Postcard from Ecuador

BY ONEIKA RAYMOND

Greetings from Ecuador!

People looked at us like we were crazy when we told them we weren’t planning to visit the Galapagos during our trip to Ecuador. “But what will you do?” they intoned.  While I’ve written about the danger of reducing an entire country to one sight or attraction before, it’s true that beyond the Galapagos Islands one would think there isn’t much to the country.  Yes, it’s located on the Equator, so cool photo ops to straddle the Northern and Southern hemispheres at the same time exist, but what other things are there to see, do, and experience?

Turns out there are a lot! We’re only halfway through our 8-day stay, but have already beheld so many treasures, done so many cool things, and covered a fair bit of ground to boot (and we haven’t even made it to the Equator monument yet). So far we’ve strolled too many colonial plazas to count, climbed a volcano(!), visited a world renowned artisanal market, witnessed a cultural procession, and had our breath taken away by a stunning lagoon.

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Ecuador, we’ve discovered, is a natural beauty filled with landscapes that make your stomach drop and a mix of vibrant cultures and people that feels welcoming.

Ecuador, we’ve discovered, is SO MUCH MORE THAN THE GALAPAGOS.

Can’t wait to share more pics and stories (when I get a stable internet connection)!

What do you think of Ecuador? Have you ever been? If not, is it someplace you’ve ever considered visiting? Why or why not?

SHARING IS CARING

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