Across the Andes by Blog

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 →

Day off from all tourist sites especially Churches says Ben. With fast Internet at our hostel we knuckle down to research the next leg of our trip after Sth America…the US of A. Our room soon turns into a travel … Continue reading →

Quito is a large narrow city with much of the sights needing taxi hopping so Nobbies jump on a city tour bus instead (2nd one in 8 months) and spend the day playing tourist. Visiting the Basilica and climbed the … Continue reading →

After getting used to working out the local trolley buses, Nobbies spend an afternoon taking in the historic centre of Quito. Ben takes advantage of a $2 haircut and a beard trim. No sterilisation of cut throat razors here. Love … Continue reading →

Farewell Galápagos Islands. Nobbies will certainly miss you…but the 1500 photos each will be keep our memories fresh. Flight is scheduled to Quito for 1pm but sea fog rolls in delaying flight to 6pm so head back into town and … Continue reading →