Trekking the Ausangate with a responsible travel company It's such a shame that you didn't get to finish the Ausangate circuit on this occasion, hopefully you will come back and do it all one day! I loved your blog as it really gives an insight into how difficult this trek can be! The trails around the Ausangate are constantly changing, depending on the weather conditions and even experienced guides can get into trouble! This is why it's a really good plan to do this trek a reputable company who know the trek well and the challenges that may come about, as well as taking the adequate equipment and have an emergency procedure in place for when the conditions do get the better of you! Apu Peru have been operating this route for over 15 years now and is one of our favourite areas to trek in Cusco. Our guides are from the Ausangate region and know the area like the back of their hand. We offer tailormade , private treks or even special "clean-up" treks for a discounted rate where we clean up the routes from garbage, with the aim to maintain this pristine region and help the local people keep their communities free from the litter left by some trekkers and agencies who visit the area :( You can see more here https://www.apus-peru.com/blog/being-handy-in-the-andes-why-apus-peru-clean-up-treks-are-special). Great blog, thank you!
AIR TRAVEL OPTIONS Hi Gina, Did you ever look into Norwegian Air for flights to Europe? I used them to Ireland without an advanced purchase and round trip was about $600.00 from Stewart Airport north of NYC. They have a special running now of $140.00 to Copenhagen one-way, as an example. Stay safe, Mike
Lanterns You're the brightest lantern of the bunch, Gina! Wish I could've shared breakfast with you... the pancakes and plantain looked awesome. Happy trails!
Trippin' Your trip with all its tribulations will prove to be your most treasured practice, Gina. Glad Orion is there to support you, and you him. Annapurna will shower you with blessings. Love usually involves some sacrifice, but whatever the outcome, always worth the effort. Peace and safe travels my friend. ??
studying in Guayas I hope this isn't too late for your decision, but YES, absolutely study in Guayaquil. It is the best way to learn and the city is a place you can't help but fall in love with. The people will love you and you won't want to leave. A week here is worth a month at an American University. If I can give you any help, please just ask!
hi, i just googled guayaquil and your blog came up. it has given me a lot of insight! i am planning on studying there in the spring. would you recommend it?
Sounds like you had a really great time this past weekend. I am glad you are having fun at least on the weekends. Miss you, seems like you have been gone forever.
Hey Gina! Sounds like you're having a pretty interesting time. Believe me - you're not missing much in New Jersey. The humidity's been so high lately it's been getting everyone sick. The 4th of July was okay, but again, you didn't miss much. I went to the fireworks at Oak Glenn and some creep hit on me. Ugh. What a creeper.
It's so random with the Abe Lincoln statue you mentioned last post ahaha with the L on his forehead. Today I was checking out the week's forecast so I checked on Ecuador as well, out of cuiosity. I see what you mean though about wanting to check out the local attractions and talk to people rather then be in class. I had to fill out a survey for Haverford yesterday and it asked me all sorts of questions about what language I'll be taking and if I have intentions of studying abroad. I feel like I'd run into the same situation though. Never having really been outside of America, I really want to explore new places and such. I guess that's how you must feel, even if only a little. I don't have much experience with languages though so who knows where I'll end up. I'm not sure 6 years of Latin will carry me too far.
The club and dancing sounds like a lot of fun. I'm glad that Ecuador itself is really interesting, outside of class, and that you feel really confident with your Spanish. Although those dreams you've mentioned sound kinda sketchy - hopefully they'll stop soon.
Anyway, home misses you as well.
Hope all is well :)
Laura
p.s. congrats on getting home without the detour!
Claire Dean
non-member comment
Trekking the Ausangate with a responsible travel company
It's such a shame that you didn't get to finish the Ausangate circuit on this occasion, hopefully you will come back and do it all one day! I loved your blog as it really gives an insight into how difficult this trek can be! The trails around the Ausangate are constantly changing, depending on the weather conditions and even experienced guides can get into trouble! This is why it's a really good plan to do this trek a reputable company who know the trek well and the challenges that may come about, as well as taking the adequate equipment and have an emergency procedure in place for when the conditions do get the better of you! Apu Peru have been operating this route for over 15 years now and is one of our favourite areas to trek in Cusco. Our guides are from the Ausangate region and know the area like the back of their hand. We offer tailormade , private treks or even special "clean-up" treks for a discounted rate where we clean up the routes from garbage, with the aim to maintain this pristine region and help the local people keep their communities free from the litter left by some trekkers and agencies who visit the area :( You can see more here https://www.apus-peru.com/blog/being-handy-in-the-andes-why-apus-peru-clean-up-treks-are-special). Great blog, thank you!