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

Machu Picchu: Reaching the Royal Citadel of the Incas

Keith and I reached one of the world’s wonder on the 4th day of our Lares Valley Trek – Machu Picchu adventure. This was my second visit to this majestic ruin of the Incas, yet it still took my breath away just like the first time. Sharing it with Keith this time was a much more... Read more

Peru: The Lares Valley Trek

We wanted to trek the Classic Inca trail to Machu Picchu, but we didn’t plan much in advance and the trekking permits were no longer available by the time we booked for the trek.  Disappointed, we settled for one of the alternate Inca trails – the less traveled Lares Valley Trek. I already trekked the Classic... Read more

Peru: The Vibrant Sunday Market of Pisac

We visited the picturesque Andean Village of Pisac in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. It’s a quiet village that comes bustling on Sundays when the locals from surrounding towns converge in its market to sell and barter their produce.  The vibrant market attracts a lot of travelers who come to buy local handicrafts or to just enjoy its lively, colorful scene.    Read more

Peru: Breathless in Cuzco

Cuzco will take your breath away – literally and figuratively. At an elevation of 11,000 ft above sea level, you will find yourself gasping for breath while walking along its historic narrow, steep cobbled streets. At the same time you can’t help but hold your breath as you find yourself captivated by the magnificent fusion... Read more

Peru: The Ancient Cultures on Lake Titicaca

We found the beautiful Lake Titicaca truly fascinating. At 13,000 feet above sea level, it is the highest navigable lake in the world. It is also a very sacred site for the Inca civilization who believed that this was where the world was created from and where the first Inca king was born. Bordered by Peru and Bolivia, Lake Titicaca... 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