Ecuador

Quito, one of the most interesting cities in South America, easy to explore, or easy to sit and watch the world go by.

The Amazon Jungle, simply amazing.

The Galapogas Islands are definitely worth the price.

Quick Tips:

Best Way To Get Around:

Buses, especially for long journeys. Once out of Quito Bus station (not exactly an easy place) buses let you see much more of the country than flying. Can be unreliable and frequently break down but all part of the experience.

The Amazon Jungle is truely amazing. I visited it at the age of 13 and it really opened my eyes and gave me an experience I will never forget. A 5 hour bus ride for Quito bus station takes you to Tena (though longer as the bus broke down several times). A really amazing journey there through the Andes. We stayed in cabanas near to Tena, although only reachable by a walk through dense jungle (only take a backpack). Basic accomodation with huts for cold water showers but the most amazing view EVER, standing on a cliff overlooking a sea of vegetation. We stayed for a total of 5 days, with a different activity each day, taken by a guide. There were only about 7 people staying so it was a really personal experience.

Day 3= Jungle trekking again. Just being in the rainforest will satisfy anybody's thirst for adventure. We were guided through the jungle floor, following streams and encountering monkeys, insects and huge butterflies. Swimming in plunge pools to cool off, and crawling through trees and caves. our guide made me a bracelet out of a leaf with his machete which I still wear 3 years later.

Day 4=Swimming in the Rio Napo. for this being a strong swimmer is needed as I was nearly carried downstream very quickly by strong currents. Hard to believe where you are, swimming in a tributary to the Amazon surrounded by thousands of miles of rainforest.

All in all going to the jungle is something that can't be missed, my experience was unlike anything I have ever done, and probably will do. You have to see it to understand!

The Galapogas are unlike anywhere else in the world and while you are there, you can see why. Save the small inhabited parts of the main islands, I have never felt as completely away from everything as I have there. Each island is slightly different, some with white sands, and clear waters, others rocky and barren, but the closeness with nature and the animals is remarkable everywhere. Sea lions, Blue footed Boobies and Marine Iguanas seemed to be the largest populations there but also to be seen are Albatroses, eagles, giant tortoises, finches, tropical fish, snakes, dolphins.... you get the idea.

It is expensive to travel there (there is also a $100 fee for tourists) but really worth it. Throughout Quito Boat tours around the islands can be booked.

Each day a different adventure was organised. A group of about 7 of us and a guide.

Day 1= waterfalls and trek though the jungle. This was one of the best things I have ever done. For a whole day we followed a stream through dense jungle, climbing up waterfalls by rope. This is definitely not for the faint hearted and was strenuous but simply amazing. Wellington boots are the only footwear to wear and are given to you. Be prepared to squeeze into rock crevaces with bats and get very dirty, wet and exhausted. Although far from safe, the guides know what they are doing inside out and make sure you get through.

day 2= Going down the river Napo on rubber inside tires. Again this was strenuous but very fun! The tires are tied together and you float downstream ecountering rapids on the way. You stop at an indigenous village with very overexcited children (take sweets to give them) and you feel completly in the middle of nowhere.

Get the train early in the morning, along with every other traveller in Riobamba and Ecuadorians as well. Find yourself a spot on the roof of the train amongst rucksacks, chickens and everyone else, and you're off!

It is safe enough on the roof, and although not too comfortable the scenery takes your mind off it. Passing the large, snow capped volcanoes such as Cotopaxi on the way and passing down the mainstreets of Andean villages makes it amazing even before getting to the Devil's Nose. Here you pass on the very edge of the mountain side, expect a very large drop on one side, but it is really breathtaking.

My advice is to take lots of layers of clothing as it is freezing in the morning and boiling by the time you get to the Devil's Nose. Take some food with you.