Montañita is one of the premier surfing hotspots in all of Ecuador, even hosting the World Master’s of Surfing Contest. It’s like a Laguna Beach in Ecuador, but with the added benefit of being home to one of the world’s best clubs: Lost Beach Club, which blasts techno into the late hours of the night on weekends.

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“there's no room at the inn, check the hostel” — my sister

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VIew from atop El Virgen del Panecillo

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A 16th century Catholic complex in Quito and the largest colonial structure in modern Quito.

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Not only is Hacienda Zuleta an extraordinary hotel, it is an award winning dairy farm specializing in my (least) favorite food of all time: CHEESE!

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Outside the Condor Huasi Conservation Center (sponsored by Hacienda Zuleta)

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Galápagos Islands

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Sand soft as silk, baby black tipped Galápagos sharks swimming in the tides, marine iguanas lounging in the shade, and the yearly scene for sea turtles to come lay their eggs.

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The largest living species of Tortoise in the world. Dinosaurs?!

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Wild to see the diversity of wildlife in the harbor of the most populous island of the Galápagos.

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Here on Floreana Island at Postman’s Bay rests a most curious mail system. It’s stampless, of course, and here at this island’s mailbox visitors may drop off postcards & letters in exchange for picking up a stranger’s words if the delivery address happens to be near a place you call home.

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Enjoying a nice siesta on the benches (made for humans) at the harbor on Santa Cruz Island.

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Another Booby species related to those famed for their famous blue feet

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on the silky soft sands of Tortuga Bay

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On March 20th/21st, the southern hemisphere’s autumn solstice and when the full moon and sun are closest to the Earth, indigenous Andeans celebrate their New Year. They give thanks to Pachamama (Mother Earth) through a celebration of offerings and gratitudes (agradecimientos) to wish for a better year. The offering typically includes symbols for the 4 elements (fire, water, earth, air); rice, corn, and quinoa (gifts of the land); and a prayer circle coupled with meditative chants.

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Meandering in the Andean Highlands near Cotopaxi Volcano

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The familial home of former Ecuadorian president Galo Plaza Lasso, which has been in his family over 100 years. A presidential retreat, including its amenities, now a luxury hotel open to the (respectful and paying) public.

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An idyllic refuge in Cotopaxi situated between 4 of Ecuador’s more famous volcanoes.

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Poolside reflections…in more ways than one

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