Postcard from Ecuador

BY ONEIKA RAYMOND

Greetings from Ecuador!

People looked at us like we were crazy when we told them we weren’t planning to visit the Galapagos during our trip to Ecuador. “But what will you do?” they intoned.  While I’ve written about the danger of reducing an entire country to one sight or attraction before, it’s true that beyond the Galapagos Islands one would think there isn’t much to the country.  Yes, it’s located on the Equator, so cool photo ops to straddle the Northern and Southern hemispheres at the same time exist, but what other things are there to see, do, and experience?

Turns out there are a lot! We’re only halfway through our 8-day stay, but have already beheld so many treasures, done so many cool things, and covered a fair bit of ground to boot (and we haven’t even made it to the Equator monument yet). So far we’ve strolled too many colonial plazas to count, climbed a volcano(!), visited a world renowned artisanal market, witnessed a cultural procession, and had our breath taken away by a stunning lagoon.

IMG_2931

IMG_2878

IMG_2863
IMG_2936

IMG_2910

IMG_2899

IMG_2877

Ecuador, we’ve discovered, is a natural beauty filled with landscapes that make your stomach drop and a mix of vibrant cultures and people that feels welcoming.

Ecuador, we’ve discovered, is SO MUCH MORE THAN THE GALAPAGOS.

Can’t wait to share more pics and stories (when I get a stable internet connection)!

What do you think of Ecuador? Have you ever been? If not, is it someplace you’ve ever considered visiting? Why or why not?

SHARING IS CARING

178 Comments

  • Beautiful pictures. Ecuador is on my bucket list of places to visit.

    • You should go sooner than later, but no pressure.. 😉

  • Beautiful pics! I have never had an interest in the Galapagos but would love to explore other areas of Ecuador!

    • Me neither, honestly! I’m not a huge fan of wildlife so that’s why it doesn’t appeal to me!

  • Sure!
    I’ve not really done much in South America and I have absolutely no idea why. I just keep going back to Asia instead LOL! I would like to go the Galapagos though. Why not? And also Peru, Costa Rica, Chile, Mexico and Cuba. Oh yes!

    • I highly recommend Chile, Peru, and Mexico! I can understand the draw of Asia, though, Hong Kong was so nice I went to live there twice… lol

  • Maybe because I knew a few people who studied abroad in Ecuador during college, but I think of Ecuador as an outdoorsman’s paradise. Of course the Galapagos is part of that paradise, but as you’ve mentioned there’s stunning hiking in the Andes, cloud forests, lagoons…

    I’m curious what you think of Quito and look forward to hearing about the rest of the trip!

    • Quito was cool but I have fallen in love with Cuenca!! Stay tuned… 🙂

  • Hello Oneika,

    This is a marvelous site, one of the best travel blogs I’ve come across. I threw a link up to it on my own site and I’m looking forward to your future posts.

    Thank you for your work, and also for what you said about Charleston in your recent post.

    Best wishes to you out on the road.

    –Nick Fox

    • Thank you so much Nick!! Hope you stick around!

  • I can’t wait to visit Ecuador. 🙂 I’m currently planning my huge backpacking trip around Latin America.

  • That was an amazing article. Well, you travel a lot abroad, obviously. Do you take any kind of Trip Insurance? I would advice you to take a Trip Insurance before any trip. That will really help you stay safe and have a happy journey

    • Yes I do! I have an insurance policy through my former job. Though I need to start looking for a new one!

  • Yay! So glad you’re enjoying Ecuador! I lived there for three years and I loved it. Such an interesting country and wonderful people, from the coast to the Sierra and, of course, Galapagos. I also preferred exploring the mainland to Galapagos. It’s so diverse and easy to get around. Your pictures are beautiful and make me miss it. I’m hoping to go back for a visit in January!

    • Lorien so awesome to hear from you! I thought about you while I was in Ecuador, unfortunately I didn’t make it to Guayaquil (which I think is where you were)! Good to hear that you preferred the mainland because while we were adamant about not going to the Galapagos we wondered if we were truly missing out.

  • Gorgeous! I really need to get my butt down to Central and South America. There are just so many places to see in the world!

  • Very great post. I just stumbled upon your blog
    and wished to say that I have truly loved browsing your weblog posts.
    After all I’ll be subscribing for your feed and I am hoping you write once more
    soon!

  • It’s going to be end of mine day, except before end I am
    reading this enormous piece of writing to increase my experience.

  • I have read so many posts concerning the blogger lovers however this paragraph is actually a
    nice paragraph, keep it up.

  • I have read so many articles or reviews concerning the blogger lovers but this article is truly a pleasant paragraph, keep it up.

  • I’m curious to find out what blog system you’re using?
    I’m experiencing some small security issues with my latest website and I’d like to find something more risk-free.
    Do you have any solutions?

  • If you are going for most excellent contents like myself, just visit this website everyday since it gives feature contents, thanks

  • Hey there terrific blog! Does running a blog similar to this require a massive amount work? I have no knowledge of programming but I was hoping to start my own blog in the near future. Anyhow, if you have any ideas or techniques for new blog owners please share. I know this is off topic however I simply had to ask. Appreciate it!|

  • I just like the valuable info you supply in your articles.

    I’ll bookmark your blog and check once more here frequently.
    I am slightly sure I will be told plenty of new stuff right here!
    Good luck for the next!

  • I pay a quick visit daily some web pages and websites to read articles, but this blog offers feature based content.

  • Ahaa, its fastidious dialogue concerning this post at this place at this blog, I have read all that, so at this time me also commenting at this place.

  • I wanted to thank you for this very good read!!
    I absolutely loved every bit of it. I’ve got you book-marked to look at new stuff you post…

  • It’s truly very complicated in this active life to listen news on Television, thus
    I just use the web for that purpose, and get the most up-to-date information.

  • With havin so much content do you ever run into any
    problems of plagorism or copyright violation? My site has
    a lot of completely unique content I’ve either created myself or outsourced but it seems a
    lot of it is popping it up all over the web without my authorization. Do
    you know any techniques to help prevent content from being stolen?
    I’d genuinely appreciate it.

  • You ought to take part in a contest for one of the best sites on the web.
    I am going to highly recommend this site!

  • I am regular visitor, how are you everybody? This paragraph posted at this web page is really pleasant.

  • Hello, this weekend is nice for me, since this point in time i
    am reading this enormous educational article here at my residence.

  • Very great post. I simply stumbled upon your weblog and wished to say that I have really enjoyed surfing around your weblog posts. After all I will be subscribing on your feed and I am hoping you write once more very soon!

  • I believe what you published was actually very logical.

    But, consider this, suppose you wrote a catchier post
    title? I am not suggesting your information is not good, however what if you added something that grabbed a person’s attention? I mean Postcard from Ecuador – Oneika
    the Traveller is kinda vanilla. You might peek at Yahoo’s
    home page and watch how they create article headlines to get people to open the links.

    You might add a video or a pic or two to grab readers excited about everything’ve got to
    say. In my opinion, it could bring your posts a little bit more interesting.

  • That is really attention-grabbing, You’re a very professional blogger.
    I’ve joined your feed and stay up for in quest of more of your
    magnificent post. Also, I’ve shared your website in my social networks

  • Wow that was odd. I just wrote an really long comment but after
    I clicked submit my comment didn’t show up. Grrrr… well I’m not
    writing all that over again. Anyhow, just wanted to say superb blog!

  • I’m really enjoying the design and layout of your blog.
    It’s a very easy on the eyes which makes it much more pleasant for me
    to come here and visit more often. Did you hire out a developer to create
    your theme? Fantastic work!

  • Thanks a bunch for sharing this with all people you really understand what you are talking approximately!
    Bookmarked. Kindly additionally seek advice
    from my web site =). We may have a link change arrangement among us

  • Wow, fantastic weblog format! How long have you been blogging
    for? you made blogging look easy. The entire look of your web site
    is great, as smartly as the content!

  • It’s appropriate time to make some plans for the future and it’s time to be
    happy. I’ve read this post and if I could I wish to suggest you few interesting things or tips.

    Maybe you could write next articles referring to this article.

    I desire to read more things about it!

  • I blog frequently and I truly thank you for
    your information. This article has really peaked my interest.
    I will bookmark your site and keep checking for new details about once
    per week. I opted in for your Feed too.

  • Somebody necessarily lend a hand to make significantly posts I
    might state. That is the very first time I frequented your website
    page and up to now? I surprised with the analysis you made to
    create this actual publish extraordinary. Wonderful activity!

  • I am really impressed with your writing abilities as smartly as
    with the format for your blog. Is that this a paid subject or did
    you modify it your self? Either way keep up the nice quality writing,
    it is uncommon to look a great weblog like this one
    today..

  • My brother recommended I may like this website.
    He was entirely right. This publish truly made my day. You can not consider simply how so much time
    I had spent for this info! Thanks!

  • Hi there to all, how is everything, I think every one is getting more from this web
    page, and your views are nice in support of new users.

  • teapa, plagiat, inselaciune lucrare-licenta EU, neata adrian valentin , sc creativ trd srl

  • I blog quite often and I truly appreciate your content. This great article has truly peaked my interest. I’m going to book mark your blog and keep checking for new information about once a week. I opted in for your RSS feed too.

  • Greetings! Very helpful advice within this article! It’s the little changes which will make the biggest changes. Thanks for sharing!

  • always i used to read smaller posts which as well clear their motive, and that is also happening with this article which I am reading here.

  • Hello.This article was really motivating, especially because I was investigating for thoughts on this topic last Tuesday.

  • Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wished to say that I’ve really enjoyed surfing around yourblog posts. In any case I will be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again soon!

  • My family members every time say that I am killing my time here at net,however I know I am getting familiarity everyday by reading thesnice articles.

  • I like the helpful information you provide in your articles.I will bookmark your blog and check again here regularly.I am quite sure I’ll learn plenty of new stuff right here!Best of luck for the next!Here is my blog – a913.vip

  • I truly appreciate this post. I’ve been looking all over for this! Thank goodness I found it on Bing. You have made my day! Thank you again! soyos

  • Hi there, just became alert to your blog through Google, and found that it’s truly informative. I am going to watch out for brussels. I will be grateful if you continue this in future. A lot of people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!

  • What’s Happening i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I have found It absolutely useful and it has helped me outloads. I’m hoping to contribute & assist different users like itsaided me. Good job.

  • I really liked this blog post. I hope you keep writing it. I’ll return to read more.

  • Oh my goodness! an amazing article dude. Thanks However I’m experiencing issue with ur rss . Don’t know why Unable to subscribe to it. Is there anyone getting identical rss drawback? Anyone who knows kindly respond. Thnkx

  • I am not sure where you’re getting your info, but great topic.I needs to spend some time learning more or understanding more.Thanks for magnificent information I was looking for this information for my mission.

  • Hey there are using WordPress for your blog platform? I’m new to the blog world but I’m trying to get started and create my own. Do you require any coding expertise to make your own blog? Any help would be greatly appreciated!

  • magnificent issues altogether, you just won aemblem new reader. What might you suggest in regards to your submit that you just made afew days ago? Any sure?

  • I was recommended this blog by my cousin. I’m not sure whether thispost is written by him as nobody else know such detailed about my trouble.You’re amazing! Thanks!

  • Aw, this was a really nice post. Taking a few minutes and actual effort to make a superb article횜 but what can I say횜 I procrastinate a whole lot and don’t seem to get nearly anything done.

  • Nice post. I was checking constantly this blog and I’m impressed!Very useful information specifically the lastpart I care for such information a lot. I waslooking for this certain information for a long time.Thank you and best of luck.

  • hello!,I like your writing very a lot! percentage we be in contact extra about yourarticle on AOL? I require an expert on this space to resolve my problem.May be that’s you! Having a look ahead to see you.

  • When someone writes an article he/she maintains the thought of a user in his/her brain that how a user can understand it.So that’s why this post is great. Thanks!

  • Whatís Happening i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve discovered It absolutely helpful and it has helped me out loads. I hope to give a contribution & help different customers like its aided me. Great job.

  • Enjoyed every bit of your post.Really looking forward to read more. Keep writing.

  • Hi, I do think this is a great blog. I stumbledupon it I will return yet again since i have bookmarkedit. Money and freedom is the greatest way to change, may you be rich and continue to help others.

  • Howdy! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that would beokay. I’m undoubtedly enjoying your blog and look forward to new posts.

  • At this moment I am going away to do my breakfast, when having my breakfast coming over again to readother news.Here is my blog post … NatureFused Cream

  • จริงๆเล่นมาหลายเว็บไซต์เลยจ้าครับผม ส่วนมากก็จ่ายจริงนะครับ แม้กระนั้นที่ต่างเป็นบางเว็บเวลาฝาก-ถอนจำเป็นที่จะต้องผ่านตัวแทนครับผม จำเป็นจะต้องแคปจอส่งให้บุคลากร ผมว่าป่วยไข้เลย มี UFABET นี่แหละครับ ผมว่าระบบดีสุดเลย ฝากถอนอัตโนมัติทำเองได้เลยขอรับ

  • Hiya. Very cool blog!! Guy .. Excellent .. Amazing .. I’ll bookmark your blog and take the feeds additionally…I am satisfied to locate so much helpful information right here in the article. Thanks for sharing..

  • scoliosisHi there! I could have sworn I’ve been to thisblog before but after checking through some of the post I realized it’snew to me. Anyways, I’m definitely glad I found it and I’ll be book-marking and checking back frequently!scoliosis

  • Pingback: sbo
  • Heya i am for the first time here. I found this board and I findIt really useful & it helped me out a lot. I hope to give something backand help others like you aided me.

  • Hi my friend! I want to say that this article is amazing,nice written and come with almost all significant infos.I would like to see extra posts like this .

  • Aw, this was a really good post. Taking the time and actual effort to create a really good article… but what can I say… I procrastinate a lot and never seem to get nearly anything done.

  • Very good written article. It will be valuable to everyone who employess it, including yours truly :). Keep doing what you are doing – for sure i will check out more posts.

  • Superb data. With thanks!how to write a scholarship essay about yourself help writing paper dissertation writers

  • Wonderful blog! I found it while browsing on Yahoo News.Do you have any tips on how to get listed in YahooNews? I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there!Many thanks

  • USER เดียว เล่นจบ ครบทุกอย่างรองรับทุกระบบทั้ง android, ios

  • I will right away take hold of your rss as I can not in finding your e-mail subscription hyperlink or newsletter service. Do you’ve any? Kindly let me understand so that I may subscribe. Thanks.

  • Having read this I believed it was rather informative. I appreciate you taking the time and effort to put this article together. I once again find myself spending way too much time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worth it!

  • Pretty great post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wished to mention that I have really enjoyed surfingaround your blog posts. In any case I will be subscribing on your rss feedand I’m hoping you write again soon!

  • Fine way of explaining, and pleasant paragraph to take data about my presentation topic, whichi am going to convey in school.

  • Awsome post and right to the point. I don’t know if this is truly the best place to ask but do you guys have any ideea where to employ some professional writers? Thx

  • Aw, this was a very nice post. In concept I would like to put in writing like this additionally – taking time and actual effort to make a very good article… however what can I say… I procrastinate alot and on no account seem to get something done.

Comments are closed.