So the topics around the dinner table revolved around two topics: religion(Catholicism) and food(rodent)…I am adventuresome when it comes to travel, but rather on the strait and narrow when sampling local cuisine. But for those traveling in the Andean regions of Ecuador such as Banos, Cuenca and Otavalo, you will eventually see one of those oversized rats being skinned, butterfly split and skewered, roasting in the open air markets. I am referring to the Cuy(a Quechua word, pronounced Kwee)
Bahia de Carquez and the north coast of Manabi are some of the last parts of Ecuador with pristine beaches and cheap property for sale. Much has been happening in the last few years to improve the infrastructure
Vagabond Explorer Magazine challenges you to get outside the rounds of conventional tourism, get into the open air, and look the world directly in the face. Serving as the official magazine of Vagabond Journey Travel, in each issue we strive to give you the best on the ground travel reports, biting vagabonding narratives, tactical and money saving tips, and reviews of the top blogs, books, and gear made for the traveler. Look inside at Vagabond Explorer Magazine
Sitting on the balcony of Montanita’s best hotel I watched as the sky rapidly tranquilized the days harsh glare. Purples and lavas were coalescing and mellowing the evening. The tiny silhouettes of surfers could be seen catching their final waves in the ocean below. Hotel La Barranca
Hey, it happens. That’s why we plan for the worst and live our lives to the best. Anywhere in the world one runs the risk of getting hurt or getting robbed, and Ecuador is no exception. Robberies are common and people slip and fall in the shower statistically as much as back home. So, ever the boy scout that I was, I shout out my warning to you high atop my hilltop: “Be Prepared!” Have insurance and have a plan of where to go should you need to use it. And so in continuing my series on Overseas insurance plans, I want to round it out with a review what to do and where to go should you have an Read more
Night gathers on Montanita. The glow from restaurants and bars punctuates the growing darkness all around. Energy and activity. Glowing centers of ambiance draw in the bronzed vacationers and locals alike. I’ve been sitting on Por Q No’s corner watching the crowds climb into Montanita’s growing swirl of general shenanigans. Some slow their pace to check out the interior and menu of PQN and enter, others carry on towards the pueblo’s main strip of bars and restaurants. I find myself quite nicely stuck in this little corner, acutely askew from all the throbbing going on down in the strip. Por Q No isn’t the place you go to see and be seen. It’s a place to hang out and chat Read more
So you want to be an expat? Do you got what it takes? Well, if you haven’t got insurance, you haven’t got it all. Living abroad has much different ramifications than travel and any decision to make a go of it should include an investigation into health insurance plans. Continuing from our article two weeks ago where we checked into travel insurance plans, I had a look into different health insurance plans especially designed for long term overseas stayers. What’s important to understand is that your health insurance plan back home won’t be applicable overseas, thus it’s essential to have a reliable comprehensive plan for life’s uncertainties abroad.
While searching through the top 10 Google I stumbled into William Read more
It should go without saying that one should prepare for the unexpected while traveling. When you think of all the things to pack, travel insurance should be a key component. Robberies happen. Accidents happen. Lost luggage, missed flight connection, a broken tooth—going skeet shooting—you could shoot your eye out, kid. So why not cover for this? In the next couple months, I’ll be running a series of articles covering travel insurance, expat insurance, and what to do if something should happen here in Ecuador.
Travel insurances vary from all inclusive full coverage to basics. Basic components of insurance include trip delay/cancellation, baggage loss/delay, medical/dental, and accidental death and dismemberment. Some plans let you opt for different components and some Read more
Ever wanted to feel like Butch Cassidy or Sundance riding free over the Andean hills of South America? Well, you don’t have to be a bank robber in exile to do so anymore. The Folks at Ride Andes have it all sorted for you. Just book online, fly down and they take care of the rest. Airport transfers, accommodation, horses—and you won’t have to worry about the cops tracking you down. Ride Andes is one of Ecuador’s most distinguished outfitters for Horse tour holiday adventures. Don’t know how to ride—don’t let that stop you. Ride Andes even gives riding lessons.
Most popular amongst the tours is the Colonial Hacienda tour. Imagine setting off on beautiful grassy tracks taking Read more
“The world is a book and those who don’t travel know only one page.”
St. Augustine
I just wanted to start this blog off with a bit of an apology to all my readers for being very slack the last couple months in answering comments. I just went through a back log of them and finally gave some responses. I became a bit preoccupied upon finding out that my dear Grandfather made the dignified decision to end his battle with cancer and to let life do what it wants. At the end of January I made the trek home to see him and honor him in his life. Truly a great man, he was a hard worker and dedicated Read more
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