we're smiling we felt like noodles.
Destination: the Zoo / Transportation: Bicycle rentals $6 for the day / Zoo Entrance: $2 per person
I had no idea monkeys had such funny hands. I also had no idea that monkeys enjoyed eating their poop RIGHT out of their butt. I know that's gross to say out loud, but seriously? That yellow speck on Mr. Monkey's lip? YAH... straight up POOP. I watched it happen. Caught it on video. Icky - poo.
Destination: Cruising the highway / Transportation: Go-cart $10 for 1 hr / Canopy across river: $1
The go-carts were super fun. In Ecuador, apparently it's totally legal to cruise down a speeding highway next to semi trucks in these lil buggers. I will admit I feared my life at one point, when this lil guy puttered up the highway with cars racing around us. Traffic in South America is nothing like that of America - people are wild and careless and laws don't seem to have much purpose. It was super hilarious to see other tourists zooming down the highway with smiles plastered to their faces. We go-carted our way to a canopy and took a cage zipline across the river to check out some gigantic waterfalls. Only $1? Perfecto. What a great and fun-filled day. Are you convinced you should come to Baños yet? Because you should be!
Destination: the Zoo / Transportation: Bicycle rentals $6 for the day / Zoo Entrance: $2 per person
I had no idea monkeys had such funny hands. I also had no idea that monkeys enjoyed eating their poop RIGHT out of their butt. I know that's gross to say out loud, but seriously? That yellow speck on Mr. Monkey's lip? YAH... straight up POOP. I watched it happen. Caught it on video. Icky - poo.
Destination: Cruising the highway / Transportation: Go-cart $10 for 1 hr / Canopy across river: $1
The go-carts were super fun. In Ecuador, apparently it's totally legal to cruise down a speeding highway next to semi trucks in these lil buggers. I will admit I feared my life at one point, when this lil guy puttered up the highway with cars racing around us. Traffic in South America is nothing like that of America - people are wild and careless and laws don't seem to have much purpose. It was super hilarious to see other tourists zooming down the highway with smiles plastered to their faces. We go-carted our way to a canopy and took a cage zipline across the river to check out some gigantic waterfalls. Only $1? Perfecto. What a great and fun-filled day. Are you convinced you should come to Baños yet? Because you should be!
I LIKE TO RIDE MY BICYCLE
Baños, Ecuador is by far the coolest place in Ecuador of all time. This place is not only gorgeous, but also full of activities to keep you busy for days. It is like a melting pot of awesomeness.
Destination: Baños, Ecuador / Tourist Package: $35 / Transportation: Included / CD of photos: $5
This was the best $35 I ever spent. It included three ziplines (I'm talking LONG ziplines HIGH above the jungle and across a gigantic river); repelling three waterfalls and one rock wall; hiking through the jungle; a guided tour with lessons about all kinds of plants that either resemble reproductive organs, illegal substances or el diablo himself (it's true, super hilarious); a beautiful mountain drive and if he likes you free lunch made by the cutest lil lady on this side of la selva.
Hi, my name is Kylie (triplet #1) and I'm terrified of heights. Repelling waterfalls was a BIG deal for me. I was so scared on the first wall that I about died of a heart attack and wasn't sure I'd be able to do it. I tried to be real brave and I am so glad I did - because this was sooo worth it. I couldn't believe the incredible amount of adrenaline that rushed through my body when I'd finish a repel. SUPER RAD. Things got real slippery when the water would pound on me as I made the descend, but I put all my trust in the ropes and my right hand to keep me secure.
I don't know if I've told you this before, but I'm a super clutz. I have a tendency to slip, fall, trip, and you-name-it on things from cracks in the sidewalks to moss on rocks to nothing at all. Here I am making my debut after our dip into that little water hole. You had to hold your body just right because if you stuck your arms out you'd hit a bunch of rocks. I had to be reeeeeal careful. Then this happened.
One waterfall down, two to go! This is what it looked like til you hit the bottom. How radical is that? It really feels rewarding to look up the waterfall and see what you just conquered. Fears were trumped! Adventures were had! Contaminated water was swallowed!
Oh, and lest not forget, me - slipping and falling (again) in the middle of a repel. You can't really tell but this was smack in the middle of a waterfall. I had quite the traumatic moment there, for a few minutes. I just sat on the waterfall and tried to remember that my hand is my gas/brake and that this rope won't let me die. The guide was cheering me on at the bottom. Boy, that sure helps!
On top of the repel, jungle hike and all the other fun hoob-a-joob I got some face paint. This was just the beginning. After he used a leaf with orange paint in the stem, just as the indigenas did, he painted a tribal masterpiece on my face that I wore proudly the rest of the day.
Whoza. Totally worth facing your fears, dudes. I was shaking like a leaf at first, with a pit in my tummy. After I did all this crazy adventuring, I went home with a smile so huge and a confidence boost enough to make the sun come out. Whatever. I'm not that poetic. I just remember to try not to be a wuss, because humans have a tendency to look back and regret.
Destination: Baños, Ecuador / Tourist Package: $35 / Transportation: Included / CD of photos: $5
This was the best $35 I ever spent. It included three ziplines (I'm talking LONG ziplines HIGH above the jungle and across a gigantic river); repelling three waterfalls and one rock wall; hiking through the jungle; a guided tour with lessons about all kinds of plants that either resemble reproductive organs, illegal substances or el diablo himself (it's true, super hilarious); a beautiful mountain drive and if he likes you free lunch made by the cutest lil lady on this side of la selva.
Hi, my name is Kylie (triplet #1) and I'm terrified of heights. Repelling waterfalls was a BIG deal for me. I was so scared on the first wall that I about died of a heart attack and wasn't sure I'd be able to do it. I tried to be real brave and I am so glad I did - because this was sooo worth it. I couldn't believe the incredible amount of adrenaline that rushed through my body when I'd finish a repel. SUPER RAD. Things got real slippery when the water would pound on me as I made the descend, but I put all my trust in the ropes and my right hand to keep me secure.
I don't know if I've told you this before, but I'm a super clutz. I have a tendency to slip, fall, trip, and you-name-it on things from cracks in the sidewalks to moss on rocks to nothing at all. Here I am making my debut after our dip into that little water hole. You had to hold your body just right because if you stuck your arms out you'd hit a bunch of rocks. I had to be reeeeeal careful. Then this happened.
One waterfall down, two to go! This is what it looked like til you hit the bottom. How radical is that? It really feels rewarding to look up the waterfall and see what you just conquered. Fears were trumped! Adventures were had! Contaminated water was swallowed!
Oh, and lest not forget, me - slipping and falling (again) in the middle of a repel. You can't really tell but this was smack in the middle of a waterfall. I had quite the traumatic moment there, for a few minutes. I just sat on the waterfall and tried to remember that my hand is my gas/brake and that this rope won't let me die. The guide was cheering me on at the bottom. Boy, that sure helps!
On top of the repel, jungle hike and all the other fun hoob-a-joob I got some face paint. This was just the beginning. After he used a leaf with orange paint in the stem, just as the indigenas did, he painted a tribal masterpiece on my face that I wore proudly the rest of the day.
Whoza. Totally worth facing your fears, dudes. I was shaking like a leaf at first, with a pit in my tummy. After I did all this crazy adventuring, I went home with a smile so huge and a confidence boost enough to make the sun come out. Whatever. I'm not that poetic. I just remember to try not to be a wuss, because humans have a tendency to look back and regret.
BAÑOS - NOT THE BATHROOM
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)