After an arduous journey of 12 hours from Guayaquil, including a slow but painless border crossing, we arrived in Piura in the north of Peru. Our hotel, Los Jardines, was a short walk from the bus station so at least we didn't have to deal with the taxi drivers. Our introduction to Peruvian food that night was good, but massive portions. On the bus again early the next morning and a short 3 hour bus ride and we were at Chiclayo. Bags were thrown in the hotel room and then we were out again, in a taxi, on the way to [View Full Entry]

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We have found a piece of paradise. Getting there was an exciting adventure. We flew from from Baltra in an 8-seater plane. It was tiny and cramped inside and felt a bit like a toy plane. Amy likened it to Noddy’s (only it wasn’t red). The view from the plane was spectacular though as you were so close to the islands as you flew over them. After the short 30 minute journey we were at Isabela Island. Our first impression was that the land was covered in a cracked lava crust and it was sort of moon-like. The town of Puerto [View Full Entry]

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Tortuga Bay Our next day on Santa Cruz and we went for a fantastic hour long walk from the town along a stone pathway to a beautiful beach called Tortuga Bay. The sand was white and as fine as talcum powder, well almost, and there was a good surf on the beach. The white of the beach was broken up only by the dozens of marine iguana and small birds. We weren't able to swim there due to strong currents but walked another 20 minutes down the beach, through a volcanic cacti landscape to a stunning and calm bay where the [View Full Entry]

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First hour! Amazing! The Galapagos have not disappointed us and we’ve only been here 1 day! Our flight in was spectacular over the lunar arid landscape of Isla Baltra. Within 5 minutes of being in our room (which, by the way, has a balcony which overlooks the sea) we spotted sea lions on the jetty, thousands of huge red crabs, marine iguanas, other iguanas, other crabs, countless types of birds and all in the most turquoise water you can imagine. Rest of Day 1 The afternoon was spent planning our next 10 days on the islands. There was so much to [View Full Entry]

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Today we visited the village of Ingapirca, famous in Ecuador for its Inca Temple. First we started with a short visit to the village’s market - once again a colourful affair and we were snapping away at the beautiful local costumes and cute animals. Our guide, Juan Muňoz (almibartour@etapanet.net, cel (593) 9-8658307), made our visit to Ingapirca Temple interesting. He was one of the best guides we’ve had and knew everything about everything. He explained the set up of the ancient city and how the rooms would have been used, how one of the areas of the temple was filled [View Full Entry]

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Well we have been blown away by Cuenca. We arrived 3 days ago after an arduous 11 hour bus trip from Quito, checked into an interesting Hotel where we stayed in the loft and had a very chilly night. After a quick change of hotel in the morning, we headed off to a Military Parade. We had timed our trip to Cuenca to coincide with their annual celebration of their Independence from Spain. (189 years this year). The parade was impressive and went on for well over an hour. So many people had turned out for the event that it was [View Full Entry]

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OK, so Saquisili Market was great, outstanding, excellent ... Otovalo Market was just as good (even maybe a tiny bit better!). We were sceptical about Otovalo, it's on the main package tourist trail and we thought the whole market might now be focused on the tourist trade. Since we weren't in the market for nik naks we weren't sure this market was for us. But first, let me tell you, the town of Otovalo is really nice. Filled with good quality local shops, a couple of lovely plazas and churches, loads of restaurants and a great, friendly feel to it. Our [View Full Entry]

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An early start this morning with a trip by taxi, then 2 buses. 3 hours later and we arrived at our destination - Saquisili. The town is the location for perhaps the most important indigenous markets in Ecuador and what a market it is. From the first few seconds of being there our cameras were out, snapping away at unusual and colourful sights. We had a giggle over some of the things we saw, in particular the pigs heads which would later be served up with mash potato for lunch. The market was spread over the whole town, then about 1km [View Full Entry]

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What a beautiful city Quito is. We flew in over the very different landscape, (compared with the tropical countries we've visited recently), mountainous and arid, into a very easy, small airport with no immigration hassles to our relief (you're supposed to show a ticket out of Ecuador which we didn't possess). We were met by the driver of the hotel which made it just about the easiest transfer we've done. We were staying at Cafe Cultura (yes, slumming it again in a boutique hotel!!) was a beautiful and unique hotel nonetheless. We first stayed in a room at the back of [View Full Entry]

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Our last fews days in Costa Rica and we've been enjoying our stay at a Ramada Hotel. Soft fluffy mattresses, duvets and 4 pillows per bed!!!! Also, a jacuzzi bath!!!! Amy has asked if we can stay longer. We haven't ventured into San Jose city as rumour has it that it's not particularly nice. However, we did have a fab day yesterday at a place called InBio Park, just 20 mins from the hotel. There were butterflies, beautiful gardens, huge green iguana, turtles, crocodiles, white-tailed deer and also some wild birds that we'd not seen before. The Blue-Crowned MotMot bird was [View Full Entry]

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