Cotopaxi Volcano Ecuador

Beautiful Cotopaxi Volcano in Cotopaxi National Park Ecuador

Cotopaxi National Park was on my list of places to visit in Ecuador, but sadly when I visited the park was closed as Cotopaxi volcano was erupting!  I will have to save it for the next time I visit.  Until then, I asked Eran Hayoun from Gulliver’s Expeditions to share his favourite ways to experience […]

A Galapagos Cruise or Island Hopping?

Most visitors to the Galapagos Islands choose to take a cruise; and many people believe that this is the only way to visit the islands in Ecuador.  It is, in fact, quite easy to visit the islands independently then ‘hop’ between the islands and take day tours to see more of the incredible nature on […]

24 Hours in Guayaquil – My First Taste of Ecuador

I wasn’t sure what to make of Guayaquill.  I arrived at the bus station a couple of hours later than planned and it was starting to go dark.  Buses never arrive when they say they are going to, I had already learned about bus travel in South America so I wasn’t surprised!  The bus station […]

Ziplining in Mindo, Ecuador

Ziplining in Mindo Ecuador extreme sports

Mindo is a beautiful little town, a couple of hours’ bus ride from Quito.  If you are looking to escape from the city and get back to nature, Mindo is definitely the place for that.  However, don’t expect Mindo to be boring.  There is plenty to do here, not least a ziplining adventure!   I’m […]

Otavalo Market & More: It’s Not Just the Market in Otavalo

The market in Otavalo is what draws tourists here, but this little town has much more to explore, not just a market.  Otavalo market is, of course, wonderful, and is open every day, from around 9am to 5pm during the week.  The real fun is on Saturday when the market spills over onto nearby streets, […]

How to Get a Replacement Passport While Travelling

Your passport is the most important document you will ever own, as a traveller at least.  If the worst should happen and your passport is stolen, do not worry – this need not mean the end of your trip.  An inconvenience, definitely, and extra expense for sure, but in most cases you can continue travelling […]

Entering Colombia with an Emergency Passport

My Emergency Passport How to get a replacement passport

After having my passport and laptop stolen in Ecuador, I was definitely ready to leave that country, and was eager to continue my journey.  I had been looking forward to backpacking in Colombia, after hearing so much from friends and fellow travellers, but was nervous to see if I would have any problems entering Colombia […]

The Photo That Cost Me $500

The Swing at the End of the Earth in Baños - Backpacking Ecuador Travel Blog

I had already been to Ecuador back in November, and had visited Quito, Mindo, Latacunga, the Quilatoa Lake, Guayaquil, and, of course, the Galapagos Islands.  But I had left Ecuador suddenly, and there was just one thing left on my “must-do” list: The Swing at the End of the World.  I had seen pictures of this […]