Down on the boardwalk…

Home » Archives for July 2008

Down on the boardwalk…

July 29th, 2008 | Ecuador - Family Friendly, Ecuador - Must See or Do, Ecuador - Nightlife, Ecuador - Places to Eat | No Comments »

While Guayaquil may not be first on your list of cities to visit in Ecuador, over the past years it has taken definitive steps for the better. What was once dirty and unsafe is now beautiful and secure, largely due to the development of the Malecon 2000.

The Malecon is comparable to a large boardwalk of sorts that starts in the Las Peñas neighborhood and runs along the Natural Guayas River. Designed by Oxford University in London, the Malecon is full of interesting pathways, parks, shops and restaurants. The design takes into account the geography of the area, playing off of its natural beauty.

The Malecon 2000 stretches for 2 miles, and is a great place Read more

Hiking, fishing, swimming and more!

July 28th, 2008 | Ecuador - Adventure, Ecuador - Family Friendly, Ecuador - Places to Stay | No Comments »

One hour drive west of Cuenca you will find El Cajas National Park, known for its biodiversity, famous for its 200 plus lagunas. Comprised of 70,000 acres of diverse terrain, El Cajas is the best place in the region to get lost in nature. During the rainy season from February-July you will find higher temperatures and more rain, whereas August-January offers lower temperatures and more sun.

Hiking is a very common pursuit in the reserve; most of the park lies above 3,000 meters. Amazing vies can be seen from the summits overlooking the lakes. Fishing is also quite popular, particularly for trout. Other wildlife that can be seen in the park includes puma, bears, and llamas. There is Read more

Quito Hotel and Casino

July 21st, 2008 | Ecuador - Places to Eat, Ecuador - Places to Stay | No Comments »

If you are interested in hitting the casino while visiting Quito try Jockers, connected to the Dann Hotel Carlton. Not only will you get great accommodations, you will have the chance to play around on the 100 gaming machines or the eight table games. Visitors from the hotel are constantly in and out of the casino/bar, and many locals come here in the evening hours as well. Jockers is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The Dann Carlton Hotel is quite nice as well; the finishes in the rooms are standard, but they are larger than your average hotel room, and very clean. The restaurant at the hotel, and next to the casino, serves excellent Read more

Check this program out: Smtp2go

July 19th, 2008 | Ecuador - Travel Tips | No Comments »

Perfect for Any Traveler, Traveling Laptop Users Are Desperate For A Solution To Their Email Sending Problems! Service Can Be Used From Internet Cafes, Hotels, Airports, home, Work, Etc. Click Here!

Cosmopolitan Quito is the Place to Be

July 18th, 2008 | Ecuador - Family Friendly, Ecuador - News | No Comments »

The benefits of relocating or retiring in Ecuador have never been sweeter. Not only can you enjoy a comfortable style of living that costs a fraction of the amount it would in the States, you will also enjoy the Latin pace of life which encourages happiness, healthiness, and longevity. There are many places to plant your roots, one of the most popular being the colonial capital of Quito.

Quito has been hailed as one of the best places to live in the world. This cosmopolitan city offers all the same conveniences as the States, with excellent health care facilities, restaurants, recreation and easy-to use public transportation.

One to three bedroom condos list from $40,000 to $75,000 brand Read more

Traditional Textiles – Otavalo Market

July 14th, 2008 | Ecuador - Best Shopping | No Comments »

Quito, being one of the most highly trafficked cities by tourists in South America, is the perfect launching point for a trip to Otavalo Market. From the city you can take a bus or a private taxi to the market; it is easily accessible and well known. Here is where the Otavaleños, who are mostly Quechua Indians, sell their goods.

Poncho Plaza is the center of the market, and a sensory overload within itself. Beautiful bright textiles line the street and traditional Andean pipe music lingers in the air.

If there is any way to arrange it, try to arrive in Otavalo on Friday, that way you can be up bright and early Read more

Business at its Best

July 7th, 2008 | Ecuador - Business, Ecuador - Culture, Ecuador - News | 1 Comment »

When doing business it is important to look the part and the same holds true if you plan on doing business in Latin America. Despite the fact that Ecuadorians tend to be more laid back than North Americans, when doing business they adhere to a more formal code of conduct. Business meetings may be held in offices or in restaurants and proper attire, such as a suit with a tie, is standard.

Normally Ecuador runs on a different time clock than the rest of the world, with meetings regularly starting after their designated time. This, however, is not an excuse for lateness, and foreigners in particular are always expected to be on time. (They are also expected to Read more

All Hail the Queen!

July 4th, 2008 | Ecuador - Gringo Favorite, Ecuador - Places to Eat | No Comments »

Stepping into La Reina Victoria Pub in Quito is like stepping into another world, or at least another country, as this pub perfectly mimics a traditional English pub. From the outside it looks similar to the other brightly painted houses on the street, with the exception of the English and British flags plastered on the upstairs windows. Inside, however, is a completely different story. Dark mahogany tables and benches provide seating for only about 20, keeping the atmosphere pretty cozy. Stools surround the bar and are generally filled with locals and regulars.

Staples include fish and chips and shepherds pie, and although currently no English imports are offered there are home brewed stout and bitter on Read more

Spanish Lessons on the Beach and in the Jungle

July 2nd, 2008 | Ecuador - Gringo Favorite, Ecuador - Places to Eat, Ecuador - Places to Stay | No Comments »

Looking for a way to improve your Spanish while exploring Ecuador at the same time? Simon Bolivar Spanish School has one of the finest reputations in the country, with schools located in Quito and Cuenca. Now, they are offering even more for vacationers or residents who are looking to learn Spanish and see more of the country at the same time.

The Pacific Coast Program features a week of courses based out of the Alandaluz resort. Optional trips to nearby beaches, national parks, and local museums are available. In the summer months, Friday features a trip to Isla de la Plata.

For those who are looking for a Read more