Two Backpackers

Photo of the Day: Crazy Bus Picture in Ecuador

| by Aracely | 21 Comments » | Photo of the Day

Riding on top of a bus in Ecuador, near the coast

Photo of the Day: Canoa Beach Ecuador

| by Aracely | No Comments » | Photo of the Day

Canoa Beach on Ecuador’s Pacific Coast is the most underrated beach in Ecuador to Aracely and I. The wide flat sand beach stretches for miles with cliffs in the distance. Huts on the sand provide alcohol and music, while hostels on the street give backpackers a place to sleep and hang. Don’t miss this one!

Canoa Beach on Ecuador's Pacific Coast

Photo of the Day: Vincente Leon Plaza in Latacunga

| by Aracely | 2 Comments » | Photo of the Day

Latacunga is a plateau town of Ecuador, capital of the Cotopaxi Province, 89 km (55 miles) south of Quito. It is 9,055 ft (2,760 m). above sea level. Its climate is cold and windy, due to the neighboring snowclad heights, and the barren, pumice-covered tableland on which it stands. The active volcano Cotopaxi is only 25 km. away, and the town has suffered repeatedly from eruptions. – Wikipedia

Read “There is More to Ecuador than the Galapagos Islands”

Parque Vicente León in Latacunga, Ecuador

Photo of the Day: Shining Shoes in Ecuador’s Plazas

| by Jason | No Comments » | Photo of the Day

Shining shoes in Ecuador’s cities is a common tradition that is still maintained today. While visiting Plaza de La Independencia in Quito, we appreciated the moment of these two older guys conversing as the shoes were shined. Unfortunately, you will also see young boys and girls shining shoes for money as well.

Top List of Things To Do in Quito, Ecuador

Shoe Shining Tradition in Ecuador's Cities

Discover Quito Ecuador

| by Jason | 20 Comments » | Ecuador, Photo Essays, South America

Quito is the capital city of Ecuador and stands 2,800 m (9,186 ft) above sea level, making Quito the second-highest capital city in the world behind La Paz in Bolivia.  Its official, less popular name is San Francisco de Quito.

Quito, Ecuador

Quito is most often visited for it’s proximity to the celebrated middle of the world, equator line (La Mitad del Mundo).  In addition, Quito’s old city (Centro Histórico), also boasts the most exquisite Spanish colonial architecture that attracts photographers from around the world.  Cathedrals dot the landscape and the Andes mountains wrap the city valley.  Looking off into the distance at the 45 m (148 ft) tall aluminum monument of a madonna that stands overlooking the city from a hilltop, I felt I was in a special place. (more…)

Photo of the Day: Spanish Colonial Building in Quito

| by Jason | No Comments » | Photo of the Day

Throughout much of Central and South America you will find the Spanish conquistador influence in architecture of major cities.  In the capital city of Quito, Ecuador buildings in the Historic Center or El Centro are distinctively Spanish colonial by design.  This particular building stood out with it’s bright colors, balconies and detail trim.

Top List of Things To Do in Quito, Ecuador

Spanish Colonial Building in Quito, Ecuador

Otavalo Market In Ecuador

| by Aracely | 12 Comments » | Ecuador, Photo Essays, South America

The Otavalo Market is one of South America’s most grandest and famous markets.  The best day to experience the market is on Saturdays.  From Quito, it’s a 2 hour bus ride to the city of Otavalo.  Passengers will start to get off the bus at several stops after you enter town, but be patient and you will arrive at the bus terminal.

Within five minutes of walking the vendor lined streets,  Otavalo made my top 5 most interesting places I visited in South America.  The energy felt while browsing the endless market is uplifting and fun.  It evokes curiosity and an uncontrollable desire to shop once immersed in the chaos.

We have chosen pictures that best provide an idea of what the Otavalo Market is all about.  To be fair, I feel as though this is one of those cases where you really need to experience the market to know what it’s truly like.

Plaza Simon Bolivar in Otavalo

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