It's been two weeks since I came back from Ecuador and I've just been too lazy to put this post together BUT, here you have it. I found out I was going on this trip literally like three weeks before I actually went. My parents asked me if I wanted to go so that was an instant yes. I thought it was the perfect time since I just graduated university and I going to take advantage of my free time before I become a real adult. Anyway, I was super duper excited because I was finally going to Latin America and throughout college, that was one of my minors and I absolutely loved it with a passion. It was incredible to finally see what I've been reading and studying about for the past three years. The Andes left me in awe, the food lived up to its standard (and didn't mess up my stomach), the people were so genuine and humble and the culture left its mark in my heart. I love how simple everything was and I finally felt in touch with my soul - that's super deep lol but it's the truth. I've only been to Europe before and it never had that impact on me. Maybe because going to Ecuador literally is apart of who I am since my dad is from there. I now understand the slogan "All you need is Ecuador.'
Now to where I went:
Ecuador is divided into four regions: the Galapagos, the coast, the Andes and the Amazon. I went to 3/4 of those within 16 days - I didn't get to see the Galapagos :(. Most of the place I went were for outdoorsy people so if you're tryna chill in a resort, you won't find anything like it in this post lol. And I didn't go out partying because 1. Most of the places I went to were so small there weren't club 2. I wasn't gonna go out with my dad 3. It was too dangerous for me to go out - so that explains that situation. But I didn't mind not going out because I wanted a different scene (I was basically Eliza Thronberry the whole time). It's crazy how relaxing and peaceful it is just to be with nature. Being away from the hustle and bustle is something everyone needs to do in their lifetime to just hear the river flow when you're sleeping, to look up at night and see SO MANY stars and be surrounded by the friendliest people who always offer to help or just want to talk even if you're a stranger.
So, here's a little recap video of my time in Ecuador and you can see pictures below:
Side note: you know what totally sucked? I forgot my Nikon battery charger at home so all these pictures are from my iPhone lol. I wanted to DIE #shoutouttotheHDtho.
The Coast - Mindo
the BEST black coffee I ever had - so good I had to take a picture
bury picture but this is where I thought I was gonna die, nbd
The Andes - Baños
the amount of fresh fruit there was gave me life.
especially being that everyone calls me a fruit bat - I was a happy camper
El Pailón del Diablo - one of the deadliest waterfalls in Ecuador.
As you can see, I got soaked and the white stuff behind me
is the water coming down
Los Andes
La Casa del Arbol - there's a swing on this treehouse which hangs off a cliff.
Talk about #yolo
I told my dad I wanted to be up in the clouds and that's what we did
The Amazon - Misahualli & Archidona
~Welcome to the Jungle~
Cavernas de Jumandy - my dad and I (along with other randos) walked this cave.
It's in Archidona, another town from where I stayed but it's super cheap to get there by bus
it was a red parrot! I was so excited and fascinated when I saw it lol
mood
Rio Mishualli - this river eventually goes into the Amazon River
The city - Ambato and Quito
Parque de los Enamorados - there were too many
little lovers. It made me so uncomfortable being there
with my dad lol
Ambato
views from the 6, jk views from an old outdoor theater
lol, my dad at his elementary school. He has one when he was a little kid so
I forced him to take this picture
THE BEST DRINK ON THE LAND - Colada Morada con pan de pinllo
Ambato @ night
La Quinta de Juan Leon Mera
El Panecillo - Quito
that's a giant statue of the Virgin Mary
Mitad del Mundo - Quito
Since this is literally the middle of the world, the gravity is different -
allowing this egg to balance on a nail head.
(that was a crappy explanation but I tried lol)
the best helado I ever had - a combo of mora and coco
#preach
that hill all the way to the left is the Tungurahua Volcano which is still active.
our last Ecuadorian meal - so so gooood (it's called hornado, which is pork)
