Liana Lodge and Amazoonico, Ecuador: Relaxing and Helping Rescued Wildlife in the Amazon

Liana Lodge, Amazon, Ecuador

There are plenty of good reasons to visit Liana Lodge in the Ecuadorean Amazon. For one, it’s a great example of responsible and sustainable tourism, as it’s run by a Swiss foundation whose objectives include preserving and protecting the rainforest, and implementing sustainable rainforest management in the local Ahuano community. Continue Reading

10 Things I Wish I’d Known Before Hiking the Quilotoa Loop

The Quilotoa Loop: an epic, multi-day trek deep in back-road country. Here, you’ll find breath-taking landscapes where the full beauty of mother nature is revealed. Small villages where life goes on as it has for hundreds of years. And a volcanic crater lake which locals swear has no bottom: the Continue Reading

Hiking the Quilotoa Loop: The Secret to Getting from Chugchilán to Quilotoa Faster Without Killing Yourself

Let’s be clear: the Chugchilán to Quilotoa leg of the Quilotoa Loop is by far most difficult. And the previous legs (Sigchos to Isinlivi and Isinlivi to Chugchilán) are already full-day hikes themselves. So, what can you expect? You’ll cover at least 13km (8 miles) It will take you at least Continue Reading

Hiking the Quilotoa Loop: Isinlivi to Chugchilán & a dilemma

If you hike the Quilotoa Loop counterclockwise, like we did, you’ll go from Isinlivi to Chugchilan. And from Chugchilan to Isinlivi if you do it clockwise, naturally. So after getting thoroughly lost two days before and enjoying a low-key day-trip the day after that, we finally hit the road again. Continue Reading

Staying Safe when Travelling: Ecuador & Colombia

“You’re travelling alone? Aren’t you scared??” The friendly woman on the cramped Colombian minibus looked shocked. She shuddered. “I would never do that.” Having been a solo female traveller for 7.5 months in Ecuador and Colombia, I got such questions a lot, especially from friends and family. It’s particularly disconcerting Continue Reading