Hanging Out in Manabi

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Hanging Out in Manabi

September 17th, 2008 | Ecuador - Gringo Favorite, Ecuador - Nightlife | 1 Comment »

Manta, in Manabi is attractive to people who would prefer to be on the coast versus the mountains, but find Guayaquil to be too big and the other rural coastal town to be too small. Manta has a nice mix of first-world amenities, foreigners, and the stuff we gringos love about Ecuador: the laid-back feel, the friendly people, and of course, the beach!

In Manta, a popular spot for expats to hang out is the Cadillac Bar, located on Calle M-2 and Avenida 24 near Oro Verde. The place is decked out to be a 1950s American-themed bar. The bamboo walls are covered with American pop culture memorabilia, blending Ecuadorian and American culture.

There is outdoor seating, Read more

Exciting Train Ride Down the Mountains

September 11th, 2008 | Ecuador - Adventure, Ecuador - Gringo Favorite, Ecuador - Must See or Do | No Comments »

The Nariz del Diablo or the Devil’s Nose train ride is considered to be one of the world’s most spectacular train rides, and one of Ecuador’s highlights. The track zigzags down the mountainside passing providing fantastic views of the Andean Sierras.

The train ride is four to five hours long and starts in the city of Riobamba in the Central Sierra Region. It starts off in the cool highlands, descends through the cloud forest and ends in the hot coastal jungle. You can either get off in the city of Alausi or Sibambe.

A few things to keep in mind: Dress in layers. You will be cold at the start, but sweating by the bottom Read more

Street-Side Ice Cream in Quito

September 9th, 2008 | Ecuador - Family Friendly, Ecuador - Gringo Favorite | 1 Comment »

There is nothing like ice cream on a hot day, and for me there is nothing quite like the ice cream from one of the street carts in Quito. Sure, it doesn’t taste the same as Baskin Robbins does, but at 25 cents a pop, you couldn’t expect it to.

There is something delicious about the ice cream here. It may be that it is so hot outside, it just tastes better! In any case, if you can find it in restaurants or shops try the coconut ice cream or the ginger ice cream.

And don’t be afraid to buy the ice cream off of the street, they are the perfect treat for walking around the Read more

Vilcabamba's Natural Yogurt

August 15th, 2008 | Ecuador - Gringo Favorite, Ecuador - Places to Eat | No Comments »

The little mountain town of Vilcabamba may be off the beaten path, but its natural beauty and friendly undisturbed atmosphere are attracting more and more people. If you want to live in a more remote location than say Quito or Cuenca, Vilcabamba is perfect for you. And the food there is not half bad either.

Take Natural Yogurt for example. Situated right on the Central Park, it is not only easy to find, it is also delicious! Breakfasts offer some of the best fruit and yogurt combinations, as the name implies, and cost less than $2. Many of the main entrée choices are vegetarian… where else can you get a Tempeh burger for a dollar? If your sweet 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

10,000 ft Descent in Just a Day

June 16th, 2008 | Ecuador - Adventure, Ecuador - Family Friendly, Ecuador - Gringo Favorite, Ecuador - Must See or Do | 1 Comment »

Mountain bikers will be happy to find some of the most excellent terrain just north of Quito deep in the heart of the Andes Mountains. At the Hosteria San Jorge, an eco-lodge that offers not only top-notch accommodations, but a number of exciting activities as well, you can find high quality guides ready to take you on any one of the guided tours offered. Tours range from easy to super difficult, short to long. All include gear and at least one box meal.

Some of the most attractive high thrill trails head down either the Cotopaxi or Pinchincha Volcanos, high up in the Andes, all they way down to the Amazon Basin. Guides are bi-lingual, Read more