When Neal and I first found out we were moving to Mexico, we knew that we were going to have the opportunity to travel to some amazing places. From the get-go, we were determined to utilize our vacation as strategically as possible! Thanks to the generous Peace Corps annual leave policy, we have been able to travel to Costa Rica, Chiapas, Seattle, and now Ecuador. We even still have some vacation left if you can believe it!
When we planned this trip, we knew we would have to pack a lot into a short trip especially since we’d be travelling by bus and taxi in Ecuador. We contacted a handful of Peace Corps Volunteers currently serving in Ecuador and we got our travel plan approved after many revisions. Early on we decided that this would likely be the first of many trips to such a beautiful, interesting, and diverse country. That said, here are some of our favorite moments and memories from our viaje in Ecuador.
White Water Rafting (27 km!) in the headwaters of the Amazon and laughing the whole entire way.
Stumbling on a hiking trail with lush plants, waterfalls, and an ostrich! (Yes, an ostrich was waiting for us at the end!)
Visiting a hummingbird garden in Baeza, and then getting invited to the town party.
Making friends at one of the coolest hot springs and learning the word for cold in the native language… cha-chai!
Summiting our first mountain in the Andres range – Pasachoa at 4,200 m (13,780 ft)
Summiting another mountain in the Andes, Rumiñahui – 4,721 m (15,489 ft)
Playing, resting, and relaxing on the beach for two whole days and meeting Peace Corps Volunteers!
Attempting the summit of Pichincha with friends from the hostel. We turned around just below the summit due to inclement weather at 4,784 m (15,696 ft)!
Watching the sunset on our last day in Ecuador on a rooftop bar and celebrating all the wonderful memories we have made!
If you ever, and I mean ever, have the opportunity to travel to Ecuador… DO IT! Our Spanish was definitely helpful in getting around, but we ultimately used our English more in country talking to other travelers. We had such a beautiful time sharing meals with new friends, seeing you sights, and summiting new mountains!
Thanks for coming along! Adventure is out there!
XO,
Ceebs
Go Team Jander! 
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