Quito, Ecuador was named as the first UNESCO Heritage Site in the world for a good reason. Before an adventure travel trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands you can find out why this city is so highly esteemed. Built on the ruins of ancient Inca city, Quito has beauty both within the city and in the nearby environments. A stay in Quito will appease both your mind and body, as the culture is sure to impress.
Teleferico Above Quito
Standing in the city are over 50 convents, churches, and monasteries, showing the rich religious history that exists in the area. One such church is Conjunto monumental San Francisco. Dating back to the late 16th century, the church is filled with Franciscan art, including the “Virgin of Quito” by Legarda. The sculpture is a beautiful depiction of triumph over evil and is located in the main altar. In addition, there are over 15 plazas that are decorated beautifully, often with religious overtones.
The Museo del Banco Central is the most well-known museum in Quito. In it are Colonial, pre-Columbian, and gold works of art. There are many spectacular pieces of art, including golden colonial headdresses.
Basilica in the Old Town
The Teleferico is the world’s second highest cable. Get pulled up to 4,000 feet for an incredible view of the city and its surrounding area. Depending on the weather, you can see up to six volcanoes and peer down on Quito. There are also hikes available up to the top.
Every Sunday, you can bike the Ciclopaseo. 20 miles of road are closed off to traffic, allowing cyclists, walkers, and rollerblading enthusiasts full access to the roads. This event is quite popular and large amounts of people show up to participate in one way or another.
The Old Town of Quito is huge and should definitely be explored. The independence era architecture mixed with colonial buildings creates a very pretty picture. The many churches and visually appealing plazas are great places to relax and take in the history and beauty of the area.
Quito is a very beautiful city that is both relaxing and exciting. There is a lot going on within the city, but there are plenty of refuges in case you want to get away from it all. Before or after your adventure travel in Ecuador and the Galapagos, Quito is a perfect place to take in and experience.
Not only was he helping man our DuVine booth talking bicycle tours and adventure travel with many of the show visitors, but he also was speaking about travel in Central and South America in a panel discussion along with fellow colleagues (Richard G. Edwards of Gap Adventures, Monica Irauzqui of Yampu Tours, and Shannon Stowell, President of Adventure Travel Trade Association). Andy focused his talk on Ecuador, the Galapagos, and Argentina – specifically the best places to stay/visit as well as how to really see the countryside.
Andy on the panel
His speech highlighted visits to Quito and Otavalo in Ecuador; the benefit of land tours (as opposed to sea tours) in the Galapagos; the emerging market of Salta in Northwest Argentina; and his favorite new discovery [and now, not-so-secret-spot], Peuma Hue in Patagonia. He also confessed that as a former European devotee, his explorations in Central and South America opened a whole new world to him re: the potential for luxury travel that exists in this region of the world. And the added benefits of affordability while not sacrificing quality, nor comforts.
And coincidentally, while in town for the Travel Show, DuVine Adventures was featured on the Today Show in a segment with Mark Orwoll, International editor at Travel + Leisure magazine discussing his list of fun and exotic trip ideas for baby boomers. He saved the best for last…and highlighted DuVine’s Umbria bike tour!
DuVine has done it again! In 2011, we’ve altered and improved our Bicycle Tour Provence Itinerary to make it the best trip we’ve ever offered in the region. “How is it possible?” you might ask. We’ve taken the highlights from our Provence Classic and combined it with the Guide’s favorite moments from our Provence Lavender tour. Not sure what this means? Here is a rundown of what to expect in 2011.
Pont du Gard aqueduct
The trip starts at the stunning Vieux Castillon hotel in Le Gard Provençal. From here our trip cruises down hill and across the historic Pont-du-Gard, a Roman aqueduct built in 19 BC. In the summer months, it is a wonderful place to stop for a quick swim in le gard, the river below. From here we enjoy a beautiful ride around the garrigue, a typical Provençal landscape. Upon our return to the hotel, there is an opportunity for a dip in the pool before we enjoy a refreshing glass of rosé and carefully crafted dinner.
Our next day continues the exploration of the region, this time by heading over towards Uzès. The riding is more difficult than the previous day but every pedal stroke is worth the effort. Enjoying a pastis in the town square, you’ll learn to embrace to local lifestyle. As you leave Uzès, you’ll cycle along tree-lined streets – the ultimate image of the French countryside. Past vineyards and sunflowers, you’ll arrive at your hotel to be entertained by Mario at his gem of a restaurant. The local dishes will blow you away.
As we cross the Rhône, one of the longest rivers in Europe, you’ll leave behind Le Vieux Castillon in the direction of Saint Remy. Along the way, you’ll enjoy an expertly crafted picnic by your DuVine guide. We’ve selected an exclusive spot near the Abbey de St. Michel-de-Frigolet for you to relax midday. After a brief rest, you’ll enjoy a wonderful descent as you work your way to our next hotel, the Château de Roussan in Saint Rémy de Provence.
Market day in St. Remy
In this fabulous town, known for olive oil, Nostradomus and delicious Joël Durand chocolate, you’ll enjoy a relaxing night. Take a recommendation from your guide as you select your own restaurant for a private meal with someone special.
In the morning you’ll awake to the streets full of excitement. It’s market day in Saint Rémy! (check out our Market Day in Provence blog post) Wander around the square and you’ll find exceptional local produce, pungent cheeses, lavender, handmade soap, local olive oil and more. This is a great place to find a souvenir from your bicycle trip to Provence. Departing Saint Rémy, you’ll head along the Alpilles towards Gordes. The Alpilles, know as the little Alps, are breathtaking. Ominous as they look, they’re only miniature versions of mountains – you’ll be able to bike along them without too much trouble. Crossing the Durance, you’ll see the beautiful landscape of Le Vaucluse. This is lavender country!
The famous olive oil
From our final hotel, La Bastide de Gordes, you’ll cycle past beautiful villages that sit perched upon hills. In this region, your senses will rejoice with the wonderful colors and scents of Provence. With a truffle and wine tasting scheduled for afternoon, as well as a visit to an olive mill, every discerning gourmand will be pleased. Round out your experience with a morning ride prior to your departure.
Cycling through the Provence countryside
There is no doubt that we’re offering the best that Provence has to give. Experience it all: the local culture, the wine, truffles, olive oil, chocolate, pastis, lavender and more. I couldn’t imagine a better location for your next DuVine Adventure.
Join me, Tommy Pace…your DuVine guide in France, in 2011 on this newly refined itinerary. It’s an experience that you’ll never forget!
“SLEEP” is an equal and integral part of the DuVine equation for luxury bicycle tours and adventure travel…so when it comes to our choice of hotels, we select not only the “must-see” places of interest, but also properties that provide a real sense of local charm. Remember…DuVine style is all about the experience…be it on the bike, while dining, sampling the local potables, or relaxing for the evening. Hence, I take great care when deciding which properties measure up our standards. And although each may be special in its own right…I’d like to share where a few of my favorites places to stay have been this year.
I guess you could call these my top 10 hotels of the year…(in no particular order of preference…)
Orto degli Angeli
Orto degli Angeli in Umbria Imagine lying back in bed after a wonderful day cycling through the Sagrantino vineyards and a delicious dinner in a restaurant located in the remains of a Roman amphitheater and looking up to see an original Frescoe painted on the ceiling above you? That’s right…our ancient villa, Orto degli Angeli, with the original noble family still in residence, is a museum in itself. This historic hotel where Francesco Antonini dei Conti Angeli Nieri Mongalli’s family has lived since 1788 integrates architectural elements and original building materials from the ancient world and overlooks the ruins of an ancient Roman theatre and temple. A vaulted underground room, which was a part of the two thousand year old theatre, serves as the dining room of the restaurant, creating an unforgettable dining experience. You will sleep like royalty in this unique property. You will stay here on our bicycle tour in Umbria, Italy.
Flocon de Sel
Flocon de Sel in Megeve, France What can I say? When I first read the mission statement from the owners of this hotel – “to stay unique, to give to our guests the possibility to make the most of the tranquility of the place, with luxury services offered in a convivial atmosphere, without ostentation and at the same time help with exploring the landscape, this unique environment which is ours” – I knew this place would be DuVine! The service is flawless, the location – set in the mountain pastures with commanding views of the valley below – is incredibly intimate and the 2 star rated Michelin restaurant definitely put this on the top 10 list! This is available on our bicycle tours in the Alps.
Villa Beccaris in Piedmont What makes a hotel special? Is it the personal connections made with the staff, the incredible views out your window, the linens, the impeccable and attentive service, the amount of luxury services offered? Or is it a just a feeling you get when you enter a room? Perhaps sometimes that is all it takes! When you walk into the limonaia , the glassed-in Belle Epoque breakfast room with views over Barolo vineyards at Villa Beccaris, you will understand why this hotel ranks on the list! You will stay here on our bicycle tour in Umbria, Italy. You will stay here on our bicycle tour in Piedmont, Italy.
Hotel Adriana
Hotel Adriana in Hvar Not only is it Croatia’s first and only member of The Leading Small Hotels of the World… but the views from the Adriana – a panorama that includes the Cathedral, the Arsenal, the Venetian piazza, the yacht harbor and the bay all in one – are absolutely stunning! Talk about an island paradise… and the Top bar is the place to be! Location, location, location. Oh…and a little bit of St. Tropez and Ibiza all in one. You will stay here on our bicycle tour in Croatia.
Bastide de Gordes in Provence Talk about the perfect perch! Bastide de Gordes sits high above the Luberon valley offering some absolutely gorgeous views. What better way to spend an afternoon post-ride than lounging by the pool admiring the scenery? or better yet…at the world-famous Spa Sisley located on the property? Yes, definitely a must on the list. You will stay here on our bicycle tour in Provence, France.
Bastide de Gordes
Relais San Maurizio in Piedmont There is no place that makes you feel as if you are on top of the world [literally and figuratively] like the San Maurizio! Surrounded by the Langhe hills with panoramic vineyards views, it is the perfect vantage point for a journey of the colors, fragrances and flavors of Piedmont. Originally a 17th century monastery, the property has been transformed into a stunning and discreet resort…one that gives new meaning the word exclusivity! Oh, and did I mention the vinotherapy spa Caudalie? It is epic zen - italiano style! You will stay here on our bicycle tour in Piedmont, Italy.
La Chiusa
La Chiusa in Tuscany This charming little relais and restaurant holds a very special place in our hearts. La Chiusa is the product of the lifelong work of two of our dear friends, Dania and Umberto. It was Umberto’s vision that transformed his family’s medieval olive mill into a stunning luxury hotel. In many of the hotel’s fifteen rooms, you can find old millstones and other reminders of the building’s agricultural past. Umberto is a true Tuscan man and makes sure his guests get anything they want. Every afternoon you can find him overseeing his splendid staff from his table under the pergola where he will be happy to share a bottle of prosecco, fresh grapes from his vineyards, and the story of how he brought running water to the town.Dania is a world-renowned Tuscan chef and the Ristorante La Chiusa, where we eat on the first night of the tour, is her baby. She has devoted a lifetime to preserving traditional Tuscan cuisine, using only the freshest seasonal ingredients and age- old methods. Her meals are unforgettable. She always makes a point of coming to our table after the meal and giving us a tour of the kitchen or autographing copies of her cookbook. There is also an extraordinary selection of local wines. You will stay here on our bicycle tour in Tuscany, Italy.
Chalet Royalp
Chalet Royalp in Villars Imagine being nestled in at your 1,300 ft ‘”base camp” of Villars sur Ollon in the heart of the Vaud Alps looking out from your private balcony at the idyllic setting that spans in front of you – featuring a spectacular panorama extending from Lake Geneva to Mont Blanc. This charming chalet is the perfect ski “lodge” …the perfect combination of a typical mountain lodge atmosphere with the exquisite elegance of an exclusive high end resort. Oh, and it’s also the first ski-in and ski-out hotel in the Vaudauoise Alpes – offering direct access to the ski resort. You will stay here on our ski trip in the Alps.
Iguana Crossing on Isabella Island, Galapagos Staying here is like escaping to your own private island – scarcely populated except for the flora and incredible variety of fauna to be found – including, of course, the ubiquitous marine iguanas. Located in between the pristine white sand beaches with their emerald green water and directly behind a wildlife-filled lagoon, this spot couldn’t be more special. Even better, as you relax in your room, you can listen to the soothing sound of surf and watch the volcano beyond the wetlands come alive. Yes, a true island getaway awaits you at Iguana Crossing! This hotel is available on our adventure travel Galapagos Islands tour.
Beach at Iguana Crossing
Taybet Zaman in Petra, Jordan Step back in time, but not in luxury at this uniquely modern interpretation of 19th century Jordan – complete with an exotic dash of Arab indulgence. As you walk through the village and its ancient stone structures, you feel transported back to the old village, complete with the scents and sounds of the market…a very sensory experience. Staying at Taybet Zama, with its unique blend of modern elegance and rustic charm, is unlike any other typical hotel stay…especially when you consider that just outside your window is a view unlike any other…one of the modern wonders of the world, Petra. You will stay here on our adventure travel tour in Jordan.
What a DuVine tour! There are so many highlights of my multisport adventure in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands; here are some of my favorite:
We started by discovering the Andes lakes region in the North of Ecuador, a great contrast to the Galapagos Islands. I had spent an extra day in Quito pre-tour to adjust to the altitude and to explore the old town and it churches, which I highly recommend. The city is on a plateau at 10,000ft, which when you are not used to it you definitely feel when exerting yourself and this is an active vacation (hydration and aspirin can also assist). Our guide Felipe kept us entertained with the history of the region on the van transfer north along the spectacular ‘avenue of the volcanoes’.
In the Imbabura region we hiked along the volcanic rim of the Cuicocha Crater Lake from 11,350ft, the mountain views were stunning surrounded as we were by volcanoes. Remember to bring sunscreen and hats! We mountain biked along farmland, passing sleepy indigenous Andean villages, with friendly locals, as colourful as their local crafts, the weavers at Peguche still follow the old handmade traditions. We said hello to some wonderful old ladies sitting by the fireplace of their one roomed smoke stained hut; a true insight into local living. The Otavalo indigenous market was a great opportunity to pick-up mementos, before returning via the Equator line, on which we could clearly see Cayambe with its snow peak, the highest and only point on the equator with snow.
Cuicocha Crater Lake
The Galapagos Islands are amazing! One of two planes fly between the islands, a 9 or 5 seater, so the luggage restriction of 25lbs per person is strictly adhered to, and even cabin baggage is weighed. Most visitors cruise through the islands but you see far more actually staying on them. We had great accommodations, though facilities are more limited in the Galapagos with occasional erratic behavior with services such as water, electricity and internet, which we take for granted, all part of the cultural differences. Wildlife abounded, we had sea lions sleeping on our hotel doorstep! All our hotels had amazing views and we were lulled to sleep nightly by the sounds of the ocean.
On San Cristobal we spent an amazing day sea kayaking, boating and snorkeling amongst the playful and inquisitive sea lions; they would literally swim up and introduce themselves to you. We swam next to marine iguanas, which looked like prehistoric creatures camouflaged against the rocks, and turtles in the aqua water. Further out to sea at Kicker rock, home to thousands of sea birds, including the frigate birds and blue-footed boobies, we swam amongst the Galapagos sharks, so awesome; I could see twelve under me at one point! I followed a graceful eagle ray, which looked like it was flying through the water! August is the dry cool season so we wore wetsuits that we rented there, while December-February is the hot wet season, more popular for swimming.
One of our sea lion neighbors
Kayaking around the island
On Isabela Island we hiked up to the crater of volcano Sierra Negra, one of the most active of the Galapagos volcanoes, it last erupted in October 2005. Our national park guide Carlos was there at the time of the eruption and showed us footage of his video clips, which really put the experience into perspective. The crater is huge, and its surface covered in young lava looked like the surface of the moon. We had climbed above the clouds and walking the dirt trail of the rim we looked down to the black crater on one side and fluffy white clouds on the other, a heavenly experience.
Deb and the giant tortoise
On Santa Cruz the highlight was the giant domed Galapagos tortoises, huge tanks compared to the intermediate tortoises we had seen on Isabela, the difference in the species between islands made it easy to see how Darwin was inspired to formulate his theory of evolution. We walked the ‘tortoise highway’ through the national park and came across so many tortoises it was hard to believe their numbers have so declined. For 200 year old, 800lb monsters they move surprisingly fast when they wanted to. When they feel threatened they emit a deep hissing noise as the air escapes from the lungs, making you feel as though you are approaching Darth Vader. We were treated to an amazing display of dominance when our guide slowly approached one face on, each raising its head higher to establish dominance; Felipe soon lowered his! It was interesting to see the relationship between the tortoise and Galápagos finch and mockingbird, with the birds feeding on the irritating parasites on the tortoise.
Felipe vs Tortoise
Nature is amazing and the Galapagos Islands are a unique experience not to be missed.
Warm weather, smooth roads and unique experiences is what we love about bike tours and adventure travel during the summer months, and chasing that summer time feeling around the world is what we are doing at DuVine.
check your mailbox
It used to be that when the summer and early fall came to a close in Europe and North America we could look forward to a little rest ourselves but we have grown steadily over the years and now offer bike tours and adventure travel in every major continent, during every season, which means that we can provide our guests with a bit of “summer somewhere” in the world no matter what the weather or season may be in their home town.
This year, because of the number of new tours and locations, we have actually decided to create a specific winter catalog for our guests, which highlights the following destinations and tour types:
The nice thing about these tours is that if you are from the Northern Hemisphere they are all taking place during the summer in the Southern Hemisphere, so it will be your chance to push back on old man winter. Having said that of course, there is nothing wrong with winter, especially if you love skiing, so we have included a great ski trip to Switzerland for those who say “winter, bring it on!”
Just to warn you, the catalog is not your standard 10 pages stapled in the middle and dropped in your mailbox, because that isn’t the DuVine way. No, we took the unique approach (thanks to our incredibly talented staff) of devising a catalog that when opened folds out into a set of cool postcards highlighting each destination, perfect for mailing back to your friends when you are on your trip and they are pulling on their sweaters and turning up the heat back home.
So, check your mailbox and prepare for a grand opening – we hope the postcards from paradise will add a little excitement to your day…as you watch your dreams literally unfold before you and inspire plans for winter travel.
And don’t forget to send us a postcard from paradise!
If by chance you don’t receive the winter catalog give us a ring or send us an email at webinquiries@duvine.com and we will send one out to you right away.
According to an article by adventure guru Richard Bangs, “The original adventure travelers were merchants on expedition, seeking proceeds for their imperial backers, and their voyages were closer to war than romance. More often than not, their adventures were distinguished by their accidents, either in geographic discovery, or loss of life; they were, in essence, well-planned trips gone wrong”.
Accidently on purpose?
Well, you have to imagine that even the early travelers possessed a passion for adventure and a desire to explore the world – why else would they pursue that type of occupation? In essence, their job enabled them the opportunity to [potentially] gain wealth whilst doing something that they enjoyed and inspired them. Perhaps many of those so called “accidents” weren’t completely accidental….but rather self-fulfilling prophecies of what they were hoping to discover? Yes, sometimes a wrong turn or a road not taken is the best thing that can happen. That’s where the real adventure begins.
So how does the current adventure traveler and adventure travel itself differ? Aside from not [necessarily] making one’s vocation their vacation…little has changed. There is still that same pioneering spirit, the desire to have unique experiences, and the potential to create memories that last a lifetime….just with a more structured and civilized approach.
Cycling in the Costa Rican rainforest
The modern adventure traveler seeks to participate in some of the same activities they do on a routine basis, just in a different locale – cycling through the rain forests of Costa Rica rather than along Elm St. in suburban New Jersey. Many are lured by the possibility of trying something new that geography or circumstances have prevented – kayaking the islands of the Galapagos instead of on a lake in Minnesota.
kayaking the Galapagos Islands
They pride themselves on being travelers, not tourists, and try to make the experience as authentic as possible – making sure to utilize local contacts and/or operators while away so that they receive the real feel, not the unimaginative and ‘cookie cutter’ tourist experience. They want to find the ‘secret spots’ and keep that knowledge to themselves, try the local specialties, and go out and meet the locals – not the couple from Florida at the poolside bar.
Granted there are varying levels of what people consider ‘adventurous’…and companies that cater to the myriad of desires – everything from ‘soft’ adventures and walking tours to adrenaline inducing extreme adventures. High-end luxury to back-country camping. Exciting and exotic destinations, yet refined and responsible…and the list goes on and on…
What you can be sure of – it’s certainly no accident that adventure travel has become increasingly popular over the decades. Life itself is an adventure – why not perpetuate it?
The following is my daily travel journal, my stream of consciousness while creating this fantastic DuVine Adventures trip for our clients in the Andes and Galapagos:
Day 1 – Today I was deep in the Andes, 2 hours from Quito, in a place referred to as the highlands, where I crisscrossed the many villages of the Otavalo indians. The villages were characterized by children running and playing in the streets, women washing their clothing in buckets or making bread, whole families loaded up on a single horse, and people selling ponchos and hats as well as men herding their sheep, true village life.
There is a great culture here in both dress and food, with women wearing these traditional white and black dresses with a black hat which look stunning and the men all wearing white pants and slippers. The locals all love eating pig, corn, avocado and potatoes as well as many interesting fruits and vegetables, with one fruit that looks oddly like an artichoke.
I am right on the Equator with volcanoes that go over 14k ft. Tomorrow I will explore the national park and seek out more primitive villages. People here are very nice and have their own dialect of Spanish. Alberto my guide is a local and knows everyone. It is rustic so it is not for everyone – but the traditional Hacienda I am staying in tonight is a gorgeous old estate at the base of the volcano…looking over the green valley. Today was a good day!
Day 2 – Went to the famous market town of Otavalo – Where they sell rugs, hats and hippy pants, it was amazing. I have so far created a good route, which will wow our clients with the experience of the local people and traditions! So amazing. This is a very well organized and colorful market.
I heard music off in the distance, so I walked into the old house, dark packed with people in the traditional dress, mostly men and mostly drunk, they were celebrating a wedding? Monday morning at 11am..maybe it was a continuation from the night before.
Wow, Wow! The music was so powerful and loud. It was like a war chant or something I can not explain it but the music had such meaning and such a powerful sound with the guitars and drums and the people where all in a trance. I felt as if someone was a musician and was in the room, a guitar player, that they would have reached Mecca. It was awesome and loud and clear.
Small men in black shirts and white pants, some in long ponchos and black hats and long pony tails.
They were smiling from ear to ear and love that I was there. But…they kept giving me a drink…out of a old Sprite and Coca Cola cans. A drink called: firewater…they said made out of coca leafs. It is their Grappa or so called tequila.
Anyway – I was some what nervous to drink the “fire water” as I am not a fan of drugs. I was imagining it had cocaine or peyote. Anyway – I drank one shot…as my guide said it was homemade tequila, famous in the Andes as firewater. They make it from the plants and wow it was nice and I was glad to not pass out!
Day 3 – Funny guide story: I was at the Equator, and my guide Alfredo was tired. So when we were leaving…he took – what he thought was eye drops from the van…to give some moisture to his eyes.
Next thing I hear is ahhhhhhhhh…and he throws the tiny (supposed) eye drop solution down. I look at it…it looks like an eye dropper…says on it…”eye irritant” I read the back…Do not put in your eyes if so, go directly to a doctor and flush with water.
I am no doctor but I flushed his eye with water.
Long story short…he dropped nail polish glue in his eye. I felt bad but I have not laughed that hard in a long time…as he had to open his eye with his hand. Thank God I had a bottle of water. He was ok – we laughed for a long time..as he can not read well…he thought it was for irritated eyes…not an eye irritant.
Anyway – my guide, Alfredo is smart with local knowledge and he is very funny (see the video in this blog post). He wanted us to eat piglets (guinea pigs) yesterday..it is a delicacy…I asked for fresh rolls that we get at the book store instead ..he did not answer …next thing you knew I had piglet with potatoes and a crevasse. They love eating pig out here.
Off to the Galapagos with Alfredo..who knows what is next. I keep telling him I want to ride a giant turtle!
Day 4 – Walked with so many tortoise – which are land turtles. Many are over 100yrs old. Saw sea lions just laying on each other, many types of iguanas, huge pelicans and so on. Had to take a boat taxi to the hotel and had a wonderful dinner with locals and ate octopus Caesar salad – which blew my Tevas right off my feet, ate lobster Galapagos and local Cajun fish at a gorgeous restaurant on the water in the small tiny harbor. (Andermatt Harbour)
It is very quiet out here and the animals definitely rule. The Galapagos has 7 islands – 3 main ones (very small) but that is where the commerce is…and the “Galapagos” are a natural park…once you land you have to pay $100 to enter…as the entire place is a national park reserve…so you can not mess with nature or any species. There all types of trees, bushes and cactus.
My favorite moment on the day was seeing 2 sea loins (basically seals) laying on each other like you would see men/women on a couch relaxing watching TV. But they were sitting on the dock chilling as the waves were going by..and I felt like a visitor to their home. It was magical.
I definitely feel like a visitor in the home of a bunch of happy land and sea animals. I am having a blast and making many new friends.
Had a great dinner in the harbor. Today I am off to go sea kayaking, hope to see some penguins and sharks. Place is a big park – so everything that happens must be regulated and you can not – I say you can not mess with nature.
Just realized, that I am 900 miles off the coast of Ecuador in the Pacific. By the way – quickly – the main reason there are so many wild species here…is that 4 currents all arrive on the volcanic islands (different water temps) and the species have had to adapt for thousands of years. Weather is unstable – many different climates on the islands.
In closing, in no other place in the world will you find so much diversity per square mile as in Ecuador. The DuVine multi-sport adventure combination interconnects distinct ecosystems with a variety of sporting activities and is the ultimate way to enjoy the immense ecological diversity of Ecuador. The Andes and the coast each features its own biological and ethnic distinctiveness, which is best experienced by the means of a kayak , snorkel, bike and foot.
Anyone who will join us will enjoy creative routes that cross through areas of great natural and scenic value. The indigenous communities we visit along the way will leave you with a sense of Ecuador’s rich cultural identity. You will ride past snow-capped Andean volcanoes, and through exhilarating paramos (highlands) or cloud forests on unpaved roads and trails. Off to the Galapagos Islands, which will allow you to get up-close and personal with the world’s most fearless wildlife, with the help of your kayak, mountain bike, and snorkel. Of course, at DuVine we always handle every detail of your trip and provide only top-notch adventure and naturalist guides to accompany you, so that you can focus on enjoying the adventure of a lifetime.
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