Also available for private parties and evening functions, but we're booked up for a while.23-Jun-2009 04:51, Panasonic DMC-FX3, 2.8, 5.8mm, 0.033 sec, ISO 200
Introduction: Colombia is the 26th largest country in the world and bigger than France and Spain put together. Its history of drugs and violence has also put off many travellers (and nearly us), but on travelling through this amazing country it has become our favourite so far in South America. Named after Christopher Colombus, even though he’s never set a foot there, in the last few years it has increasingly opened to tourism and allowed backpackers to fully appreciate this great country.
That's all three angles covered then.17-Jul-2009 18:42, Canon Canon EOS 400D DIGIT, 8.0, 28.0mm, 0.006 sec, ISO 400
After the Devil’s Nose disappointment, we were keen to make sure we visited at least one of the something specials in Ecuador; the Incan ruins at Ingapirca are the largest in the country and definitely something they’re proud of. It was only a small stop on the way to Cuenca, the third largest city in Ecuador and possibly our last stay before heading south to Peru. Neither went to plan, but both had their moments…
One great similarity between Colombians and Ecuadorians is their inability to understand photo directions. Still, one similarity between Lynette and I is our inability to speak anything but the most basic Spanish.13-Jul-2009 21:27, Canon Canon EOS 400D DIGIT, 8.0, 35.0mm, 0.006 sec, ISO 400
Baños is the “Gateway to the Amazon”, and to us has been the San Gil of Ecuador. Nestled high in the Andes and on the side of an active volcano that last erupted in only 2006 & 2008, the scenery is stunning and the spring climate great, especially when you´re starting to miss those jumpers. There´s plenty to do, our main reason for coming was a half told story about a monkey park we´d heard when in San Agustin. But… did we find them?!
Here we are! Quilotoa crater!11-Jul-2009 17:16, Canon Canon EOS 400D DIGIT, 4.0, 28.0mm, ISO 400
The Quilotoa Circuit is a 200km loop that runs through beautiful landscapes and rural villages South of Quito. Having spent several days in the smog filled capital we were looking forward to breaking away from the bustle and seeing perhaps a more traditional slice of Ecuadorian life. The different sections can be tackled by bike, bus or on foot. We planned to squeeze the whole thing into only three days as time was tight, and on Friday morning set off for Latacunga, our first stop.
Such big smiles deserve two photos. )08-Jul-2009 20:20, Canon Canon EOS 400D DIGIT, 13.0, 38.0mm, 0.0020 sec, ISO 400
Climbing Pichincha Volcano (or, the Highs & Lows of death by altitude) was something we didn’t even know we could do. Quito lies on the east side of Pichincha, an active stratovolcano that last erupted only in 1999 when it covered Quito in ash. It is also 4,698m to the Rucu peak. Conveniently forgetting the trouble we’d had only a week or so ago with a couple of crutches we decided we needed to start warming up for more Andes challenges some time, so why not today? Well, on reflection…
The middle of the world! I'm currently in the Northern hemisphere, while Lynette's in the South.09-Jul-2009 21:51, Canon Canon EOS 400D DIGITAL, 11.0, 28.0mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 400
After our heptathlon of a journey from Colombia, we were looking forward to seeing what Quito, our first stop in Ecuador, would offer. Initially, smog and high altitude, but we’re now very excited about what else we can do in this small but famous country. At an altitude of 2,850m (over twice the height of Ben Nevis) it is the 2nd highest capital in the world and the bus takes an hour from the Quito border to reach the actual centre. That could have something to do with the relentless snack sellers that hop on and off, but also because the place is damn big with a population of 1.4m. So… what is it like?
Trying to direct a Colombian on how you want your photo to look is very difficult, and potentially life threatening when he still doesn't get it &*&^|%£^& right. But hey, its still a good photo! )06-Jul-2009 18:18, Canon Canon EOS 400D DIGITAL, 9.0, 28.0mm, 0.005 sec, ISO 400
After a few days chilling in San Agustin, it was time to head to Ecuador. Quick sharpish; we’re developing a habit of liking countries we visit too much and that’s no good for our timetable. So with trepidation we headed to the Colombian/Ecuador border at Ipiales keeping our fingers crossed; and managed to sneak in a quick visit to the magnificent Las Lajas Cathedral near Ipiales on the way. Maybe we shouldn’t rush… perhaps Colombian border control would much prefer it if we stayed?!
The novelty had worn off slightly for us by now as well…03-Jul-2009 21:52, Canon Canon EOS 400D DIGIT, 6.3, 30.0mm, 0.01 sec, ISO 400
San Agustin was a must stop for us; ancient carved stone heads and animals set in a tranquil town high in the mountains. We had heard many negative comments, which always help as your expectations can only be beaten. Yes its true there are more statues and carvings than you probably need, but they are a great insight into the history of the land and stretch back to 3,500BC. Beyond the statues you’ll find a great town that is very helpful for your budget and a great place to kick back and escape the heat.
Looking forward to beautiful soft skin…30-Jun-2009 16:59, Canon Canon EOS 400D DIGITAL, 10.0, 95.0mm, 0.003 sec, ISO 400
We arrived in Cartagena in the late dark evening, and even though it was (as warned) damn hot, it was a place we could not miss even if we only spent a couple of days exploring this beautiful city. The architecture and history is famed, as well as the mud volcano we took a swim in. It is hot though, damn hot, and very humid. One of our last stops in Colombia, and one of the first that I could walk completely unaided in…
Underwater there are only so many funny faces you can make!24-Jun-2009 02:29, SONY DSC-P8, 2.8, 6.0mm, 0.008 sec, ISO 100
We’ve spent the last week in Taganga, Colombia a small fishing village north of Santa Marta. We only meant to be here a couple of days but thankfully can sum up the whole week in one post – one of the main benefits here is that it is so chilled we could have stayed even longer! Plus… miracles happen… I can walk again! Its also one of the cheapest places in the world to try for your PADI Open Water, so we decided to give it a bash…
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