We haven't lost our way - we were just busy with "traveling"!
After incredibly diverse and beautiful six weeks in Colombia, we have been back in Ecuador for almost three weeks now, accompanied by Simone's dad Charly and his gang. It's a big change for us, always traveling as a duo, and suddenly we're part of a travel six-pack. This group has shared an amazing time in such a diverse country. Pretty small, but OMG.
In addition to huge markets, the jungle, and the world's highest active volcano, we have experienced everything up close. We spent our last days in Cuenca - our quasi hometown. Currently, we are preparing for the next adventure in Peru. For now, we're heading to the coast in the coming days, to Máncora. Big waves, hot temperatures, fresh fish, and if we find time, a little bit of surfing too. More information will follow...
A quick flashback to our time in Colombia.
Think about what you know about Colombia. Is there a lot of positive things?
And now, erase all of that from your mind. Our photos should be proof that Colombia is full of breathtaking places, incredibly friendly and open-minded people, and delicious food. Our words just don't do it justice. Let the photos speak for themselves.
Warmest greetings, feel embraced
Simone & Michi
Salento - Eje Cafetero (Coffee Zone) - Colombia
Valle de Cocora - this is where the tallest palms on earth, reaching 60 meters in height, grow. Coffee plant and coffee tasting during the tour at the small finca. We love to EAT, especially when it's fresh. Medellin - ColombiaFormerly known and feared for its drug cartel, it is now one of the most innovative cities in the world. In addition to buses and the subway, public transportation also includes 5 cable car lines that connect the surrounding neighborhoods (on the hills) with the city. Isla Providencia - ColombiaThe tiny island in the Caribbean is 800 km away from the Colombian mainland and geographically closer to Nicaragua, just 200 km away.In just one hour, you can drive around the island with about 5000 inhabitants on a scooter, reggae music playing all around, amazing fish, a Creole language (a mixture of Spanish and English), deserted beaches, hardly any tourism, heavenly colors of the sea, coral reefs, and much more. It is the most peaceful place we have ever visited. Cartagena de Indias - ColombiaThe colonial city, founded by the Spanish in 1533, has established itself as one of the most beautiful colonial cities in South America. This city is visited by an incredible number of tourists, much more than 8 years ago when Michi was here for the first time. Barichara - ColombiaKnown for its well-preserved colonial architecture from the 18th century.
Bogotá - Colombia
The huge capital of Colombia, seen from the hill Monserrate (3200m) (7 million inhabitants in the actual city area and about 8 million in the agglomeration).
Quito - Ecuador
We took the Teleferico up to Quito's hill (4100m).
The brave ones - actually all of us - had a wild swing.
Otavalo - Ecuador
A paradise for those who love colorful fabrics, linen pants, and leather bags. If you don't HAGGLE - YOU LOSE.
JUNGLE - Ecuador
Cuyabeno Nature Reserve - 4 days in the middle of the jungle
If you're hungry, you have to work - making yuca bread
Rainforest lodge
Quilotoa Loop - Ecuador
A five-hour hike around the crater. About 10 km, 800 meters in altitude at about 4000m above sea level - the air is noticeably thinner.
Refreshing tea in a small wooden hut. Cooking is done on an open fire on the ground here.
Cotopaxi - EcuadorWe successfully made it to the glacier limit at 5100 m in snail's pace on the world's highest active volcano (5897m).Info: The snow limit in Ecuador is at 4500 m.
Back in CUENCA Happy birthday, Dad. It was nice to celebrate your 56th together. And let's just say, Ecuadorian women can bake. Cajas National Park - EcuadorThe national park is located at 3600 - 4100 m and is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers.A warm welcome with slightly confused looks. And even after 4.5 months, we still love each other :)