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Watch and enjoy the pure nature of this country.We drove by the bus - but no problem to stop at each point of any interest ! People on the grain fields doing their daylies - horses and falls - plenty of those natural scenaries !
We lost ourselves in Agua Blanca, a reserve next to Puerto Lopez...And it was very nice !!!We had the opportunity to talk with people living in Agua Blanca and they are very sweet, nice and will smile without any bias ...Sortez du circuit...On s'est un peu perdu a Agua Blanca, une reserve pres de Puerto Lopez... Mais, on regrette pas. On n'a pu discuter avec les habitants de cette reserve, et ils etaient des plus accueillants...
I know it would normally be considered as a fool advice but we did not regret it at all ! Empanadas,olives,papas,salchipapas, hamburgers... It is worthwhile !Taste the Ecuador Street Food in Jipijapa more than in any other place (our stomach made it through only in this peculiar place : believe us !).Furthermore, there are not many restaurants in Jipijapa...Je sais que ce conseil pourrait apparaitre comme un appel au suicide, mais vous n'allez pas le regretter !Empanadas,olives,papas,salchipapas, hamburgers... Ca vaut le coup !Testez la cuisine de rue equatorienne a Jipijapa plus que partout ailleurs (notre estomac n'en a pas ressenti les consequences : croyez-nous !).De plus, il n'y a pas beaucoup de restaurants a Jipijapa...
We had great time with the Buchelis and we lerarned a more than basic spanish thanks to the lovely teachers of this school... A good address to learn this language next to the ocean...On s'est beaucoup amuses en compagnie des Bucheli, directeurs de l'ecole, et on a appris un espagnol plus que correct grace a des profs bien sympas... Une bonne adresse pour apprendre cette langue pas loin de l'ocean...
If you're in the Peguche area, try to hook up with Alfonso Cachiguangu. He's a master wind-flute maker, as well as an international recording artist. If you make contact in advance, it is possible to visit Sr. Alfonso at his home in Peguche, where he will demonstrate the techniques of playing and building the lovely wind flutes that are played throughout the Andes. You'll also be able to purchase a cassette tape or CD of Sr. Alfonso's work, usually with his "Grupo Cultural", which he calls Nanda Manachi.This is a couple of hours very well spent for music aficionados. Note, besides the home phone number listed below, Sr. Alfonse can be contacted via fax at 02-225-055. He lives in Peguche, Ecuador. Messages can also be left at the Hosteria Peguche Tio, which is located at Panamericana Norte, Km 2 1/2 in Peguche. The fax number there is 06-922-619.
If you'd really like to blend in and check out life in rural Andean Ecuador, I'd suggest that you pull in and stop at some of the road side "farmer's markets". It's a chance to see how the locals deal with each other, and you'll understand the basic system of dependencies in the small towns and villages of the Andes.Be careful what you do and say, though....you might accidently buy a pig.
From Lago Agrio in the Sucumbios province, you can take a trip to Cuyobeno national park. We found a guide in Lago Agrio and organized canoes to take us out through the rivers and lakes. The scenery is breathtaking! We camped on an island where there was also the possiblity to stay in cabins.Two warnings: Although this seems to be a great place to go swimming, there are piranhas here! They have actually never attacked humans in this particular stretch of water, that usually happens along the Amazon itself. The bigger danger is the oil pollution (see my warnings travelouge). But hey, we went swimming anyway!Secondly, the Lago Agrio area is becoming increasingly more dangerous as drug gangsters from Colombia try to escape the pressure there. Check the current situation before you go.
Papallacta, known as the gateway to the "Oriente" (the jungle), is a lovely spot. It is located near the volcano La Antisana, and there are many hot springs that you can enjoy in the area. Some are said to be so hot that you can boil eggs in them. What I loved best about this place was just taking in the beautiful nature. Here is one of my favorite pictures: an odd cloud formation.While in Papallacta, you'll see many restaurants serving "trucha" (trout). It's a local tradition and very yummy.To get here from Quito, take any bus to Lago Agrio, Tena, or Baeza and ask the driver to stop at the "Termas de Papallacta". The ride will cost around $2.Bathing in the hot-springs complex will cost $3 for the day.
Challenging because route-finding can be tricky.1. Make your way to Aloasi (a small town across the highway from Machachi).2. Walk through Aloasi for 3km on a cobbled road as far as the old railway station. Continue to your right past the station for about 100m and take the dirt road on your left.3. Stay on this road and soon you'll approach a metal gate. Walk through the gate and continue heading up on the road.4. This is were you start having fun. You'll reach a point were the road splits in four different directions. Take the road that heads up at a fairly steep angle. On a clear day you'll be able to see the peak of Corazon almost right in front of you on this road.5. You'll huff up this road for a kilometer or so, then you'll reach a point were the road splits to the left and right. Go left and STAY ON THIS ROAD even though it seems to disappear at times.6. You'll pass through a few...
Mindo is located about 3 hours from Quito on the western side of Pichincha mountain. At about 1600 m, this is a sub-tropical cloud forest with exotic flowers and birds. You can visit orchid farms or take a bird watching tour. Or you can go hiking and jump off a waterfall! See my Mindo travelouge for more detailed information on this last point!
Four Points by Sheraton Quito Quito
6 Reviews and 82 Opinions I knew this hotel as the Sheraton Quito, but I suppose that it was, at least at one time, a Four...
Hotel Victoria Cuenca
1 Review and 46 Opinions I arrived without a reservation at the end of a long and exhausting day (see my Alausi page). The...
Samari Spa Resort Baños
33 Opinions
Reviews and photos of Ecuador attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Ecuador sightseeing.
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Q: Hello I leave in Ecuador next month and i'm looking a spanish school, located in the Pacific Coast. I know there is a school in...
A: Hello Enrico You're right, Montanita is such a touristic place. I understand you want to avoid it. Last year, I have spent one month in a spanish school in Sua, near...
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