Author Archives: fleesee

Nobbies are at the middle of the world, Latitude 0’0’0″. Ecuador built the monument before GPS systems and so the equator is actually 240m further north. So not there technically however we crossed the equator 4 times on our way … Continue reading →

Lazy day today after our trek yesterday, so it’s checking out the local orchids, butterflies and my dream comes true to visit an Ecuadorian chocolate farm and taste 100% chocolate…you can tell by my face it is bitter. Mindo chocolates … Continue reading →

End up exploring Las Tangaras Reserve which is an ecological protected area in the cloud forest about 4km out of Mindo. Head out with a neat couple also staying at our hostel and hike 3km into dense rainforest. We were … Continue reading →

Nobbies bus back to Quito from Latacunga and cross the city from south to north by a series of local trolley buses and try and find a bus to Mindo, the cloud forest region, only to be told the direct … Continue reading →

A day trip to Cotopaxi volcano the highest active volcano in the world. Involves a steep climb up to the Refugio hut from the car park. Didn’t look far but with the altitude at 4,800m, weather at it’s worst exposed … Continue reading →

Deadline to make a 8.30am day trip to Quilotoa Crater from Banos 2 hours away made for an early start for the Nobbies. And you know we are not morning people but make it thanks to the local buses. There … Continue reading →

Nobbies visit ruta de las cascadas a 1/2 day trip from Baños. A valley of waterfalls and most of them are accessed via a metal basket on a cable called tarabitas. The last waterfall, Pailon del Diablo (the devils cauldron) … Continue reading →

Everyone loves a local produce market and Baños region has such lush fertile soil and perfect climate for the tastiest organic fruit and veges including plants for healing purposes. Nobbies buy up fresh strawberries, the biggest tamarillos (sorry mum & … Continue reading →

Sunday in Baños. Such a great chilled out town dominated by an active volcano and thermal baths. Plenty of local tourists as this is the last day of vacations in Ecuador. Roasted cuy (guinea pig), craft markets and an unusual … Continue reading →

Nobbies leave the big mochillas behind in Quito and travel with our day backs for a week on local buses to see some of the outer areas of Quito. First stop Baños. Long day of travel as the regional bus … Continue reading →