Backpacking in Ecuador was one of the best decisions we made during our South America trip. Sadly, this small country often gets cut out of itineraries. Don't miss out on the incredible beauty of Ecuador! We spent a month exploring Quito, the … [Read more...] about 30 Things No One Tells You About Backpacking in Ecuador
The Best Specialty & Third Wave Coffee Shops in Lima, Peru
Lima, Peru is a top foodie destination, and it's fortunately located in a continent - and a country - known for growing high quality coffee. Google "Best Coffee Shops in Lima" and you'll find a lot of cozy spots where you can get a … [Read more...] about The Best Specialty & Third Wave Coffee Shops in Lima, Peru
Lima Cooking Class: Making Ceviche & Pisco Sours in Lima, Peru
Ceviche and Pisco Sours: we have Peru to thank for these two iconic South American creations, loved and consumed throughout the world. When they weren’t hauling giant granite boulders up mountains to build Machu Picchu, mastering the concept of … [Read more...] about Lima Cooking Class: Making Ceviche & Pisco Sours in Lima, Peru
Hiking Machu Picchu: Failure on The Inca Trail
We're sitting in a restaurant in Aguas Calientes, the gateway to the Inca Ruins of Machu Picchu. Around us are five couples, two solo travelers, and two tour guides. All fourteen of them are tired, dirty, and covered in dried sweat. They just … [Read more...] about Hiking Machu Picchu: Failure on The Inca Trail
11 Mind-Blowing Things to Do in Baños, Ecuador (on a budget)
Baños, Ecuador - full name Baños de Agua Santa - was one of our favorite places on our entire 5-month trip to South America. It was our 2nd favorite place overall in Ecuador (nothing beats the Galapagos!) and we would go back again in a … [Read more...] about 11 Mind-Blowing Things to Do in Baños, Ecuador (on a budget)
13 Things to Know Before You Go to Cusco and Machu Picchu, Peru
Jeremy and I are less than a week away from the biggest challenge of our entire trip: hiking the 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. It's not just the lack of Netflix and Instagram for four days that scares us (although … [Read more...] about 13 Things to Know Before You Go to Cusco and Machu Picchu, Peru
Visiting Parque Kennedy in Miraflores, Lima: A Cat Lovers Paradise
Full disclosure: Lia is a cat person, Jeremy is a dog person. But we’re both animal lovers, regardless of preference. So, when we discovered that Lima is home to a cat park, we immediately added it to our Peru bucket list! If you’re as obsessed with … [Read more...] about Visiting Parque Kennedy in Miraflores, Lima: A Cat Lovers Paradise
40 Things Nobody Tells You About Backpacking in Peru
If you're going backpacking in Peru, chances are you'll hear a lot about Machu Picchu, something like "don't spend any time in Lima" (we disagree), and some generic advice about acclimating in Cusco for a few days before doing anything athletic, like … [Read more...] about 40 Things Nobody Tells You About Backpacking in Peru
Hiking Laguna 69 in Huaraz, Peru: Everything You Need to Know
Laguna 69 is one of the most famous and iconic hikes in Peru. Located in Huaraz, the hiking and trekking capital of Peru, the high-altitude day hike is not technically challenging - but the altitude makes Laguna 69 a strenuous … [Read more...] about Hiking Laguna 69 in Huaraz, Peru: Everything You Need to Know
How To Get From Ecuador to Peru: La Balsa Border Crossing Guide
Sometimes travel makes you miss things that you never knew you appreciated before. Like being able to read a menu, or not being stared at while you walk down the street. You know what else I miss? The immigration kiosk at the airport. I’m serious! … [Read more...] about How To Get From Ecuador to Peru: La Balsa Border Crossing Guide
Hiking the Quilotoa Loop in Ecuador: Reverse Route Travel Guide
The Quilotoa Loop is a self-guided multi-day hike in the Andes mountains in Ecuador. It's a must for many backpackers who want to trek in Ecuador (or Trekuador, a word I just invented). The hike either begins or ends at Quilotoa Lake a stunning … [Read more...] about Hiking the Quilotoa Loop in Ecuador: Reverse Route Travel Guide
How to Visit The Galapagos Islands Without a Cruise: A Complete Guide
The Galapagos Islands are a destination that appears on most people's bucket lists. From the clear turquoise water and white sand beaches to the incredible variety of unique animals and wildlife, the Galapagos Islands are a magical place to visit. We … [Read more...] about How to Visit The Galapagos Islands Without a Cruise: A Complete Guide
Isabela Island: a Land-Based trip to The Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
We spent a week exploring Isla Isabela and the Galapagos Islands - and it was by far the best part of our 4-month backpacking trip in South America! From the relaxed island vibes and cozy coastal towns, to the plethora of sea turtles, marine iguanas, … [Read more...] about Isabela Island: a Land-Based trip to The Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
A Traveler’s Guide to Transportation in Colombia
Before travelling to Colombia, we did a lot of research. But transportation in Colombia wasn't something we found much information on. We looked up how to get from each city that we wanted to visit to the next destination on our list, and most … [Read more...] about A Traveler’s Guide to Transportation in Colombia
Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island: A Week in the Galapagos by Land
We spent a week exploring The Galapagos Islands (Puerto Ayora in Santa Cruz was one of the highlights) – and it was by far the best part of our 4-month backpacking trip in South America! From the relaxed island vibes and cozy coastal towns, to the … [Read more...] about Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island: A Week in the Galapagos by Land
The Best Colombian Food: 19 Delicious Colombian Foods to Try in Colombia
Before traveling to Colombia for the first time, we did a ton of research on the best Latin American foods. We looked up what and where to eat in each country throughout South America. And oddly enough, in most of the articles we read, Colombia … [Read more...] about The Best Colombian Food: 19 Delicious Colombian Foods to Try in Colombia
Hostel Review: La Serrana Hostel in Salento, Colombia
2020 Update: Unfortunately, La Serrana Hostel has closed its doors and is no longer open! It's still one of our favorite places that we're ever stayed at and we're sad that other travelers won't be able to experience the magic of La Serrana as we … [Read more...] about Hostel Review: La Serrana Hostel in Salento, Colombia
Mud Baths in a Volcano: Cartagena’s Most Ridiculous Tour
Cartagena, Colombia: a hot, historical city on Colombia's tropical Caribbean coast. We originally planned to spend a week here, our very first stop on our year-long travel adventure. But due to forces beyond our control, we've ended up here for a … [Read more...] about Mud Baths in a Volcano: Cartagena’s Most Ridiculous Tour