Ecuador: The Tale of Two Equators

Mitad del Mundo As its name implies,  Ecuador was derived from the word “equator” because of its central position on the planet.   A French mission came to Ecuador in 1736 to map the exact location of the equator.  They calculated that it was located about 20 kilometers north of the center of the Ecuadorian capital of Quito. This... Read more

Photo Pick: The El Teleforico in Quito, Ecuador

This gondola, called El Teleforico, whisks passengers from an altitude of 9,600 ft. to the summit of Loma Cruz at over 13,000 feet above sea level in about 10 minutes. The summit offers an spectacular view of the city and the stunning peaks of the Andes called Avenue of the Volcanoes. Please check back for... Read more

Ecuador: The Colorful Indigenous Market of Otovalo

We love marketplaces. That’s where you get your fill of colors and smells and sounds of the local culture. We visited the colorful and lively market in Otovalo, a small town in northern highlands of Ecuador. It is the largest indigenous market in South America and dates back from the pre-Incan period. Read more

Galapagos Islands: Following Darwin’s Footsteps

We journeyed to the Galápagos Islands, whose unique and rich flora and fauna inspired Charles Darwin to formulate his theory of evolution.  More than 150 years later, these remote islands are still as enthralling as Darwin described them in his journals.  Much of the same animals and plants that he witnessed and studied still thrive in... Read more