Blogs from Vilcabamba, South, Ecuador, South America

Vilcabamba was strangely empty in mid-July. It felt like the whole town - the hostels, taxis, and even the trails - were waiting for more tourists to show to enjoy the dry season while other parts of the country were cold and wet. After reading about its growing popularity in old guide books and websites, I expected it to be peaking by 2019, but people I asked said that tourism has abated and land prices are actually dropping. That was fine by me, since we felt like we had the area to ourselves. Other than hiking the impressive and varied series of trails, most of which are strung together to include dirt roads and drainage ditches, there wasn't much else to do but try out the few restaurants that were actually open and watch the expats ... read more

One whole year in Tortuga...it hardly seems possible! Admittedly we have only travelled through 4 countries during this whole year, and one of those was the US, but that's beside the point. Moving so slowly has allowed us to get to know certain places really well, and evaluate their livability potential, instead of having to rush through them to stay on a faster and more distance-covering schedule. When we left Colorado last November we really didn't know what to expect. Would we survive Mexico, despite all the disconcerting security warnings? (well we're still alive!) How would it feel driving a relatively large vehicle through a bunch of developing countries? (ask Ken!) Would we really go through the hassle and expense of shipping Tortuga all the way down to South America? (yes!) And, most importantly, would we ... read more

I'm told that after the rainy season comes the windy season here in southern Ecuador. The wind can blow a lost of leaves and dust onto the patio. Things don't seem to be "as I would like them". But wait; why IS that? It is important to bend with the wind and not to be broken by it. Broken in spirit; Bummed out. That now seems to be illogical and stupid thinking to me. Weather just is. It doesn't mean that I don't care about it; some is more or less pleasant. Pleasant is nice! Where happiness is determined or even influenced by external conditions we are primed for unhappiness. I think it's great that things don't always happen as we would wish them to. Where else can we find the impetus for personal growth? I ... read more

On advice from Alba and Tom, I went to Vilcabamba just for the amazing hostal izcayhuluma. It was like a retreat, where stress does not exist. I stayed two nights but had time to take the morning yoga classes, it is much harder than it looks! Tried the swimming pool but it was freeeezing and did a little hike for the viewpoint. Read a lot, just a nice relaxing time before the long journey to Peru.... read more

Vilcabamba Known as the ‘Valley of Longevity’, Vilcabamba is a small town in Southern Ecuador famous for the age and health of its residents with one resident reportedly being 120 years old. Situated about a 90minute drive from the nearest airport of Loja (“Loha”), Vilcabamba is nestled in a valley surrounded by gorgeous Ecuadorian mountains, with clear springs and crisp mountain air. The town has become a mecca for Western health enthusiasts worldwide and attracts thousands of tourists each year looking for respite from the 9-5 daily grind. As I don’t mind a bit of meditation and yoga, I decided to spend a week in Vilcabamba before heading to the Galapagos Islands. To get there, I left the hustle and bustle of Buenos Aires at about 5am, to fly to Loja airport via Guayaquil, Ecuador where ... read more