The Medellin Botanical Gardens (Jardin Botanico Medellin) are an island of calm in the midst of the city. Visitors can stroll around the 40 acre park free of charge. There are a few restaurants on the grounds, or you can opt to purchase or bring a picnic and sip on a bottle of wine while soaking …
Guatapé Colombia is a not-to-be-missed day trip from Medellin. The quaint town is a cheerfully, very colorful but sleepy destination that is popular with Colombians looking for a break for the crowded city. Your first encounter when nearing Guatapé is the star attraction to the area: La Piedra Del Peñol (the rock of Guatapé) . An …
We took the Quito Free Walking Tour about 2 weeks into our visit to Quito, Ecuador. In retrospect we wish that it would have been our first stop. Here’s why . . . This is as comprehensive a city tour as I have taken and paid handsomely. For those that haven’t done a “free” walking …
White Water Rafting in Ecuador was one of the most memorable things that we did during our trip. You’ll find out why soon. I have to admit that initially the idea of traveling to a place called Baños gave me pause. Isn’t one of the very few phrases most of us learn in Spanish “Donde …
An estimated quarter million people crowd into Historic Center of Quito on Good Friday for the Procession of Jesus of Great Power (Jesus de Gran Poder). Hundreds of people dressed in purple (the color of penitence) march ahead of the wooden sculpture of Jesus on the parade route that begins and ends at the Plaza San Francisco. The women …
White water rafting in Ecuador was probably one of the most exhilarating things we did during our visit to Baño de Agua Santa, Ecuador (Baños). While Sean was interesting in heading down the river, my enthusiasm was more about the other water attractions, specifically, visiting some of Ecuador’s hot springs. Baños Ecuador is known for …
After having spent about a week in Quito, Ecuador I was struck by several things, rather immediately. The first is the beauty of the place. I hope I never reach a point in my life where seeing a view like this feels commonplace. The second is that Quito is not a relaxing place for those …
Day Trip from Cuenca Ecuador The Parque Nacional Cajas (Parque National el Cajas) is located in the Ecuadorian Andes, an approximate 30 — 45 minute drive from Cuenca, Ecuador. This makes it an easy day trip from the city and a great opportunity to get in some hiking in a truly beautiful place. Before deciding …
Graffiti is ubiquitous. You’ve seen it. Crude public bathroom scratchings, quickly sprayed tags on underpasses, scrawled political slogans suggesting revolt and revolution, artistic but quickly applied stencils and posters, and elaborate multi-colored murals.We’ve seen it in every city we’ve visited: covering the trains in Naples, Italy; on the outer walls of Rome; throughout the San …
Stunning Architecture As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Cuenca has well preserved colonial architecture, and the sheer scope and detail of the buildings, particularly the churches, are incredible. Jogging Paths Four rivers run through Cuenca: the Tomebamba, Yanuncay, Tarqui and Machangara. There are numerous parks throughout the City and whole sections of the rivers have …