Kabeh apik!

Where does the time go? Now I'm actually writing this article from the next country on my list: Peru.

But let's start from the beginning:

Ecuador had already surprised me in the first half and it continued to get better. After Cotopaxi, we continued to Baños and found a super nice hostel where we immediately fell in love with some crazy people (and animals).

Baños itself is a small town where many backpackers stop and create a special vibe. Nadine and I turned out to be little adrenaline junkies and rode bikes down the mountains (I almost died only once), ziplined across canyons, and went rafting. When it came to activities and landscapes, Baños can definitely compete with the best. The canyons and waterfalls were incredible.

However, after a few days, we had seen everything and had defended our reputation in beer pong multiple times. We really wanted to go back to the coast. After several conversations, especially with the locals, we actually had a strange gut feeling about the safety. So we decided to cancel the overnight bus and take the uncomfortable day bus, which involved a transfer and of course, time loss. Everything probably would have been fine on the overnight bus too, but my number one rule is always to trust my gut feeling. In the end, we arrived at the Pacific coast, in Montañita, without any problems and spent a few great days there. Isn't it spoiled to say that the days on the coast felt like a vacation from backpacking? It was nice to have warm temperatures again, to take out our flip-flops and bikinis from the depths of our bags, and to let the sun shine on our bellies. Funny enough, we also ran into some familiar bandits from Quito who made sure there was a good atmosphere. And as if all that wasn't enough, my expectations were surpassed with swimming whales in the open sea and snorkeling with seals. Sometimes it's worth trusting your gut feeling and just going for it. And yes, Mom, of course we always take the necessary precautions. We take care of ourselves. :)

Since we were advised against visiting the city of Guayaquil due to the political situation and the upcoming elections from pretty much all sides, we only spent one night there, more or less as ghosts, in a hostel near the airport. We were practically out of the city before most other guests even saw us, ready for Peru.

Conclusion about Ecuador: Super diverse, amazing people, many exceeded expectations, and always good for a surprise. From big cities to volcanoes, crater lakes, the Pacific, whales, canyons, waterfalls, and (border) experiences, we took it all. Couldn't be better!

The entry to Peru was relaxed and uncomplicated, except for a short chaotic phase during the transfer from Lima to Cusco. In this sense, thanks again to the airline for putting us in business class because of the many flights we've taken recently. As a backpacker, it doesn't get more unauthentic, but the food was nice. :D I would love to do it again! ;)

And now we have actually arrived in the last country of the South America chapter. Our journey in Peru begins in Cusco and offers some more highlights. Starting with Machu Picchu in a few days, but more about that next week. See you later!