#temperature: 20°C but wind still chilly
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A lovely spring afternoon
Point of fashion: my newly thrifted pastel green jacket (that just screams spring)
Full outfit rundow :
Thrifted pastel green jacket
Second hand black dress with floral print (worn over black long sleeve)
Handmade mint green maxi skirt
Beloved pastel turquoise scarf with flowers and butterflies
Cute bag with gingerbread houses on it
Black booties
I went to a local Korean supermarket for some snacks, met up with a friend and went to this cute little Japanese store with her where I finally found a little water bottle!! I've been looking for one for ages but didn't find any that met my criteria (practical but cute). Plus my friend gave me a little hello kitty figurine she brought me as a souvenir from her recent holiday in Japan!! I'm so happy she thought of me!
Then we met up with another friend and went for pastries and later one cocktail each (with some potato & vegetable chips aswell). It was a lovely time with my friends!! And I'm so happy with my new spring jacket. Perfect addition to my wardrobe!
#point of fashion harks back to Japanese street fashion snaps#basically what you built your outfit around#lovely fat people#plussize j fashion#mori fashion#mori kei#mori girl#mori girl in spring#temperature: 20°C but wind still chilly#opened my jacket though (wanted it closed for pictures)#plussize mori#spring look#plussize thrifting#thrifted fashion#pictures of food#tw mention of alcohol#tw alcohol#how i actually wear my handmade stuff#usually have at least one handmade element in most outfits#which makes me really happy
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Inspired by @just-late-roman-republic-things's toga alignment chart, I will look at images of things that have been called togas and rate them.
Up first, this specimen down below.
0/10 That is not a Party Toga Costume for Adults, that is a red scarf you've tucked into your belt. If this was what a toga was, Cato the Younger would NOT have gotten away with not wearing a tunica underneath.
Now this one below.
2/10 eBay is clearly very confused over if it's Greek or Roman, but it's certainly a step up over the previous one. This time, the scarf is not tucked into the belt (there isn't one) and is just hanging freely and honestly could kind of be a little like a toga if it wasn't scarf-shaped.
Now, this one below—oh hey that's me!
13-year-old me strikes again. Believe it or not, my French teacher will call my paenula a toga shortly after that picture was taken. I wonder what her idea of a toga was if a paenula with a hood sewn on counted.
1/10 it's literally a paenula.
Fun fact, before I sewed the hood on, it actually was toga-shaped, albeit too thick and too small.
For a second I was spooked out because I thought 13-year-old me had momentarily gained an extra ghostly finger in this picture. But no, the mirror was just dirty as fuck. Whoops!
For that one, 6/10 because it's the first one that actually resembles a toga! But I 100% draped it wrong and it was too small anyway. And so hot. I'm sweating just remembering how hot I felt taking that photo. It's not feasible to wear it if the temperature where you are is above 10°C.
But what if the temperature is below that?
I changed into a thin T-shirt and a short skirt, took out that exact paenula and wrapped it around my body, and stepped outside in the cold, Canadian night.
(it's actually obscenely hot out right now. Right now it's -6°C, which is around 20°F for you Amerians. That is extraordinarily hot for January. It's because of El Niño. Normally, at night, this time of the year, it's around -30°C, which is cold. That's like -22°F. And them usually there are a few days of at least -40°C, which interestingly is also -40°F. So -6°C right now is nothing. But it's cold enough to prove a point)
Once I was outside, I set a timer for five minutes on my phone.
Observations:
I probably should've put on footwear. My bare toes in the snow are not having a fun time right now.
My god, this thing stops wind like a brick wall. I feel wind on the exposed parts of my body and nothing on the covered parts.
My right arm is starting to get a little chilly. It's completely exposed.
My toesies...
Hmmm I've reached the half-way point and I don't really feel cold. Of course, the exposed parts of my body are a bit cold and my feet are quite numb, but the covered parts of my body are starting to get really toasty. Like, my left shoulder is actually starting to get quite hot.
One minute remaining and I'm fine. The night is peaceful and still, and quiet. The stars are bright tonight. Life is quite beautiful.
Oh. The time has finished!
This paenula-turned-toga is so warm that it actually is pretty appropriate to wear in -6°C. If I was wearing pants and a long sleeved shirt and most importantly shoes, I would've been quite comfortable outside. If the toga were longer, I could've covered more parts of my body, and that would've made it warmer too.
I don't know what I was trying to prove in this experiment but 10/10 would try again. Too bad I can't give this to Octavian because he wouldn't have to wear four tunics if he had this. It's a bit small as a toga but it's warm nevertheless. I forgot which fabric it was but it was the cheapest thick one.
I want to judge more "togas" later but now I'm tired and my feet need a warm bath. I hope you guys enjoyed!
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I don't think some of y'all understand COLD. You seem to get "a little chilly", yeah, I'll give you that. But like. I have railed against stupid game design around cold temperatures for YEARS but like, I figured a good chunk was just for the aesthetic™️
But no. I'm reading novels. I'm reading fanfiction. Some of y'all just don't get cold. I'm talking below -20°C here (that's -4°F, apparently). Have you ever been out in -40? (that one's the same in both scales)
Cold is misery. It seeps into your bones and aches like nothing else and makes you short on temper. Cold is pain. It's your ears and fingers and toes going numb and then, as soon as you heat them up, pulsing in time with your heart as the blood once more flows through at its proper pace. It's breathing in and feeling the hairs in your nose freeze, it's having your eyelashes stick together whenever you blink, it's breathing out and seeing the vapour of your breath crystalize on the cloth you have wrapped around your face.
You don't fall asleep in the snow unless it is your last resort and you're bundled up and curled up with somebody else- though if there's a lot of snow, definitely build yourself a little snow cave (with proper ceiling support and airflow), it acts as an insulator; cold wind is deadly. If you are wearing rags and out in a blizzard and you fall asleep, you're more likely dead than not. You're definitely losing fingers and toes and maybe your ears and nose to frostbite.
If you're out in the cold and you get wet and you're not in wool, you're fucked. Get out of the cold and get out of your wet clothes. Unless they're wool, which still provides heat insulation when wet, they're gonna sap away all the heat you've got saved.
Cold isn't combated by curling up if you don't have a heat source to curl around. If you're cold, MOVE. Just not so much that you sweat through your layers, then you hit the 'wet and cold' problem.
Give your characters layers in the cold. Toques (winter hat? I know Americans call them something else but can't for the life of me remember), mittens, gloves inside the mittens, heavy boots with layers of socks, coats, cloaks. I once saw someone duct tape towels around their legs because they were so cold and just wearing jeans. Cold will make you desperate to feel warm again. The best defense is to be so layered up that you never loose your body heat in the first place.
Also, alcohol opens up pathways for bloodflow, which moves heat from out of your core to your extremities. This can be important for preventing frostbite, but it does mean you lose heat a lot faster, and if you're not getting to someplace warm soon, it just means you die faster. I repeat: drinking alcohol does not magically make you warmer, it just moves where the heat is.
#cold#like actual real cold#wear layers#writing advice#kind of#also just general life advice#cold sucks and I hate it#honestly freezing to death terrifies me#the cremation of sam mcgee speaks to me though#man freezes to death and they toss him in the furnace#his spirit wakes up like 'ah this is nice'#mood#jello speaks
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Joe’s Weather World: Near 70° to accumulating snow risk (SUN-2/2)
It’s Super Bowl Sunday. A day that will be remembered in KC for decades to come…although hopefully we get back to the Super Bowl sometime before 50 years from now…otherwise I won’t be around to see our Super Bowl return post 2020!
The weather today in KC is about as good as what they’ll experience in Miami. All week long…I was talking about the potential for us to be within 5 degrees of Miami. They saw a cold front come through yesterday…and we’ll see one move in and out tonight and tomorrow before barreling southwards later tomorrow for good.
So the warm air will try to linger for KC southwards tomorrow…then be shunted southbound tomorrow night will rapidly falling temperatures and perhaps some mist or drizzle developing.
A lot on the burner for the upcoming week including some potential snow…although that is a separate complicated issue.
Forecast:
Today: Mostly sunny and warm with near record breaking highs near 70°. The record today is 69° originally set back in 1924 and tied again in 1992.
Tonight: Fair skies and cooler but not overly cold with lows in the 30s
Tomorrow: Tricky day as temperatures will be spread from the 30s north to the 60s south. Hopefully here in KC we’ll get another day with highs around 60° although there may be a spread even within the Metro from KCI south to Lees Summit.
Tuesday: Dramatically colder with highs in the 20s. A light wintry mix or light snow is possible to likely as the day moves along. Especially in the afternoon and night.
Discussion:
So the big day is here…and the weather just couldn’t be better. Outdoor parties are actually doable in early February. This isn’t the 1st time the early part of the winter month in particular has been mild. Strangely…take a look.
On December 5th we were 61°…on January 1st and 9th we were 58° and 66° respectively and today we’ll edge towards 70° with enough wind hopefully.
So let’s enjoy the mild air now.
The weather map this morning shows and abundance of milder than average air for early February across the Plains. As a matter of fact…above us at around 3000 feet or so the air is running close to 61°. It’s actually warmer above us towards Omaha…they reported 19°C on the balloon launch up there this morning…that is 66° at about 3000 feet.
If we go farther up…to about 5,000 feet you can see how unusual this warm air mass is…these show the warmest and coldest temperature extremes at about the 850 mb level or about 5,000 feet up.
So the air above us really mild. The air at the surface yesterday responded…mid 50s! Today I’m expecting a bigger response.
The west and southwest winds will be blowing down the landscape of the Plains. This is what we call downslope warming. It’s a big deal sometimes here in eastern KS and western MO. All week long I was telling anybody who would listen to me that this is a calssic major downslope warming event today…and it’s nice to see that forecast verify.
So let’s take a walk in the forest for a second. Everyone is under the misconception that Kansas is flat…there are very few elevation changes in our state. This isn’t true. The changes are somewhat subtle but there are changes. The elevation in Goodland, KS is close to 3700 feet. While here in KC the elevation above sea level is about 900 feet. That is close to a 3000 foot drop from west to east.
Here is a map I saw this week that shows how the elevation slopes down from western KS to eastern KS.
The same occurs in Nebraska and to some extent especially across northern OK.
OK so why does this matter? Well picture a bubble of air. It starts in Goodland and comes towards KC. The bubble of air starts at one level but descends as it comes into the eastern Plains. As this occurs the air pressure of the bubble increases. When the pressure increases the volume decreases. It ‘s somewhat complicated but this results in the temperature of the bubble going up. Essentially when an air mass compresses it gets warmer. In an ideal world…this can be measured at close to 5.6°F for every 1000 feet of descent. So the same bubble of air in Goodland…coming down the slope of KS is about 17° warmer by the time it gets to KC.
That’s an ideal world…there are other factors that need to be accounted for…clouds…moisture changes of the atmosphere…etc…but you get the “general” idea.
So downslope warming is a big deal sometimes and allows the bubbles of air above us to warm up big time given the right conditions…and today is one of those days.
OK enough thermal dynamics (see you sort of took a physics class today!)
Now to the common cause of temperatures.
This warm air mass will be eaten at by an approaching cold front tonight. The front now is up across the upper Midwest…and will move southwards today. Here is a surface map at 10AM this morning
There is some snow still up north…although today the edges of the snowcover up there will really get eaten away.
The model data shows this front entering the north side of KC tonight…so when the sun sets…temperatures north of the front will chill down…this cold air will help the front ooze southbound as the night moves along so that by tomorrow morning we get this.
A front that is draped in the Metro.
This is a recipe for a bust in the forecast. IF the front is farther south…the 20s tomorrow morning representing the colder air to the north into northern MO oozes south. IF the front is about where the data shows…we barely(!) remain in the warm sector.
The trick is a surface low will develop and move along the front…so it’s possible the front could waver north a bit…and put at least part of the I-70 corridor area back into the warmer air (if the front pushes farther north). That means another run towards 60° is possible near lunch.
Then when the surface low passes through and the winds behind the low switch towards the NW…the cooler weather comes back in or comes in for the 1st time…and we get chilly with falling temperatures.
How dramatic can the change be…well look at the forecast from the hi-res NAM data for 1PM tomorrow.
Oh My Goodness.
38° @ KCI and 60° in Harrisonville. When their is a conflict like that a light mist/drizzle is likely north of whatever the position of the front is. Again this could be on the north side of the Metro area…it could be 15 miles south with more of the Metro involved.
Not for the faint of heart.
That’s just tomorrow.
The colder air comes in and presses south for sure later tomorrow into tomorrow night.
Then with cold air in place a series of disturbances comes up in the SW flow aloft. This means the potential of some sort of wintry mix developing. It will be cold enough at the surface for snow but above the surface it may be tough for snowflakes to fall…especially from I-35 south and east.
The model trends though have been getting colder through the atmosphere on Tuesday increasing the snow risk. While there is only some minor lift happening…it could be enough for some accumulation on Tuesday.
Then a somewhat stronger disturbance will approach on Wednesday…how well that holds together and where the moisture holds on when it comes our way will determine if we have bigger snow issues later Wednesday into Thursday morning. The EURO is the most aggressive with this idea…the Canadian is trying but isn’t quite there yet. The GFS is a no go on this.
It will be close and for something 4-5 days out it’s too close for comfort right now.
Regardless it will be colder Tuesday>Thursday…and for some even tomorrow compared to what’s happening today for sure!
So there you go an epic blog for an epic day…for Super Bowl Sunday.
Our feature photo is from Chad Weaver.
Joe
from FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports https://fox4kc.com/2020/02/02/joes-weather-world-near-70-to-accumulating-snow-risk-sun-2-2/
from Kansas City Happenings https://kansascityhappenings.wordpress.com/2020/02/02/joes-weather-world-near-70-to-accumulating-snow-risk-sun-2-2/
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Curcumin Tea
When the chilled wind hits you inside an auto and shivers your soul; you know winter is here. When you take literally an hour or more to recover from the cold exposure you got some time back after reaching your home; you know winter is here. When you do not enjoy the rain and instead feel chilly when a drop of water falls on your body; it is winter and the rain is winter rain. You genuinely start feeling that all the people around you and the weather leave no stone unturned to make you sick. You feel as a fighter each day trying to ward off all the germs present around you.
The season of cold and flu or to elaborate a little more; the season of cold, flu, asthma, bronchitis, pain, swelling is here. When the cold wind has already entered the environment, evaluate your fight-back strategies rather than cribbing about falling sick. The stronger your fight back strategies are; the survival of your healthy self in winter would be easier. Despite all the preparation from your side in winter; you may still end up being sick! Probably a weapon of safe-guard did not work appropriately. But that does not clearly mean that you cannot hasten recovery!
When you read this article; keep ticking your boxes green against whichever component you feel you are prepared with. For the components you are unprepared with; get your weapons ready.
Keep Your Vitamin D Intact! : Vitamin D can help your body to fight cold and cough infections. Vitamin D3 may cut your risk of upper respiratory tract infection to half. Therefore, stay under the sun in winter wherever and whenever you can. Also, do not leave your dairy products behind. Drink a glass of warm milk before going to sleep if you are not intolerant to milk.
You are Beautiful; Please Do Not Keep Touching Yourself!: You do not keep sterile surgical gloves a part of your wardrobe. There is no need. And unless and until your hands are surgically sterilised; keep them off your face. People who touch their eyes and nose occasionally are 41 percent more likely to suffer from frequent respiratory tract infections.
Don’t be Lethargic, Show Some Moves!: Dance your heart out or hit the gym. If there is any other physical activity that excites your day; just do it. The only thing prohibited is sitting back and sitting idle. Go and work out. Shed your calories and make your immune system happy. People who do 25 minutes of vigorous exercise daily are able to provide considerable immune response.
Nasal Breathing Exercises Should be Included!: Your nose acts as armour. The cilia or hair in your nasal cavities sweep away illness- causing germs like the broom would do to dirt. The rate at which cilia move is affected by the temperature outside. When your cilia are warmed up, they beat a little faster and when it is cold, they beat more slowly. To warm up your cilia, perform nasal breathing exercises like pranayam. You can also cover your face when you go out and breathe through it.
Forget the Booze!: Drinking alcohol can trigger a flood of cytokines, proteins that can induce fever and increase inflammation. More than five drinks in two hours are termed as binge drinking which is not at all healthy.
Do Not Keep the Water Bottle in the Cupboard!: I know the harshness of sun is no more there and it is not sucking water from your body but the cold drafts of wind are sufficient to rob your skin off moisture. Keep your bottle besides you the same way you kept it in summer. Keep sipping water from time to time.
Ditch Just Tea, Switch to Herbal Curcumin Tea!: The after effects of too much coffee and regular milk tea are lethargic. Also coffee and milk tea do not act on your immune system to the extent an herbal curcumin tea does. The turmeric tea which is enriched with curcumin and contains herbs like moringa, hibiscus, Tulsi, lemongrass, Ashwagandha, rose petals and black pepper which improve your immunity and provide strength to your immune system to fight the invading pathogens should be your ideal winter drink. This curcumin tea called Immune Boosting Tea provides a large number of benefits over a normal turmeric tea. It provides lot of vitamin C to your body which is an antioxidant and an immunity-enhancer. Immune Boosting Tea can be your true tea-time friend. Make it, smell it, relish it, and stay healthy.
Be-Friends With Turmeric, Ginger and Black Pepper!: As much as you can, add turmeric to milk and ginger and black pepper to your home-cooked food. Fresh ginger prevents respiratory viruses from attaching to cells of your body and also prevents their replication. This virus bug is sufficient enough to cause and aggravate pneumonia and bronchitis if it finds a suitable environment to flourish.
Wash Your Hands!: Wash your hands with good soap and water for at least 20 seconds. That is what it requires to get rid of viruses. So dry them with a clean towel immediately after washing. Wet hands are more likely to spread germs than the dry ones.
Don’t Smoke and Breathe Easier!: If you are living in Delhi or the areas surrounding; you actually had dangerous levels of smoke going inside your respiratory tract after Diwali. Another reason to make you smoke less! Smoking makes your body more likely to catch infections in winter. If you are a non-smoker; try to stay away from passive smoking.
Make Honey Your Sweetener!: A study had found that when colonies of Streptococcus pyogenes, the bug which causes strep throat are exposed to honey; the bacteria count literally falls down. Even microbes causing pneumonia stay away when you consume honey.
Eat a Curcumin Supplement!: Curcumin is an efficient anti microbial agent and effectively reduces the chances, severity and reoccurrence of infections. When you take a pure curcumin supplement in Immunoblast Capsules; you are more likely to pass winter without any sickness. Improve immunity. Lessen sickness. Pass winter with good health.
#tea#curcumin tea#turmeric tea#immune boosting tea#supplement#curcumin supplement#ayurvedic tea#ayurvedic#curcumin#turmeric
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Best Time to Visit Egypt [by a local]
If you’re wondering about the best time to visit Egypt, this guide is for you.
Whether you’re a history buff looking to explore Cairo, the pyramids and all the ancient temples Egypt has to offer, or do a once-in-a-lifetime Nile Cruise,
or prefer to go desert hiking (like Mount Moses) or scuba diving and snorkeling the Red Sea, I’ve listed the best times to travel to Egypt for every occasion and type of traveler.
I'm a solo female expat based in Egypt since 2016 and I've experienced all seasons as well as done all the major tourist attractions.
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I can really give you an authentic overview of the best seasons for each travel purpose, not like some other travel bloggers who only visited once for a week or two.
If you're still unsure whether you want to travel to Egypt or not, here are the Top 10 reasons that might convince you.
I've also linked to many of my other insider information blogs throughout this article to find out more about all the main destinations in Egypt.
What's the best time to visit Egypt
For Pyramid Visits, Scuba Divers, Nile Cruisers, and Desert Hikers
There is a reason the Ancient Egyptians worshipped the sun.
The southern city of Aswan is the third sunniest place on Earth, with over 3,863 hours of sunshine every year.
Egypt has an African desert climate with only two seasons. A strikingly hot summer blends into a mild chilly winter, with little spring or fall weather.
If you’re used to rainy, overcast days then you are in for a real surprise! Weather in Egypt is arid and dry, with little to no rainfall.
You’ll never need an umbrella, but if you’re visiting lots of outdoor historical sites you may want one to protect you from the sun ;)
Best Time to Visit Cairo and the Pyramids
The Pyramids of Egypt are the only Ancient Wonder of the world still standing in the modern era.
They are a must-see destination for world travelers, and if you choose to visit Egypt you cannot miss them.
The Pyramids are an outdoor-only attraction. You may think there are advantages to coming in the summer; maybe the kids are out of school or its your only vacation time.
As a resident of Egypt for a few years, I can say that you will be HOT and I don't recommend it!
Temperatures climb over 100° F (38°C) easily, so if you’re going to brave the summer heat make sure to take a large supply of water and stock up on sunscreen.
The best time to visit the Pyramids would ideally be from October throughout the winter until around April.
There are also amazing night time activities at the Pyramids, such as the Pyramids Light Show. October to April this show begins at 7pm, and May to September at 7:30pm.
If you go during the winter, make sure to bring a jacket as the temperatures can drop to 50° F (10°C), though the average temperature in the winter is about 59° F (15°C).
Cairo itself is a bustling city full of activities, with gardens and museums to discover.
If you’re planning a trip that will be mostly indoors, you can absolutely visit in the summer, as most places like this will have air conditioning.
If you plan on a garden tour, or want to visit local churches or mosques, I suggest coming in the cooler months.
Best Time to Do a Nile Cruise
It’s quite easy to book a Nile Cruise, which can take you from one end of Egypt to the other.
A cruise from Cairo all the way down to Aswan takes around two weeks though, which is why most ships just go up and down the Nile between Aswan and Luxor for 4-5 days, this is where all the main attractions are.
If you want to visit Aswan and Luxor, the site of many historical temples and tombs, it is an idyllic way to view these cultural treasures.
Some travel operators will even meet you at the Cairo Airport, where you will transfer to a smaller airplane and fly to Luxor.
You will spend your days seeing amazing locations, and your nights floating on the Nile (some afternoons you'll be cruising as well).
The ancient sites are numerous with temples, grand burial sites, and even a mummification museum.
Since most of the activities are outdoors, you’ll want to avoid doing a Nile Cruise during the summer months.
Aswan and Luxor are in the south of Egypt where the heat is even more intense, with summer temperatures reaching over 104° F (40°C).
There is little shade and most of the most interesting statues and sights are directly under the hot Egyptian sun.
The best time to take a Nile cruise is from November to March. I went in October and it was bearable, but I'm used to the sun.
Even if you go in the coldest of winters, the temperatures usually fall in the 70s F(20°C), which is perfect for roaming the “open-air museums”.
If you’re interested in swimming in the Nile, aim for fall. The water will still be warm enough to enjoy, but you won’t bake under the sun. It's not the cleanest river, though.
Best Time to Scuba Dive in Egypt’s Red Sea
Egypt’s Red Sea Coast has amazing beaches and resort towns which cater specifically to tourists who are looking to go scuba diving.
If you’re interested in marine life, like dolphins and sharks, the best time to visit the Red Sea of Egypt is June and July. Though it is very hot, you will have the best chance of seeing amazing aquatic animals.
If you want to spend time in the water as well as on land, you should visit Egypt between September and March when temperatures cool off.
The water temperature can vary a lot from season to season, as well. The water will not be as warm in winter, but April and May will see water temperatures around 22°C.
In Marsa Alam, the water can be mid-80s F (28°C) in the hottest part of the summer, but I think a fall visit to the beaches is perfect.
I’ve spent time at the beaches in all seasons, and the water is just fine for swimming through most of the year.
If you’re sensitive to the cold, you might want to put on a thin wetsuit in winter. For diving, you will definitely need one unless you go in July/August/September or are not getting cold easily...
Some of the best places to go scuba diving in Egypt are the following:
Sharm El-Sheikh is not only the best scuba diving destination in Egypt, but one of the best in the entire world. Marine life is buzzing and big creatures like sharks, dolphins and manta rays stop by frequently, especially in Summer. Check my scuba diving guide to Sharm El Sheikh for more information about the best dive sites etc. I also have a guide for snorkeling in Sharm.
Dahab is a paradise for most people, locals and expats alike, and has been my home since 2006. It's a mix of traditional Bedouins and foreigners living peacefully without any hotel- or restaurant chains, just a simple life by the beach with lots of street art and street dogs & cats. It is home to the world-famous Blue Hole, a dive site that every scuba diver should have experienced at least once. Here's my scuba diving guide to Dahab.
El Gouna is a gorgeous, European-standard town with surprisingly good diving opportunities just north of Hurghada. It’s a relatively new town, only about 30 years old, and custom-made for awesome vacations. It is clean and organized with prime restaurants, hotels, and dive centers. This is where Egypt's elite owns vacation homes and keeps their yachts - Egypt's St. Tropez. Here's my scuba diving guide to El Gouna - it shares many dive sites with Hurghada, I'm still working on the Hurghada diving guide. If your timing is good, you can also attend the El Gouna Film Festival which usually takes place in September.
My most popular scuba diving blogs:
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Scuba vacations are a great affordable adventure in Egypt!
If you’re not a scuba diver, there are also amazing snorkel and swimming opportunities. For more specific information check out my other articles linked above.
Best Time to Hike Mt. Moses and Visit the Sinai Desert
If you plan to visit Mount Moses and the Sinai Desert, be prepared.
While the city of Cairo has indoor activities that may provide you with Air Conditioned respite from the heat, the desert will give you no such luxuries.
You can also take the more direct route up the 3,750 rocky “Stairs of Repentance” to the monastery on the peak.
There are two paths to summit Mount Moses. You can climb a 2.5 hour winding trail, or hire camels for the journey.
Here are 8 Things You Need To Know Before Climbing Mount Sinai as well as my guide to St. Catherine, the monastery, and other hikes around the area where I give more details about the climate all-year round.
While the best time to visit Egypt’s mainland (Cairo, Luxor, Aswan…) would be the winter, remember that in the desert temperatures can drop almost 20° C from day to night.
I highly recommend that you take your climb up the peak of Mount Sinai in Spring, when the desert begins to bloom.
In winter, the temperatures can drop below 0°C with the possibility of snow on the mountains. For more information, I have a guide to Climbing Mount Sinai here.
For hikes other than summit climbing, and if you don’t intend to sleep in the desert, the winter is absolutely perfect as it doesn’t get so hot during the day.
High Season and Low Season in Egypt
As with all other destinations, Egypt obviously gets more crowded during the holiday seasons.
It mostly depends on the European school holidays, as most tourists who come to Egypt are from Europe due to the short distance (ca. 4-5 hour flights) and much better climate down here.
Don’t expect to see empty beach towns during these peak seasons for Easter, Summer, October, and Christmas.
As a final note, you should also check out when the Holy Month of Ramadan falls.
Ramadan is a month-long religious ‘holiday’. Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset, and most daytime activity is suspended.
Stores may be closed during the afternoon, and restaurants will be packed exactly at sundown for the fasting break.
The best time to visit Egypt will change depending on this holiday, as the beach towns along the Red Sea and North Coast will be filled with Egyptian tourists and hotels mostly booked long in advance.
Check out when exactly Ramadan will occur here, as the time of the year always changes. I have an article about navigating traveling to Muslim countries during Ramadan here.
So, what's the best time to travel to Egypt after all?
Overall, it is very hot in June, July, and August and quite cool in December, January, and February.
You’ll have the best time in Egypt when avoiding the oppressive heat of the summer months, unless you go snorkeling and diving only.
The spring will afford you the best in blooming flowers and wildlife.
The fall will give you cooler temperatures. October is my personal favorite month of the year in Egypt, as you can do anything from Nile cruising to beach bumming.
Anytime you choose to visit Egypt will give you amazing sites and sounds that only an ancient country can provide.
The people are welcoming and accepting of tourists, and I loved it so much I made it my home.
Post Source Here: Best Time to Visit Egypt [by a local]
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By Michael Lanza
Shop for a rain jacket for dayhiking, backpacking, or climbing in the backcountry and you’ll see shells for adults ranging from under $100 to over $600, and from less than half a pound to over a pound—with just as huge and confusing a range of opinions on them from reviewers and consumers. I’m going to make the choice easy for you.
I’ve tested dozens of rain shells while hiking through soaking rains all over the world over the past two decades, writing reviews for this blog and previously for Backpacker magazine; I’ve learned how to distinguish the mediocre from the excellent. Here are my picks for the five best rain jackets for backcountry adventures that you can buy today.
These top-performing shells range in price from $140 to $549, with great deals available right now on some of them (see the links below). I think you’ll find one of them is just right for your dayhikes, backpacking trips, and climbing and other outdoor adventures.
How do I choose a rain jacket for the backcountry? I follow four simple criteria:
• Don’t spend more than necessary for what you’re doing—i.e., your activity level (how much you sweat) and where you go (how much rain you’ll see). Think about how often you’ll actually wear that jacket.
• There’s no reason a three-season shell should weigh much more than a pound, period. And four of the five jackets reviewed here—none weighing more than a pound—can handle winter conditions.
• At a bare minimum, any waterproof-breathable shell, whatever the price, should fit you, shed steady rain, have a hood that keeps precipitation off your face, and breathe at least well enough that you’re not just as wet from perspiring in it as you would be not wearing it. Otherwise, you’re wasting your money.
• If you’re spending upwards of $300 or more, don’t settle for anything less than a jacket with great fit and exactly the performance and features you want.
See my “5 Pro Tips For Buying the Right Rain Jacket for the Backcountry.”
With those criteria in mind, I’ve put together this list of the five best jackets I’ve tested and reviewed at this blog, arranged by price. I think one of these five will be the right rain jacket for your dayhikes, backpacking or climbing trips, and other outdoor adventures. Please share with me your thoughts on and experiences with any of these, or another jacket you like, in the comments section at the bottom.
The 5 Best Rain Jackets For the Backcountry
The Flylow Rainbreaker
Flylow Rainbreaker
$140, 4.5 oz.
Possibly the lightest waterproof-breathable shell on the market today, the hooded Rainbreaker protected me through three hours of rain on a 27-mile, one-day traverse of Maine’s Mahoosuc Range in August; on a cool, windy morning camped at 5,000 feet in the Grand Canyon in May; and on chilly, windy spring days of climbing at Idaho’s City of Rocks and trail runs in Boise. Although some moisture accumulates inside when I’m sweating hard, it breathes well enough to never get uncomfortably clammy. While it lacks the technical hood and features of the jackets below, the affordable Rainbreaker delivers good performance for an ultralight shell, but only comes in men’s sizes.
Watch for my upcoming complete review of the Flylow Rainbreaker.
BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking this link to purchase a Flylow Rainbreaker at mountaingear.com.
Find your next adventure in your Inbox. Sign up for my FREE email newsletter now.
Outdoor Research Interstellar Jacket
Outdoor Research Interstellar Jacket
$299, 11 oz.
From backpacking nearly 100 miles across Glacier National Park, often in strong, cold wind, to backcountry skiing—uphill and down—for hours in falling snow without ever taking this jacket off, the Interstellar demonstrated a degree of breathability that’s possibly unmatched among today’s rain shells, as well as solid weather protection. Credit OR’s proprietary, three-layer, waterproof-breathable AscentShell fabric for how well it manages moisture. Supple and very packable, it sports the features you want in a serious rain shell, including a fully adjustable hood, good mobility, and three roomy, zippered pockets. Among the lightest technical rain jackets at 11 ounces, at a reasonable price, OR’s Interstellar Jacket offers exceptional value.
Read my complete review of the Outdoor Research Interstellar Jacket.
BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking any of these links to purchase a men’s or women’s Outdoor Research Interstellar Jacket at Moosejaw.com, outdoorresearch.com, or rei.com.
Hi, I’m Michael Lanza, creator of The Big Outside, which has made several top outdoors blog lists. Click here to sign up for my FREE email newsletter. Subscribe now to get full access to all of my blog’s stories. Click here to learn how I can help you plan your next trip. Please follow my adventures on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube.
Montane Ajax Jacket
Montane Ajax Jacket
$380, 16 oz.
Backcountry skiing in wind-driven snow and wind chills around zero Fahrenheit (wearing warm layers underneath it), and in sustained, wet falling snow, the Ajax Jacket me completely dry. Designed for extreme conditions in any season, especially cool to cold temps in the mountains—with tougher fabric than found in most shells, a Gore-Tex membrane, and a fully adjustable and very protective hood—the Ajax shines when the sun doesn’t for backpacking, mountaineering, backcountry skiing, or hut treks in mountains where you can face a full range of weather.
Read my complete review of the Montane Ajax Jacket.
BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking either of these links to purchase a men’s or a women’s Montane Ajax Jacket at campsaver.com.
Never get cold again (well, almost never). See my “5 Tips For Staying Warm and Dry While Hiking”
and “10 Smarter Ways to Think About Your Layering System.”
Arc’teryx Zeta LT Jacket
Arc’teryx Zeta LT Jacket
$425, 12 oz.
When you really need a high-performance rain shell for ultimate comfort and functionality in consistently wet and challenging conditions, the Zeta LT nails it, as it did for me in very wet weather from Idaho’s White Cloud Mountains to Yoho National Park in the Canadian Rockies. From its superior weather protection and breathability, to the new C-KNIT technology from Gore-Tex making the jacket more supple and quieter than traditional hard shells, this one’s a winner for hard-core hikers, backpackers, climbers, and others.
Read my complete review of the Arc’teryx Zeta LT Jacket.
BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking any of these links to purchase a men’s Arc’teryx Zeta LT Jacket at moosejaw.com, or a women’s Zeta LT Jacket at moosejaw.com, or the men’s or women’s at arcteryx.com.
For high-speed workouts in windy, damp weather, get a breathable, ultralight shell.
See my review of “The Best Ultralight Hiking and Backpacking Jackets.”
Patagonia Pluma Jacket.
Patagonia Pluma Jacket
$549, 14 oz.
Rain fell for two straight days as we trekked the Tour du Mont Blanc, while the temperature remained stuck in the 40s and 50s Fahrenheit. On the grinding ascent of nearly 3,000 feet to the Grand Col de Ferret at 8,323-foot (2537m), we hiked straight into a wind-driven tempest. Still, I stayed dry and comfortable in the Pluma. A legitimate, four-season shell made with Gore-Tex Pro fabric, it has it all: superior weather protection, good breathability and ventilation, and a fully adjustable, helmet-compatible hood, while still weighing in under a pound.
Read my complete review of the Patagonia Pluma Jacket.
BUY IT NOW You can support my work on this blog by clicking any of these links to purchase a men’s Patagonia Pluma Jacket at moosejaw.com or patagonia.com, or the women’s Patagonia Pluma Jacket at patagonia.com.
Want an expert, personalized gear makeover from the former lead gear reviewer for Backpacker magazine?
Email me at [email protected] and let’s talk.
See my “5 Pro Tips For Buying the Right Rain Jacket For the Backcountry,” and all of my reviews of rain jackets, my reviews of ultralight wind shells, water-resistant, lightweight jackets well suited to aerobic activities outdoors, and all of my reviews of outdoor apparel, backpacking gear, and hiking gear at The Big Outside.
Need a rain shell for a kid to use in the backcountry? See my review of the functional and well-priced Marmot Boy’s and Girl’s Precip Jacket.
Tell me what you think.
I spent a lot of time writing this story, so if you enjoyed it, please consider giving it a share using one of the buttons below, and leave a comment or question at the bottom of this story. I’d really appreciate it.
NOTE: I tested gear for Backpacker Magazine for 20 years. At The Big Outside, I review only what I consider the best outdoor gear and apparel. See categorized menus of all of my gear reviews at The Big Outside.
Did you find this review helpful? Get full access to ALL stories at The Big Outside. Subscribe now!
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How do Russians embrace cold?
You know what? They don’t. I’ve now been in Moscow in three winters, once visiting for two weeks, and two winters living here. All Russian offices, shopping centres and apartments I’ve been to are at somewhere between 24 C and 26 C (75 - 79 F), summer or winter. When you’re used to a standard temperature of 21 C (70 F) in other countries this is just awful. I’m from New Zealand, which is a much warmer country (in winter) than most of Russia. In Wellington the normal temperature in summer is low 20s C, and winter around 10 C (50 F). The difference is not big and we just get used to it. In NZ I’m commonly out walking around in a tshirt any time of year. In Moscow where it is a lot less humid and usually almost no wind I’m comfortable walking in a tshirt at much colder temperatures - even down to maybe -5 if it’s sunny. When you do that you get all kinds of stares. If I’m with a date she’ll be constantly telling me to put on my jacket, lest I get sick and die of all manner of illnesses. So far that has stubbornly failed to happen, despite me being in my mid 50s. Naturally when it’s actually cold … -10, -15, -20, -25 … I wear an appropriately large amount of clothing outdoors. And then when I go from -25 outside to +25 in a shopping centre what do I do? I take everything off as I walk in the door. Of course, you say. Well, the Russians don’t. You see huge numbers of them wandering around in +25 C shopping centres still wearing full-on furs half an hour after they’ve come inside. And definitely I seem to be the only person in Moscow who takes his heavy jacket and woolly hat off when in the metro (subway). Why do Russians subject themselves to a 50 degree C (90 degrees F) change in temperature without adjusting their clothing? I have no idea. The best hypothesis I can come up with is that their winter clothing is not in fact adequate to keep them warm outdoors, and they come inside feeling rather chilly and take half an hour to thaw. Link: https://www.quora.com/How-do-Russians-embrace-the-cold
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Warmers, often mis-understood and it still freaks me out when riders strip off tights or any thermal covering when the needle is below 15°c just because the sun is out and it's 12°c. Maybe it's a British thing. Why do Pro's not where knee/leg warmers when it's below 15°. Mainly it's down to two things, one bravado and secondly traditional warmers when wet are heavy and never dry out, cooling the muscles too much and having the reverse impact on muscles as the heat generated by the muscles spend most of the time trying to dry the fabric out, so impacting performance. Embrocation has mixed fans, and much of that is really generated from experience of poor products and what these are made from. Embrocation provides two jobs, a barrier against wind rain (the oils used bead off water, think DWR for your skin) and the second being heat normally generated from chilli. Yes, chillies you might use in a curry or a Mexican dish. Over the years there's been more research done to look for warming plants that aren't so evasive as capsicums and avoid a muscle version of a sugar crash that the capsicum bring. Winter Green and Rosemary are other options. Cycling is a very traditional sport at times, yet one that is capable of absorbing huge amounts of technology in hardware but has struggled to accept this in soft goods or body maintenance. New fabrics have transformed warmers with Cadtelli's Nanoflex and Sportful's NoRain leading the way in new tech. Both warmers feel like a standard brushed fabric but both have the added benefit of high water repellency. Due to the fact they are not waterproof means that they dry out quicker than traditional fabrics due to how they are woven, rather than being treated with a chemical process to achieve these results. Basically there's no negatives for wearing these as a Pro and certainly no negative as an enthusiast cyclist. You stop wasting energy trying to keep your body at the optimum temperature of 36.5-37.5°c and the blood can be used to generate more watts in regards to forward propulsion. The kneecap is particularly sensitive, along with the elbows as there's not much fat in these areas to work along with the synovial fluid that resides in the joints. In CX races Pros warm up first to make sure the muscles have generated the natural heat and protection, most of these warm ups are done wearing tights and thermal jackets. For roadies, what you often don't see if that for the first couple of hours in a race the Pros are wrapped up, and when we get to the coverage they've removed them for the last 50km of a race. In Britain we tend to rush stripping off at the first sign of a bit of sun. Wait until it's warmer, your body will thank you, but more in 20 years time as the slow damage can build up over years and as I'm presuming you'd like to ride the rest of your life you need to look after what you have now to guarantee a long riding future.
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A Local’s Guide to La Paz, Bolivia • The Blonde Abroad
Sarah Ketchum of Ketchusifyoucan is sharing her local’s guide to La Paz, Bolivia!
La Paz, Bolivia is a city that will take your breath away—both literally and figuratively! Sitting at 13,000 ft. (about 4,000 m) above sea level, La Paz is a city unlike any other.
This metropolis tucked between towering Andean peaks is the place that I was lucky to call home for two years, and I absolutely fell in love with it. When I first accepted the teaching job that took me to La Paz, I wasn’t sure what to expect.
I honestly hadn’t heard very much about Bolivia, and it wasn’t at the top of my travel wish list. I quickly realized that it should have been!
Outdoor adventures, mountain views, authentic culture, and delicious food await the traveler who ventures to this incredible Bolivian city in South America.
Here’s a local’s guide to exploring La Paz, Bolivia!
When to Visit
Bolivia has two main seasons: rainy and dry.
Most people want to visit during the dry season, which falls between May and October. Remember, since Bolivia is in the Southern Hemisphere, these are their winter months, so even though you are more likely to stay dry, you might be chilly.
During the coldest months of June and July, temperatures can drop below freezing in the city. If you want to visit during the warmer months, average temperatures in La Paz are still quite mild — you won’t see many days over 70°F (21°C).
If you visit between the months of November and April, be sure to pack a rain jacket and water-resistant shoes as rainstorms can blow in quite quickly and you could find yourself in a downpour.
For the best of both worlds, try to plan your visit sometime in the “in-between” seasons; September or October, April or May.
What to See and Do
Wandering the streets of downtown La Paz there’s much to see! From the elaborately dressed cholitas, to glimpses of snow-capped Mount Illimani overlooking the city, La Paz is a feast for the senses.
San Francisco Basilica
Holding both historical and religious significance, the facade is decorated with both Catholic elements and Bolivian flora and fauna, symbolizing the combination of Old and New World traditions that make up Bolivian culture.
To the left of the church, you can walk up and down Calle Sagarnaga where you’ll find plenty of restaurants, tour operators, and shops selling almost anything you could want to be made from alpaca wool or brightly colored aguayo fabric.
The San Francisco Basilica is one of La Paz’s most iconic landmarks.
The Best-Preserved Colonial-Era Street
Continue your wandering to Calle Jaén, the best-preserved colonial-era street in the city, to visit several museums and art galleries. Be sure to check out the work of Mamani Mamani, one of Bolivia’s most famous artists, and the Museo de Metales Preciosos which houses many Pre-Colombian, and Pre-Incan, metalworks.
Head to Plaza Murillo to get a look at the government buildings housed in La Paz, including the La Paz Cathedral, Palacio Quemado (residence of Bolivia’s president), and Legislative Palace with its backward turning clock.
Valle de la Luna
For the Adventure Seekers
For adventurous types, El Camino de la Muerte, or the Death Road, has got to be on the top of your list for must-do activities while in La Paz. Known as the “World’s Most Dangerous Road,” this cliff-hugging highway will take your breath away!
Many companies, including Gravity, offer mountain biking tours, taking you from mountainous La Paz down the Death Road to the jungle town of Coroico.
If you’re seeking a thrill, but not one for cycling, check out the Urban Rush Experience and rappel down a 17-story building right in the heart of the city! You can even wear a ridiculous costume while you do it so you can laugh your nerves away.
Up for a hike? Head to the Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) in the Mallasa neighborhood for a relatively short, easy walk among the strange spire-studded landscape.
For Sports Fans
If you’re a sports fan, catch a soccer game at the Hernando Siles Stadium. The Bolivian national team plays there, as do several local clubs. The El Clasico matches between two of the most popular local teams draw big, high energy crowds.
If you’re in town during a match, you’ll be sure to hear the roar of spectators even if you don’t grab a seat for yourself! Tickets are easy to obtain at the last minute from hawkers outside the stadium, and usually don’t cost more than 140 BOB ($20 USD).
Where to Stay
There are a variety of options for your stay in La Paz, from fancy hotels to budget-friendly hostels.
The Zona Sur
The Zona Sur (Southern Zone) is generally considered to be the safest area of the city, and it is also a place where you can find several luxury hotels. This area of the city also sits at the lowest altitude, so it can be a good place to stay if you are still adjusting.
The Casa Grande — the hotel is lovely, and you can often find rooms for under $150 USD. Even if you’re not staying at Casa Grande, you should definitely check out their all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet. The Casa Bar on the top floor is a fun, chic place to grab a drink.
Atix Hotel — another more luxurious option in the Zona Sur, and it is home to the Ona restaurant, an excellent dinner spot. The chefs pride themselves on creating unique dishes that showcase traditional Bolivian cuisine in new and exciting ways.
Sopocachi
Another popular neighborhood situated between the Zona Sur and city center is Sopocachi. Home to many trendy restaurants, Sopocachi is a great place to call “home” during your stay in La Paz.
The Stannum Boutique Hotel — located in Sopocachi, this is a trendy spot that offers spa services to help you relax after a day of exploring the city.
Heart of the City
If you want to stay in the heart of the city, close to many of the main tourist attractions and tour company offices, there are plenty of hostels near the Plaza San Francisco and Calle Sagarnaga.
The Adventure Brew Hostel — quite popular with young travelers looking for cheaper lodgings. It offers both dormitory-style or private room options.
Outside the City
If you prefer to spend your days exploring, but your evenings away from the hustle and bustle of a big city, Colibri Camping might be the perfect place for you. This eco-lodge is a more rustic, budget-friendly option.
It’s separated enough from the city for you to enjoy nature and relax, but close enough for you to easily see and do all you wish to while visiting La Paz.
Where and What to Eat
One Bolivian snack you must-try during your visit is a salteña. Like a chicken-pot-pie-to-go, salteñas are a delicious way to satisfy your hunger without missing a beat. Available in pollo (chicken), carne (beef), or vegetarian varieties, your trip to La Paz would be lacking without tasting a salteña.
There are plenty of salteñerias to choose from, but one of the most popular is Paceña la Salteña, which has several locations throughout the city.
Another snack you must-try during your time in Bolivia is a cuñape. These cheesy rolls are absolutely addicting! (And they’re made with yucca flour, so they’re gluten-free!) My favorite places to grab cuñapes were Café Epico in the Calacoto neighborhood and Los Qñapes in San Miguel.
If you visit Los Qñapes, be sure to pair your cheesy delights with their amazing hot chocolate!
For a cup of coffee, you can’t beat Café Typica. This adorable coffee shop was my go-to when I needed a quiet, cheerful place to grade papers. I was thrilled to see that it was named as the number one coffee shop in South America last year!
With two locations in La Paz, you should definitely stop in and grab a snack at Typica.
If you consider yourself a foodie, you have to plan a visit to Gustu. This gourmet restaurant was included on the list of Latin America’s Top 50 Restaurants in 2017, and for good reason.
The best way to experience all the flavors and creations that Gustu’s chefs have to offer is to order one of their rotating tasting menus. Add on the drink pairings, and you’re in for a culinary experience unlike any other! The best part is, you can enjoy a meal of this caliber for under $130 USD.
How to Get Around
La Paz can be quite an overwhelming city for foreigners with all its steep, winding streets. Luckily, there are plenty of options for public transportation that can get you where you need to go throughout the city.
Most forms of public transportation in La Paz are safe for tourists to use, even if you are traveling alone, due to the fact that you will be surrounded by lots of other commuters.
Be aware of your surroundings so your pocket doesn’t get picked, but don’t be overly worried. Embrace the Paceño public transportation with these tips!
The Teleféricos
One of the first things you’ll likely notice when you arrive in La Paz are the brightly colored cable cars crisscrossing the sky. These teleféricos not only provide efficient
public transportation, but also a fun way for visitors to see the city in its entirety.
Tickets can be purchased at any teleférico station, and the route maps are very easy to understand.
A one-way trip on one line only costs 3 BOB (less than $0.50 USD), and if you want to ride all the lines, you can save time and money by purchasing a rechargeable teleférico card.
If you’re prone to getting car sick, the teleférico is a much better option for getting around to avoid the stop-and-go traffic and hairpin curves that characterize La Paz’s streets. Even if you can handle a harrowing car ride, I still recommend riding the teleférico at least once during your time in La Paz as there really is no better way to get a bird’s eye view of the whole city.
Puma Katari
Another great option for getting around in La Paz is to use the Puma Katari buses. These buses cost 2 BOB per ride (less than $0.30 USD) and run along set routes with set bus stops.
Pumas are a great option for cheap transportation, and they allow you to easily plan out your route. The buses even offer free WiFi on board so you can use a maps app on your phone to be sure you hop on and off at the right stops.
A “Micro”
Micros, Minis, and Trufis
If you want a more local experience, hop on one of the micros (multi-colored school buses), minis (15 passenger minivans), or trufis (shared taxis).
These various forms of public transportation run along routes specified by the signs in the windows. As such, you will definitely need to know the neighborhood you are heading to so that you know which vehicle to flag down.
Rather than stopping at designated areas, these micros, minis, and trufis can be flagged down anywhere to hop on.
Simply wait by the side of the road and flag down the one going to the neighborhood you are headed toward. Similarly, you just need to use a phrase like “Aqui, por favor!” (Here, please.) or “En la esquina, por favor.” (At the corner, please.) to let the driver know that you want to get out.
Venturing through the city in one of these options can be an adventure in and of itself!
I definitely recommend using a map app on your phone if you are unfamiliar with La Paz so that you can better know which vehicles to flag down and where to tell the driver you want to get off.
Micros are the cheapest form of public transportation in La Paz, costing only 1 BOB ($0.15 USD) per ride. Minis cost 1-2 BOB depending on the distance you travel (for example, crossing from the Zona Sur neighborhoods to El Centro, or the city center neighborhoods, costs more). Trufis cost 2-3 BOB, again, depending on the distance you travel. Most people pay as they exit the vehicle.
Radio Taxis
The most expensive form of public transportation is using a taxi. Of course “most expensive” still generally means less than 20 BOB (less than $3.00 USD) depending on the distance. From the Zona Sur all the way up to the airport in El Alto, a decent rate for a taxi is 90 BOB (less than $14.00 USD), and most rides that you take will be far shorter than that.
Radio taxis are official taxis, meaning the drivers work for a taxi company and have radio contact with a dispatcher, making them a relatively safe option to use.
Sticker Taxis
In La Paz, you are sure to see many cars driving around with no other markings besides a sticker that says “Taxi” in the front window. These sticker taxis are not affiliated with any official company but are simply individuals using their personal vehicles to make some money.
Many of these sticker taxi drivers are honest, hard-working people who will get you where you need to go without a problem, and usually for a cheaper rate than a radio taxi.
There are, however, some sticker taxi drivers that are associated with more nefarious activities, such as kidnappings or worse. Since these taxis do not work for a company and therefore are not in radio contact with a dispatcher, there is no accountability for the passenger.
Please, especially if you are traveling alone, don’t risk a sticker taxi to save a few cents.
Dealing with the Altitude
One thing you may be worried about when planning your trip to one of the world’s highest cities is altitude sickness.
The number one thing you can do to combat altitude sickness is to drink tons of water! Staying hydrated is key. Even for someone who has lived in La Paz for a long time, headaches and other symptoms of mild altitude sickness can sneak up on you if you’re dehydrated.
Most locals will assure you that drinking a warm cup of coca tea will also help with the altitude. On the flip side of that, if you’re struggling with the altitude, avoid alcohol. You might be surprised how low your tolerance is this high above sea level!
Also, when planning your trip to La Paz, don’t schedule any big plans for the first day or two of your visit, just in case you need to spend some time adjusting and resting in or near your hotel room.
For me, usually, a nice long nap after I arrived at my apartment from the airport was all I needed to be ready to hit the ground running the next morning!
If La Paz, Bolivia wasn’t on your radar before, I hope you’ve been convinced that it should be!
There’s no place on earth like it, and I know that the people, culture, food, and rambunctious nature of this city in the sky will endear it to you as it did to me.
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Section 17 children”s act 1989
A mere 48mm (1. under is the typical weather in Cyprus in November including day-time maximum and night-time minimum temperatures, monthly rainfall figures and the average number of daily hours of sunshine & morning and sea temperature. under is the typical weather in Malta in November including day-time maximum and night-time minimum temperatures, monthly rainfall figures and the average number of daily hours of sunshine & morning and sea temperature. Holiday Weather – We find the money for temperature, day and night temperature, sunshine hours, rainfall and sea temperature averages for Paphos, Cyprus in November. Ayia Napa, Cyprus – November weather averages including high and low temperatures, humidity, rainfall, snowfall, daylight, sunshine, UV index, and sea temperature.
Sea temperature in Morocco in January: 16C, 61F Average rainfall in Morocco in January: 65mm, 2. 26 Jan 2018 After 13 years of visiting Morocco , and I dont point just gone or twice a I have been in Morocco in December, January and February many 8 May 2017 Rains appear between February and April and in the middle of September but rain is every relative in Morocco, which receives 40 mm of water per 3/ Weather Temperatures per month in Marrakech: Winter (December, January, 2 Jul 2019 upon the additional hand, distinct places in Morocco (namely the Sahara Desert) can be entirely chilly surrounded by not quite December and February, Average Weather in December in Marrakesh Morocco in Marrakesh typically range from 71F to 100F, even if on January 13, the coldest morning of the year, they Surf season: WINTER. In winter Cyprus is close the track of fairly frequent little depressions which annoyed the Mediterranean Sea from west to east along with the continental anticyclone of Eurasia and the generally low pressure co-conspirator of North Africa These depressions allow periods of nervous weather usually lasting for a day or appropriately and develop most of the annual precipitation, the average rainfall from December to February subconscious very nearly 60% of the average annual sum precipitation for the island as a whole, which is 500 millimeters (19.7in). The sea is incredibly hot at 28C, perfect for swimming or bobbing about, although there is tall heat and humidity, and totally high UV. Can anyone insist if the weather is warm in November – would I be able to sit upon a seashore and get a tan still acquire Larnaca, 03 typical November 2019 Weather including average and book temperatures from AccuWeather.
Check out this Blog that describes November in Cyprus Cyprus weather in November is mild autumn weather similar to quite many sunny days and daytime temperature in the middle of 20 and 30 C at the coastal areas of Paphos, Limassol, Larnaca and Ayia Napa. As the easternmost island of the Mediterranean Sea, Cyprus enjoys hot weather every year and an average of 340 days of sunshine. Cyprus Weather and Climate in November counsel about the weather for Cyprus in November: >> Current temperature and weather predict for Cyprus >> Climate table and weather in November for Cyprus >> Current water temperature for Cyprus 14-Day weather predict for Cyprus Weather in Paphos Paphos,Cyprus Weather In November, the weather in Paphos is generally sunny but there are a few cloudy or rainy days.
November is an excellent month to visit Paphos in Cyprus The weather is mildand subsequently exceeding seven hours of sunshine a day, you’ll have plenty of time to study the city’s astonishingarchaeological sites and renowned beaches. Cyprus: Average monthly temperatures and weather, sunny and cloudy days. Whereas during the Winter and Spring months most graphs and charts (including ours on the main weather page) consist of day-time tall temperatures, during June, July and August many Cyprus weather and temperature charts will produce an effect temperatures which are calculated by taking day-time highs, and night-time lows, and then splitting the difference upon the chilly side.
On the sum up you can expect serene to hot days and nights, subsequent to average day-time temperatures ranging with reference to 20 degrees, even though you’ll nevertheless dependence a blithe coat if you’re out during the evening. After the center of the month the climate very gradually starts to warm going on again, taking into account temperatures sometimes topping 20 during the day, and the average night-time temperature creeping above 10 degrees again. If you want to visit the cities of Cyprus, the Greco-Roman ruins as well as the Byzantine monasteries, the best periods are spring and autumn, and in particular, from mid-April to mid-May and from mid-October to mid-November, behind you can locate daytime temperatures regarding 20/25 C (68/77 F), taking into consideration chilly nights, sometimes a bit chilly in the plain of Nicosia; sometimes, however, it can rain.
The weather should yet be warm and sunny upon most days in this share of the island, in the manner of temperatures just under 30C during the daytime. Cyprus weather in November is smooth autumn weather once quite many sunny days and daytime temperature between 20 and 30 C at the coastal areas of Paphos, Limassol, Larnaca and Ayia Napa. Mauritius is a tropical island and October is at the stop of winter season following you will enjoy going on for 8 hours of sunshine per day, subjugate humidity and hot temperatures.
The best become old to visit Paphos is during April, May or October due to the temperatures inborn hot but affable to investigate the city in, while November has a similarly sociable temperature it is with the wettest month of the year by a huge margin for that reason you may desire to avoid travelling to Paphos then. North Cyprus holidays present a Mediterranean climate with crystal certain sea, warm teetotal summers, and smooth winters make it an ideal holiday destination for couples, families and single travellers. Cyprus actually has the warmest winters in the Mediterranean ration of the European Union, taking into consideration average temperatures of 22-23C during the day and 12-14C at night.
Daily low temperatures terminate by 6F , from 59F to 53F , rarely falling under 47F or higher than 64F Larnaca receives an average amount of rainfall of 40 mm during this month and there are 8 days later precipitation. The weather in Cyprus is many warm to warm taking into account higher than 300 days of sunshine and agreed tiny rain. Paphos, higher than upon the west coast of Cyprus, is a area that likes to blend things up. Summer is the get older where the harsh winter conditions can say you will a backseat to the warmer comforting weather.
Average Weather in November in Nicosia Cyprus Daily high temperatures terminate by 9F , from 75F to 66F , rarely falling under 59F or higher than 81F The Republic of Cyprus is ready to area the business of the illegal Turkish plans to occupy the ”ghost town’ of Varosha, close the descent According to the weekend weather report, North Cyprus is customary to be good over the adjacent days. 87 F E. along with our chosen destinations (see below), the average temperatures you’ll slant in November would be between 11. Offering fabulous weather all year round, Cyprus is an ideal destination for holidaymakers who prefer adaptableness past it comes to their travel grow old – as well as a country whose functional historical and cultural aspects will give support to to immerse you in astonishment throughout your entire trip. Cyprus weather averages and temperatures for November; Location Avg temp (C F)Max temp (C F)Min temp (C F)Rainfall (mm) Weather.
Com Larnaca November 2019 Weather 2019 – AccuWeather predict for 03 Temperatures continue to chilly off during December in Paphos during November, but similar to a strive for daytime maximum temperature of 19C and a intention overnight minimum of 10C, it is nevertheless somewhat upon the mild side. The weather in Benidorm in November is variable, ranging Cyprus epitomizes the wonderful weather of the region like sunny days and good temperatures regarding every day. Sea temperatures of 23 C in November are actually warmer than those in July and August, consequently the sea will setting warm at any time of day or night.
October in Paphos is a good month for those who want to enjoy the hot sunny weather and avoid the crowds of tourists the island attracts during the summer. In november there are 8 days of rainfall with a sum of 16 mm and the it will be temperate 22 days this month in Northern Cyprus. In october there are 8 days of rainfall behind a total of 23 mm and the it will be sober 23 days this month in Northern Cyprus.
Even at night time, the temperatures will be relatively tall because of the warm sea and ground, which have been infuriated by the sun during the previous six months. In november there are 8 days of rainfall in imitation of a sum of 16 mm and the it will be dry 22 days this month in Cyprus. In october there are 8 days of rainfall later than a total of 23 mm and the it will be teetotal 23 days this month in Cyprus.
Long Island 5 morning predict behind weather point providing morning and night summary including precipitation, tall and low temperatures presented in Fahrenheit and Celsius, impression conditions, rain chance, sunrise, sunset, wind chill, and wind keenness in the manner of direction. November seems to be the best month to visit if you want to enjoy the hot and sunny days without experiencing too much rainfall which dramatically increases in the in imitation of months. In november there are 4 days of rainfall taking into consideration a total of 9 mm and the it will be teetotal 26 days this month in Paphos.
In october there are 4 days of rainfall taking into consideration a sum of 11 mm and the it will be dry 27 days this month in Paphos. The best period to visit Paphos in Cyprus is from april until november, taking into account you will have a sociable or hot temperature and none till limited rainfall. For the month as a whole, the average rainfall conventional is virtually five days, and it’s as well as the time in the manner of the spring gales start, consequently it can get a tiny blustery sometimes, even similar to it’s sunny.
Paphos , Cyprus isstill hotand sunny in October and you’ll be able to enjoy hot weather whileavoiding the active party crowds of the summer. Paphos,Cyprusisstill hotand sunny in Octoberand you’ll be skilled to enjoy hot weather whileavoiding the breathing party crowds of the summer. Even at night times the temperatures will be relatively high because of the hot sea and ground, which have been irate by the sun during the previous six months.
As soon as the reference book reads March you begin to expect the summer season to begin to kick in. The weather gets warmer, the sun feels hotter and even the temperature of the sea begin to buildup again after resting as low as 16 degrees during February. The winter months of November, December, January, February and March are serene in Morocco, but nonetheless cooler especially in the evenings – in view of that pack a The best get older to visit Morocco for ideal weather are February 26th to June 24thorSeptember 17th to November 25th based upon average temperature and 8 hours of daylight eternal Morocco folder by Dec 12, 2019 & Save! Morocco Climate Graphs & Analysis of Average Temperatures, Rainfall, wet & chilly Days, Sunlight Hours, Windspeed & Humidity.
Holiday Weather – We manage to pay for temperature, day and night temperature, sunshine hours and rainfall averages for Marrakesh, Morocco in December. Month: average maximum temperatures in degrees Fahrenheit: average minimum temperatures in degrees Fahrenheit: average # of days / month of measurable precipitation Casablanca, Morocco January average sea temperature. Climate, Average Temperatures, Rainfall, wet & cool Days, Sunlight Hours, Windspeed & Humidity.
On sunny days the weather in November is nevertheless warm satisfactory to sunbathe on the beach and the water temperature is yet roughly speaking 22C, as it’s just dawn to cool down. November is considered the month like the seasons bend and the weather goes from summer warm to winter warm (still unconditionally warm for many of us visiting). October is the perfect times of year to go trekking in Nepal; it is the begin of the dry season, has hot daytime temperatures for good walking and clear skies to enjoy the best of the mountain views.
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Backpacking Ecuador – Everything I Know After Five Months of Travel
Ecuador was the first place I went backpacking in South America.
As I flew into Quito airport with no return ticket, I felt nervously excited about what the country held in store for me – but luckily, Ecuador more than fulfilled my expectations.
Over the course of six months I lived and worked in the springtime city of Cuenca, partied in Montañita, boarded boats in the Galapagos and ventured deep into the Amazon jungle. I slept in palm-thatch huts on the beach, bathed in sacred volcanic water, and caught my breath in a mountain village high up in the Andes.
Ecuador was the perfect country to begin my eighteen months of backpacking adventures around South America, and I’d recommend it without hesitation to anyone else. So here’s a rundown of the best places to visit in Ecuador – a collection of all my experiences during five months of travelling this underrated country.
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Quick links:
– Things to know about backpacking Ecuador –
Weather in Ecuador / Best time of year to visit Ecuador / Food in Ecuador / Safety in Ecuador / Travel insurance in Ecuador / Water sanitation in Ecuador / Speaking Spanish in Ecuador
– Travelling around Ecuador –
Transport in Ecuador / Bus routes in Ecuador / Hostels in Ecuador /
Entering & leaving Ecuador / Visas for Ecuador
– Where to go in Ecuador? –
Quito / Otavalo / Cuenca / Vilcabamba / Montañita / Guayaquil / Galapagos Islands / Baños / Tena / Misahualli / Salinas de Guaranda
Things to know about backpacking Ecuador
What’s the weather in Ecuador like?
As Ecuador is on the equator the temperature is similar all year round, but Ecuador is still somewhat seasonal: there’s a dry season from June to November, before moving into a rainy and humid season from December through to May.
Because part of the country is in the northern hemisphere and part is in the southern, this also means a pretty strong variation in climate. Ecuador is said to have four micro-climates:
– La Costa: the coastline is hot, humid and tropical, so expect sunbathing opportunities aplenty in Montañita, Salinas and Canoa.
– La Sierra: in the centre of the country is the cooler, high-altitude area of the Andes mountains. Expect warm days and chilly nights in cities like Quito, Loja, Cuenca and Baños.
– El Oriente: the Amazon rainforest and the low-lying land surrounding it has hot humid temperatures and regular (if light) rainfall in places like Tena, Misahualli and Puno.
– Galapagos Islands: You’d expect humidity, but the vast stretches of Pacific Ocean make the Galapagos Islands pleasantly cool! There’s very little rainfall and almost constant temperatures of 65-90���F/18-32’C.
When’s the best time of year to go backpacking in Ecuador?
Surprisingly enough, you might prefer to visit Ecuador’s beaches and coastline during the rainy season! Outside of this Dec-May period the weather can be muggy and overcast – but the rainy season actually means a short rainfall each afternoon, allowing for plenty of sunbathing.
Peak season for the Galapagos Islands is tied to school holidays: June through to September, and December/January will be heaving with crowds. Calmer seas and warmer temperatures are from December to May.
What’s traditional food in Ecuador like?
An introduction to Ecuadorian cuisine often starts with a scare tactic, as this is the country famed for serving up roasted guinea pig (known here as cuy). But there’s actually plenty of delicious food in Ecuador, with a particular focus on carb-rich dishes with potatoes, lentils and pasta, meat dishes like pork and chicken, and lots of fish on the coast – you just need to know what to ask for!
Cuy – fried or roasted guinea pig is considered a delicacy in Ecuador, and you’ll often see the creatures skewered over barbeques at markets. A whole cuy costs about $20 but you’re better off trying a quarter first, as it’s an acquired taste…! From my experience, there’s not much meat on a guinea pig, it tastes quite greasy and there’s a lot of little bones. Not my favourite Ecuadorian food, for sure.
Llapingachos – these small patties of grated potato, cheese and seasoning are mashed up and lightly fried. They’re an extremely popular street food snack.
Patacones – like most South American countries, Ecuador has a variant of sliced and fried green plantain. Learn to make patacones yourself if possible, as they taste the best when hot from the fryer.
Encebollado – this fish stew is most popular on the coast but is often regarded as Ecuador’s national dish. It’s usually made with tuna, and includes chunks of red cassava (a root veg) and pickled red onion rings, giving it a tangy flavour.
Hornado – slow roasted pork is a big thing in Ecuador, and there’s usually an entire upper floor dedicated to this dish in the market. For a few dollars you get a plate filled with the following: a hunk of pork, a helping of mote (corn kernels which have been boiled and peeled), as well as two or three llapingachos. Delicious!
Read more: Eating all the traditional food in Ecuador
Is backpacking Ecuador safe for solo travellers?
As long as you keep your wits around you, backpacking Ecuador isn’t particularly dangerous. However there’s a chance you’ll hear occasional reports of armed robbery: when I travelled across the border to Peru at night, we had to park the bus for hours to avoid a rumoured gang which was roaming on the Peruvian side. Quito also has a problem with mugging, particularly in the touristic centre, and during my months of living in Cuenca I had two friends who were robbed at the riverside by a man with a knife, and another guy had his bag stolen while he was asleep on the bus.
My advice? Keep your possessions close, practice common sense, and trust your gut. It’s also worth reconsidering your typical backpacker clothing, as those bright and baggy hippy trousers might mark you out as a gringo with foreign possessions worth mugging.
Read more: Forced to walk 100kms along the Ecuador-Peru border
Do I need travel insurance in Ecuador?
Yes, absolutely! You should have comprehensive travel insurance when backpacking Ecuador – or anywhere, for that matter. I usually use World Nomads as it’s designed for adventurous travellers.
Can I drink the water in Ecuador?
It’s not a good idea to drink the tap water anywhere in Ecuador – stick to bottled water instead, or make sure you sterilise it first by boiling or using a Steri-Pen.
Do I need to speak Spanish in Ecuador?
When I arrived in Ecuador I had beginner’s level Spanish, and I managed to get around fine – but I was living with a host family who spoke fantastic English and had a group of English friends who were better at Spanish than me, so I didn’t practice nearly enough!
I’d still recommend having some basic Spanish before backpacking Ecuador – it’s just common sense. Moreover, there are plenty of Spanish schools throughout the country for you to brush up your skills.
I spent 18 months learning Spanish in South America. Read my ‘Spanish Challenge’ series here!
Travelling around Ecuador
What kind of transport can I take in Ecuador?
Air travel
Ecuador has two international airports in Quito and Guayaquil, and it’s a popular country to begin your South American travels from. It’s pretty common for tourists to book internal flights in Ecuador, as the only way to reach the Galapagos Islands is via plane. Flights to the islands will depart from both Quito and Guayaquil but the latter coastal city is closer (and most flights from Quito will stop over in Guayaquil anyway!).
Bus travel
As one of the smallest countries in South America, backpacking Ecuador via bus is easy and you won’t spend full 24 hour stretches on board. There are bus stations in every major city and plenty of smaller towns: usually called ‘Terminal Terrestre’, this is where the long-distance buses will stop.
The general rule for bus fare in Ecuador is $1 per hour, but it’s always worth checking prices at a few different vendors before you buy a ticket.
Bus routes and ticket prices in Ecuador:
Quito to Otavalo: $2.50 for a 2 hour journey. Buses leave from Quito’s ‘Terminal Carcelen’ bus station.
Quito to Guayaquil: $8 for 8 hours.
Quito to Cuenca: $10 for 9.5 hours.
Cuenca to Vilcabamba: 6 hour bus to Loja then switch to a second local bus for 45 mins.
Cuenca to Guayaquil: $8 for 4 hours. Buses depart every hour and the route goes through Cajas National Park so you’ll have some good views.
Cuenca to Montañita: No direct bus route, but it’s possible via Guayaquil and takes about 9 hours.
Cuenca to Baños: $8 for an 8 hour journey. Buses leave three times daily.
Baños to Tena: $7 for 7 hours. Buses depart every few hours from the small bus terminal in the centre of town.
Tena to Misahualli: $1 for a 1 hour journey on a local bus.
Riobamba to Salinas de Guaranda: $1 for a 1.5 hour journey, then catch a local bus for the 45 min ride to Salinas de Guaranda (or hitchhike with the local farmers!)
Read more: A guide to dealing with bus travel in South America
Tips for bus travel in Ecuador:
– Buy your bus tickets at bus stations. Trying to decipher the online booking systems is nearly impossible and besides, you might get turned away with a blank stare unless you do it in person. Also this is the prime time to haggle and question the various company operators.
– Aim for daytime journeys. Although it’s possible to take buses at night to maximise your days of exploring, there are enough cautionary tales about accidents caused by drunk and overtired drivers to warrant a daytime journey – not to mention stories of nighttime muggings and bus hijackings. Plus on a long travel day it’s worth having the scenery to stare out at (unless, like me, you have a strong fear of heights when driving the winding mountain roads!)
– Watch out for pickpockets! Most South America mugging stories I heard seem to all happen in Ecuador, and I also had my own pickpocketing/mugging experience on a bus from Ecuador to Colombia. Put the bulk of your luggage in the hold under the bus but make sure it’s securely closed and don’t include any valuables in there. Keep these in a little pack which you keep on you at all times: don’t put it in the rack above your seat or on the floor beside your feet either.
Read more: The time I was mugged for my snacks on an Ecuador bus
Where should I stay in Ecuador?
Hostels in Ecuador are plentiful and their prices are reasonable – so it’s a popular choice for a backpacker. Googling for Ecuador hostels will undoubtedly provide a ton of results, so I’ve included a list of my favourites below.
If you’re looking for something a bit more upmarket, the Ecuador hotel scene is booming too. There’s also much to be said for Airbnb – sign up here and get £25 off your first booking!
Check Prices of Ecuador Hostels Here!
Hostels in Ecuador
Location Hostel Why stay here? Quito Hostal Revolucion Small, cosy hostel in the historical centre of Quito. Perks include a big kitchen, lots of showers and real pillows! Otavalo Market El Andariego A block away from Otavalo market, this hostel has an onsite restaurant, sun-soaked roof terrace, and lovely colourful furnishings. Cuenca AlterNative Hostel Bright, modern and relaxed hostel, close to Cuenca’s bars and restaurants and with great facilities. Vilcabamba Le Rendez-Vous Hostal Set in a beautiful garden yet only a few blocks from Vilcabamba’s central plaza, this serene hostel serves the best included breakfast I’ve ever had! Montañita My Little House Surf & Backpacker Hostel A small hostel close to the beach with the perfect combination of party vibes in a chilled out environment – plus a really friendly owner! Guayaquil Dreamkapture Hostel Great for an overnight stay before a Galapagos flight, as it’s close to the public bus station & the airport. There’s a kitchen, hot showers & lots of little hangout spots. Galapagos Islands Hostal Puerto Ayora Close to the water, this no-frills hostel is clean with hot water, relatively good wifi and a guest kitchen. Baños Erupcion Art Hotel & Hostel Dorms are decorated with local art, they host family dinners every week, and are really helpful with organising tours in the local area. Tena Hostal Pakay A lovely eco-friendly hostel set in two hectares of jungle gardens on the outskirts of Tena. Hammocks, dry toilets, and a delicious breakfast served up by the couple built the hostel. They’ll happily organise Amazon jungle tours here, too. Misahualli Albergue Español & Ceibo Lodge This jungle lodge is close to the Napo river with a delicious breakfast and friendly staff. Salinas de Guaranda La Minga Hostal A friendly little family-run place with a pizza oven downstairs and a balcony overlooking the main square. There’s no heating in the building so all the blankets on our bed were gratefully received!
How do I get in and out of Ecuador?
– Flights: As mentioned above, you can fly into Ecuador at the international airports in either Quito or Guayaquil. I arrived into Ecuador at Quito’s ‘Mariscal Sucre International Airport’ (UIO), one of the continent’s busiest airports, and also used Guayaquil’s ‘José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport’ (GYE) when I flew to the Galapagos – and if you’re planning to sleep at the latter before your own trip to the Galapagos, you should check out this article. Both airports are easy to navigate and open 24 hours with lots of cafes, restaurants, lounges, good wifi and amenities.
– Border crossings: Ecuador shares overland borders with Colombia to the north and Peru to the east and the south. I crossed these borders a number of times, and can say without a doubt that my overnight crossings were more dramatic and difficult than the daytime ones!
There are two crossings with each country, so four in total:
To/from Colombia: the most common crossing is from Tulcan in Ecuador to Ipiales in Colombia. Take a bus from Quito (approx 5 hours) to the actual crossing at Rumichaca bridge, then travel onwards from Ipiales to Pasto (2 hours) or Popayan (7 hours) in Colombia.
To/from Peru: the recommended crossing is from Huaquillas in Ecuador to Aguas Verdes in Peru – this takes you onwards to Mancora on the Peruvian coast. This article has more in-depth info.
What visa do I need for Ecuador?
Ecuador’s visa policy is extremely lenient, and most nationalities can obtain a 90 day visa on arrival in the country (check the countries exempt from this rule here).
Because I was volunteering in Ecuador through an organisation, I had to visit the Ecuadorian embassy in London to get an extended six month visa. When I arrived at Quito’s airport I was successfully stamped in, but later I had to head to the passport office in Guayaquil because they spelt my middle name wrong on the form…!
I’d recommend checking your country’s individual visa policy for Ecuador – it’s usually on their embassy website. .
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Where to go on your Ecuador backpacking adventure!
Get to grips with Ecuador’s capital of Quito
At an altitude of over 2,800 metres, Quito is one of the highest capital cities in the world – but that’s not the only special thing about this city. Quito is home to ‘El Mitad del Mundo’, the equator line marking the middle of the world and dividing the north and south hemispheres (hence where Ecuador gets its name).
Quito’s altitude makes exploring this city a somewhat breathless experience. It’s a busy and bustling place with plenty to keep you occupied, from stunning colonial architecture and dozens of museums to an energetic nightlife in the La Mariscal neighbourhood.
What to do in Quito, Ecuador
Visit the middle of the world at Mitad del Mundo. The first stop in Quito for many tourists is the monument and various activities at the equator line. It’s actually an hour away from the city centre but there’s lots to do here: experiment with balancing an egg on a nail (harder than it sounds!), watch water drain in two directions and take the obligatory photo of your feet on either side of the famous line. The Mitad del Mundo is definitely a tourist-focused destination but it’s fun nonetheless.
Explore Quito’s historic Old Town. The historical centre is filled with well-preserved colonial architecture dating back to the 16th century, making it a lovely area to wander through. You’ll also come across theatres, museums, galleries, cultural centers and many, many churches. Make sure to stop in Plaza Grande, the city’s main square, too: on Monday mornings there’s a 30 minute ‘changing of the guard’ ceremony complete with music and an appearance from the President!
Ride the Teleferico. Quito has the world’s second highest cable car (the highest is in La Paz, Bolivia) and it’s definitely worth the $8 ticket fee. You’ll rise almost 14,000 feet above sea level and have an uninterrupted view across the entire city towards the volcanos in the distance.
Visit La Virgen del Panecillo, the angel on the hill. This stone monument of the Madonna was built in 1973 by a Spanish artist and stands at 45 metres tall – although the wings make her look bigger. The angel is visible throughout Quito and is another good spot to look out across the city. There’s a staircase leading up to El Panecillo but numerous reports of muggings (not to mention the altitude!) indicate a taxi is a safer option.
Hang out in Plaza Foch. If you’re in Quito to party, spend some time in Plaza Foche: it’s right in the heart of La Mariscal district and is full of restaurants, bars, clubs and impromptu street parties. This part of Quito is as touristy as you’d expect but can still be a lot of fun!
Book Your Quito Hostel Here!
Read more: a Quito homestay with our adopted Ecuadorian grandparents
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Go shopping in Otavalo Market
The little town of Otavalo hosts the largest indigenous market in South America. Each weekend, the streets explode with stalls featuring clothes, artwork, jewellery, musical instruments and patterned blankets made by artisans from all over the country.
Otavalo market is only a few hours away from Quito so it’s easy to visit as a day trip, but there are also enough activities in the surrounding area to warrant spending a few days there too.
What to do in Otavalo, Ecuador
Get lost in the market. There’s a certain joy in losing your sense of direction amongst labyrinthine street stalls – and Otavalo is the perfect place to do it. You’ll befriend someone selling embroidered blankets, haggle furiously over a leather bag you suddenly need to have, and kit yourself out in the standard South America backpacker outfit of colourful pants and alpaca jumper. Remember to take cash, as this is an informal market and it’s unlikely that card payments will be accepted.
Ship your purchases home. If you end up with too many souvenirs, there’s a correo office on a side street close to the market where you can send packages back home. Just be aware that international shipping costs might exceed the amount you spent in the first place!
People-watch. Otavalo market is an excellent place to start appreciating the nuances of Ecuadorian culture. Although it’s a popular tourist haunt, hundreds of Quechua people also shop at the market, so you’ll see plenty of families, children and elderly couples in traditional outfits with long plaited hair. Listen out for the differences in Quechua dialect to Spanish too.
Living Otavalo Museum. Housed in what used to be a textile factory where people worked in conditions akin to slave labour, this museum has a series of exhibits explaining daily life in the region over the years as well as live weaving demonstrations. A visit here provides much-needed context for the history of this area for generations of local Ecuadorians.
Walk to the Peguche waterfall. Located in an indigenous reserve, this stunning waterfall is a 45 minute walk from the town – either along the railway track or via taxi if you’re short on time.
Visit the Otavalo Condor Park. Here you’ll find a number of predatory birds of different species including hawks, eagles and Andean condors. The birds have either been rescued or are recovering from injury, and the park is both a rehabilitation centre and an informative space for visitors to learn more about these birds – which culminates in a raptor display twice a day. The Condor Park closed on Monday and Tuesday, so plan ahead!
Find Your Otavalo Hostel Here!
Read more: Meet traditional witches at South America’s largest market
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Slow down in sunny Cuenca
With constant spring temperatures, bright sunshine (although you’ve got to carry an umbrella) and gorgeous colonial architecture, the White City of Cuenca is one of my favourite places to visit in South America. Then again, I’m biased – I lived with a host family here for five months while volunteering as an English teacher.
But don’t just take my word for it! Cuenca has repeatedly hit the top ten places to retire to (according to Forbes), so it’s become popular with American expats, volunteers and travellers alike. It’s a relaxed city with plenty to keep you occupied, and its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site makes it a beautiful place to wander aimlessly in too.
Read more: Coping with Cuenca’s curious weather
What to do in Cuenca, Ecuador
Visit Cuenca’s famous cathedral. Cuenca’s crowning glory is ‘La Catedral de la Inmaculada Concepcion de Cuenca’, a stunning cathedral which dates back to 1885 and features stained glass windows, an intricate altar and a famous crowned image of Virgin Mary. You can see the cathedral’s bright blue domes from all around the city – or climb up the steep spiral staircase for views across the rooftops.
People-watch in Parque Calderon. This central plaza is a perfect place to chill out: there’s street performers, children playing, elderly Ecuadorian men chatting on benches, and a generally wholesome and happy vibe. Another good spot for watching the world go by is at the flower market on Calle Sucre, just outside the cathedral.
Walk along the Rio Tomebamba. This river runs through the centre of Cuenca and has plenty of bridges and paved trails on each side. At one point the trail is flanked by the Barranco, a collection of beautiful buildings which appear to hang above the river.
Visit the Panama Hat Factory. It’s a little-known fact that Panama hats were actually invented in Ecuador – and the town of Chordeleg, close to Cuenca, is one of the main sources of Panama hat production. In Cuenca itself you can visit a factory which has made these hats since 1942, see life-size display models hard at work, and look at the tools used in hat-making.
See the view from Mirador de Turi. On a hill just outside the city sits a church with stunning views across Cuenca, and there’s a few touristy stalls and street food on offer up here too. Reach the mirador via a taxi or bus ride (the double-decker tour bus makes a stop here), or take the more challenging option of climbing a long flight of stairs.
Explore ancient ruins at Ingapirca. These Inca ruins are some of the largest in Ecuador (and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, too), but because they’re not too well known they aren’t overrun with tourists like in Peru’s Machu Picchu. Ingapirca is an easy day trip from Cuenca.
Spend the day in Cajas National Park. An hour away from Cuenca is a rich and varied landscape of forests, mountains, dozens of trails and over 700 lakes known as the Cajas National Park. It’s recommended to visit this huge park with a guide, as many of the trails aren’t well-marked and the cloud cover which descends each afternoon can make it hard to see.
Choose Your Cuenca Hostel Here!
Read more: Spending a hungover day with cowboys at the Cuenca rodeo
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Live the simple life in Vilcabamba
The beautiful little town of Vilcabamba wasn’t on the backpacking radar until the 1970s when the world heard that residents had extremely long lifespans (up to the age of 130!). People started flocking to ‘The Valley of Longevity’ and now it’s a popular place for expats and travellers alike.
We took a weekend trip from Cuenca down to Vilcabamba and spent our time riding horses, chilling in the main square and inadvertently trekking through the dark to crash an Ecuadorian wedding party in a marquee. As you do.
What to do in Vilcabamba, Ecuador
Go horse riding through the valley. Vilcabamba gives off the impression of a cowboy town: there are horses everywhere, either trotting through the streets or waiting patiently for their riders. We spent an afternoon ambling through the valley on horseback, and despite not being a confident rider I still really enjoyed myself!
Explore the scenery on foot. Vilcabamba is close to Podocarpus National Park, a unique area which serves as a meeting point for Ecuador’s four different micro-climates. There are plenty of hiking trails in the park (including one to Cascada El Palto waterfalls which has stunning views of the valley), but you can just as easily start walking on any dirt tracks leading out of Vilcabamba itself. For those keen on something more challenging, there’s a more difficult hike up Cerro Mandango, a nearby mountain.
Relax at a chilled-out hostel. Lie back in a hammock, soak up the Andean sun, and enjoy the peace and quiet at one of Vilcabamba’s best places to stay. I loved Le Rendez-Vous Hostal: the twisting paths through gorgeous walled gardens makes it feel like your own personal sanctuary, and they served up the best hostel breakfast I’ve ever had! Pancakes, anyone?
Hang out in town. One of the best aspects of Vilcabamba is that despite its popularity it still doesn’t feel overcrowded, and the locals (both foreign and Ecuadorian) are friendly and eager to chat. There are lots of cafes and bars, and you’ll spot the same faces congregating at the outdoor tables – an easy way to make friends!
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Catch some waves in Montañita
Once a destination mainly favoured by budget backpackers, this stretch of Ecuador’s coastline has grown increasingly popular thanks to its beaches and surf opportunities.
Local Ecuadorians flock to Montañita each weekend so there are lots of parties and a definite increase in crowds, but this little town still maintains a chill vibe during the week: yoga classes, little shacks selling smoothies, and massages advertised just steps away from the beach. We visited Montañita during Semana Santa (Easter), so it was more raucous than usual!
Read more: How to celebrate Easter in Montañita
What to do in Montañita, Ecuador
Learn to surf. The beaches in and around Montañita are well known for their good surf – either take classes at one of the surf schools, or rent a board for $4 an hour.
Take Spanish lessons. Wherever backpackers congregate, there’s bound to be a language school, and Montañita has a good selection of places to study Spanish.
Treat yourself! There are lots of health and wellness activities on offer in Montanita: choose from massages, yoga classes, dance studios, and reiki courses, and properly relax into the beachside life.
Take a boat to Isla de la Plata. This small island is just off the coast is part of Parque Nacional Machalilla and takes an hour to reach. Sometimes called ‘The Poor Man’s Galapagos’, it’s a budget-friendly alternative to the famous islands. On Isla de la Plata you’ll see marine birds like blue-footed boobies and albatrosses, go hiking across the island and snorkel amongst the rich marine life. You can also head here from Puerto Lopez.
Walk along Cocktail Alley. If you’re in Montañita for the party scene, this central strip is the place to spend your evening. There are stands cooking up street food, little pop-up cocktail stalls, and plenty of hawkers selling hair braids, handmade jewellery and crafts made from tagua, a type of ‘vegetable ivory’ carved from palm tree seeds.
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Catch a sea breeze in Guayaquil
Guayaquil is Ecuador’s most well known port town. Founded in 1500s to ward off pirates, it isn’t actually beside the sea – instead, it sits on the west bank of the Guaya River – but the city’s location provides a protected route to the Pacific Ocean 40 miles away.
Nowadays many visitors use Guayaquil primarily as a jumping off point for the Galapagos – but there’s a lot to see and do here. It’s a big city with beautiful parks and architecture, archeological and anthropological museums, shops and restaurants, and plenty of expats and students who call Guayaquil home.
[Image: VV Nincic]
What to do in Guayaquil, Ecuador
Walk along the Malecon Simon Bolivar. This boardwalk beside the river stretches for over a mile. Along the way you’ll pass shops, museums, galleries, manicured gardens, playgrounds, a planetarium and even a ferris wheel! Each evening, the Malecon becomes the place to be as the city’s inhabitants stroll, chat and generally hang out.
Climb the stairs to the Guayaquil lighthouse. At the summit of 440 steps, you’ll reach a 360′ viewpoint above Guayaquil with a blue and white striped lighthouse and a little chapel. There are vendors selling water, snacks and ice cream along the route, and it’s altogether a lovely spot to see the city from.
Explore the historic barrio of Las Penas. This is the original neighbourhood of Guayaquil, but the historical buildings have been rebuilt and painted in bright colours. Walking up to the lighthouse takes you through Las Penas but it’s worth spending some time here too!
Visit the Botanical Gardens. Ecuador has a huge variety of orchids, and there are plenty on display here (although they bloom at specific times throughout the year). This is a beautifully tranquil place to relax and soak up some nature.
Head to Parque Historico. This fascinating park explains Guayaquil’s history in three distinct areas: traditional, wildlife, and urban architecture. There are lots of examples of how Guayaquil used to look in the early 20th century, along with live theatrical performances and ten acres of natural habitat for fifty species of wildlife.
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Discover another world in the Galapagos Islands
When Charles Darwin visited the Galapagos Islands in 1835, his studies of the variations in bird species from island to island eventually led him to develop his infamous Theory of Evolution. People assume visiting the Galapagos all about seeing the wildlife – but the diverse scenery is fascinating too; dark volcanic rocks, white sand beaches, bright red lakes, tangled jungle, muggy swampland… the list goes on.
You might not think it’s possible to add the Galapagos to your backpacking Ecuador itinerary, but I beg to differ! I visited the Galapagos twice – once on a extreme budgeting trip (spending just $900 in six days), and a second time for a last-minute cruise. There’s so much to say about the Galapagos that writing a brief summary is difficult: luckily I’ve also written a budget guide to exploring the islands and a few articles about the day trips and three day cruise I took there.
Read more: How to travel the Galapagos Islands on a budget
What to do in the Galapagos, Ecuador
This volcanic archipelago has thirteen major islands and over a hundred smaller ones. The major islands have their own entry/exit points and limitations on the number of visitors – as over 220,000 people come to the Galapagos each year!
Some of the islands you might want to explore are as follows:
– Santa Cruz Island. This is where most budgeting backpackers base themselves, as the town of Puerto Ayora is the main touristic hub for the Galapagos. Here you can organise day trips and last minute cruises with dozens of tour operators, but the island itself has a lot to offer too: the Charles Darwin Research Station has a breeding program for giant tortoises, Tortuga Bay is a gorgeous spot for swimming, and the lava tunnels are a fascinating place to explore.
– San Cristobal Island. The easternmost island in the archipelago is famous for Leon Dormido, or ‘Kicker Rock’. This dramatic sheer-walled rock, rising 500 feet from the sea, is where hundreds of frigate birds and blue-footed boobies congregate – and where, beneath the water, schools of fish, sea turtles, manta rays and hammerhead sharks swim, making it a popular spot for snorkelling and diving. On the island itself there’s a hike to Cerro Tijeretas or ‘Frigate bird hill’ for spectacular views, and a white coral beach called Cerro Brujo where you can swim with sealions.
– Floreana Island. This is one of the few islands where locals make a living from farming. The sunken volcanic crater known as Devil’s Crown has great snorkelling, although currents can be rough here, and Cormorant Bay has the best flamingo lagoon in the archipelago. Floreana Island is also home to Post Office Bay, where 18th century sailors used to leave their letters in a barrel with the hope that a passing ship would be heading in the address’s direction.
– Española Island. The southernmost island has the highest rate of endemic species in the Galapagos; its home to thousands of waved albatross from April to December, and also the Galapagos hawk, tons of Blue footed boobies and the famous finches.
– Santiago Island. The fourth largest Galapagos island has sunbathing sea lions at the Puerto Egas beach, and marine iguanas feeding on green algae at low tide. Just off the coast is Sombrero Chino, a volcanic cone made from lava formations, which is home to a colony of sea lions.
Read more: What it’s like to take a last minute Galapagos cruise
How to see the Galapagos islands – day trips or a cruise?
I think most travellers assume that visiting the Galapagos means you have to take an expensive cruise, but you can actually see a fair amount of the archipelago via day tours alone. Bear in mind that cruises allow you to venture farther afield, letting you visit islands which day tours can’t reach.
If you’re hoping to see something specific (be it landscape or species) then a cruise is probably your best option. However, if you’re just after a general Galapagos experience then definitely consider single-day boat trips instead.
Meet the local wildlife. There are hundreds of different species that call the Galapagos home. Some of the favourites inculde marine iguanas, SallyLightfoot crabs, blue-footed boobies, Galapagos penguins (endemic to the islands) playful sea lions and schools of sharks.
Go snorkelling and scuba diving. The underwater world of the Galapagos is so plentiful that simply donning a snorkel and swimming in the shallows can be enough to see manta rays, huge turtles, sealions, sharks and a diverse array of fish. There are also specific places renowned for particular marine life: for instance, if you take a day trip past Leon Dormido (also known as Kicker Rock) you could encounter a school of sharks! If you go scuba diving you’re upping your chances of great viewing, although most of the Galapagos is suited to experienced divers.
Try hiking and biking. If you choose to stay on Santa Cruz then there’s plenty of opportunities for soft adventure sports: kayaking, biking, SUP, and hiking to name just a few.
Read more: Snorkelling with sharks and sealions in the Galapagos
How do I fly in and out of the Galapagos?
There are three airlines flying to the Galápagos Islands: Tame, Avianca and LAN. They all operate two two morning flights each day, departing from Quito via Guayaquil and landing at Isla Baltra Airport. From there, it’s an hour to the island’s main town of Puerto Ayora via public transport.
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Go adventuring in Baños de Agua Santa
Baños is most well-known for the famous natural hot springs it’s named after – but this little town is also Ecuador’s adventure capital. Over the course of a few days, you can set your heart racing with outdoor sports like abseiling, zip-lining, kayaking, bungee jumping, paragliding, cycling, hiking and more.
What to do in Baños, Ecuador
Soak at the public open-air thermal baths. Many Ecuadorians believe that the thermal waters of Baños have healing properties – but even if you don’t share that belief, there’s no denying how pleasant it is to soak in a pool heated by a volcano five miles away. The thermal baths are a popular place for people to hang out, chat and let their muscles unwind, and there are a few different thermal baths around the town with differing temperatures, rules, prices and states of cleanliness – check out this guide to find one you like.
Take a hike. There are lots of hiking routes ranging in difficulty in the valleys surrounding Baños. Ask in the tourist office in the centre of town for maps and directions.
Go abseiling down waterfalls. You’ll be fitted with a wetsuit, helmet, shoes and harness, then drive a little way out of town to various cliffs and waterfalls. Your guide will help coach you through the descent – and there might be some ziplining involved too!
Swing at La Casa de Arbol. Commonly known as ‘The Swing At The End Of The World’, this Instagram-famous spot will probably require a queue – but eventually you can swing out above the treetops for a truly unique view of the surrounding landscape. The treehouse this swing is attached to actually operates as a seismic monitoring station, so I’m guessing a bored scientist decided to build themselves a swing?! Just don’t forget to fasten the seatbelt (seriously!) first.
Buy some hand-stretched melcocha candy. The traditional sweet known as melcocha is sold all over Ecuador, but the one made in Baños is particularly famous. This thick, taffy-like sweet made from sugarcane is stretched out over a wooden hook by melcocheros, who hand-pull the melcocha until it hardens. It requires a fair amount of muscle which makes the process itself pretty cool to watch – head for the sweet shops opposite the bus station in the main square to see the melcocheros at work and to buy some for yourself!
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Explore the Amazon jungle in Tena
The Amazon jungle stretches across nine countries in South America and most people head for Brazil or Peru to explore it. However, Ecuador’s little slice of the rainforest is just as adventurous – and there aren’t so many tourists clamouring for a taste.
The city of Tena is Ecuador’s new up-and-coming adventure spot: either for heading into the jungle or kayaking and rafting on the nearby rivers.
What to do in Tena, Ecuador
Explore the Amazon jungle on foot. Wandering through the Amazon jungle with a local guide is an experience like no other. You’ll see the medicinal plants people have been using for centuries, learn about traditions and customs and gaze up at ancient trees, all the while pushing your way through dense vines – so don’t be surprised if your guide has a machete on hand to hack out a path.
Harvest jungle fruits. A great part of an Amazon jungle tour is meeting the people who farm and harvest foodstuffs like pineapples, yuca, and bananas. Try your hand at picking pineapples,make chocolate from freshly roasted cacao seeds, and learn how to carry a basket on your head while collecting yuca.
Go whitewater rafting, kayaking and tubing. Tena is world-famous for its whitewater rafting opportunities (The World Rafting Championships were even held here in 2005) and there’s lots of opportunities to go kayaking too. All these trips can be organised via tour operators in Tena city centre. If you don’t fancy a multi-day trip then there are afternoon trips – or just grab an inflated inner tube and go tubing!
Head deep into the Jumandi caves. This network of caves is where local Ecuadorians hid to escape the Spanish invaders in the 16th century. You’ll need a knowledgeable guide to explore the stalactites, underground streams and even an underground waterfall which are hidden inside.
Go for a night walk in the Amazon. The sights and sounds of the Amazon jungle change drastically at night. If you can, take a tour which offers a night walk: you’ll see spiders, frogs, moths and bats, hear the mating calls of cicadas and iguanas, and look up through the pitch black to a sky glittering with stars.
Stay at an eco-friendly hostel. One of my favourite hostels in the whole of Ecuador was Hostal Pakay — an eco-conscious place just outside Tena with expansive gardens, composting toilets, and really friendly owners (who helped us rid our dorm room of a tarantula by chasing it with a machete!)
Choose Your Tena Hostel Here!
Read more: Modern day life for the locals of the Amazon jungle
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Bargain with monkeys in Misahualli
This sleepy little town is the gateway to Ecuador’s Amazon jungle, and the perfect place to get an idea of what local life in the jungle is really like.
What to do in Misahualli, Ecuador
Meet the monkeys. The main plaza in Misahualli (also the town’s bus station) is filled with a troop of capuchin monkeys who swing from overhanging trees and steal phones, food and water bottles from unsuspecting passersby. Keep an eye out!
Visit the butterfly house. Run by a local man named Pepe, the Misahualli butterfly house is where dozens of local species develop from eggs to caterpillars and finally to full-grown butterflies. Pepe is really proud of his creation and conducts tours for a few dollars, explaining how he collects specimens and showing you his favourite butterflies.
Ride a canoe to the AmazoOnico Animal Rescue Centre. Along the Napo River is a volunteer-run animal centre which rehabilitates injured and rescued animals. I wasn’t particularly keen on some of the cages, but it’s clear that the volunteers care deeply about the animals here.
Go swimming in the river. Misahualli sits between two major rivers, the Rio Napo and the Rio Misahualli, and the riverbank looks suspiciously like a beach. It’s easy to spend an afternoon paddling in the shallows and diving from the rocks at the river’s widest point – the water can get pretty deep!
Choose Your Misahualli Hostel Here!
Read more: A guide to Misahualli, Ecuador’s gateway to the Amazon
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Learn about local enterprise in Salinas de Guaranda
Last on the list is the tiny village of Salinas de Guaranda in the Andes mountains – originally known for its salt mines but famous today for running hundreds of locally-run small businesses in a dozen different industries. In the 1970s an Italian missionary helped the locals to establish the first co-operative, and the idea quickly grew: now the village produces cured meats, cheese, chocolate, clothing, dried mushrooms, marmalade, footballs and much more.
I spent a few days in Salinas de Guaranda and adored this chilly, community-focused place. It’s all the more fascinating because of how few tourists there are – but despite their lack of tourism, locals are friendly, welcoming, and more than happy to show you around their intriguing home.
What to do in Salinas de Guaranda, Ecuador
Apart from touring the unique co-operatives, Salinas de Guaranda is a place you’d visit for a taste of the simple village life in Ecuador. It’s pretty isolated and the mountain climate means low clouds, afternoon rains and damp, chilly nights: spend your time walking the hills around the village, chatting to locals and not much else!
There are dozens of co-operatives in Salinas de Guaranda, but these are some of the ones I visited:
El Salinerito cheese factory – almost 90% of the population work at this factory on the hill just outside Salinas de Guaranda and the ‘El Salinerito’ cheese is now sold all over Ecuador.
Dolomiti, the sausage making cooperative – what looks like a typical delicatessen also has a downstairs room filled with rows of dried sausages hanging from the ceiling rafters.
The football-making factory – a one-room factory filled with rows of tables and cardboard boxes, where a group of workers make hundreds of footballs a week.
The essential oils factory – where natural oils are extracted from local plants like chamomile, mint and pine, then worked into products like soap, shampoo and massage oils.
The wool factory – one of the most toured places in Salinas, this is where factory workers spend the day sorting huge bales of wool before taking them to be spun and dyed.
Confites El Salinerito chocolate factory – here we drank hot chocolate, tried yoghurt made from soy beans, and tasted Swiss-inspired chocolate flavoured with the famous salt from the local mines.
Artesalinas knitting co-operative – this all-female knitting cooperative sell their alpaca jumpers and other woolen products both online and in a little storefront, piled high on tables. They’re a lovely group!
How to get to Salinas de Guaranda:
It’s a bit tricky to reach Salinas de Guaranda (not to be confused with the bigger city of Salinas, on the coast), which may explain why there are so few tourists. I started the journey from Riobamba and took a 1.5 hour bus to the nearby town of Guaranda, then hitchhiked in a local farmer’s truck for another hour to the village. I then discovered there’s actually a local bus making the latter route too!
Choose Your Salinas de Guaranda Hostel Here!
Read more: A community of co-operatives in the Ecuadorian mountains
I hope this backpacking Ecuador guide has been useful!
Let me know in the comments if you have any more ideas that I’ve missed, and pin the article to help others plan their Ecuador travels too!
The post Backpacking Ecuador – Everything I Know After Five Months of Travel appeared first on Flora The Explorer.
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Heading to Arrowhead? Here’s what you need to know for the Chiefs-Titans AFC title game
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The AFC Championship is set for Sunday at Arrowhead Stadium, and if you’re planning to head to the game, there are a few things you need to know.
The Kansas City Chiefs will take on the Tennessee Titans, who are coming off some major playoffs upsets against the New England Patriots and the Baltimore Ravens.
But the Chiefs just had a wild win, too. Last week, they came from a 24-0 deficit to beat the Houston Texans 51-31.
Back to this week though.
GAME DAY TIMELINE
Parking lot gates are set to open at 9 a.m., and if you want to celebrate in the Ford Tailgate District, it opens at 9:30 a.m.
It’s located in Lot M, outside of the Founder’s Plaza north of the stadium. The free tailgate area includes drink specials, food trucks, tailgating games and entertainment.
This Sunday, the tailgate district will be particularly crazy. The NFL on CBS will have a set there, and the 7-foot-tall bobblehead of Patrick Mahomes that’s been touring KC will also hang out. Perfect for a picture before the game.
Stadium gates are set to open at noon. Gates for ticket-holders in the Club Level open at 11:30 a.m.
Kickoff is scheduled for 2:05 p.m. and the Chiefs are reminding fans that once the game starts, tailgating in the parking lots is not allowed.
TRAFFIC CHANGES
But before you even get to the game, don’t forget about the major road construction at the I-435 and I-70 interchange.
MoDOT has created some special game day detours this season. Give yourself plenty of time to get to the game.
If you’re coming to the stadium from the north, on southbound I-435: Cut across 40 Highway to Blue Ridge Cutoff for gates 3 and 4. For gates 5 and 6, use westbound I-70 to Manchester Trafficway and then to Raytown Road/Stadium Drive.
Drivers coming to Arrowhead from other directions, such as northbound I-435 and I-70, won’t see any detours. But you should still expect heavy traffic as everyone piles in to the parking lots for game days.
Click here for more info about game day detours
PARKING 101
Single-game parking is $50 if you pre-pay. Parking at the gates will cost $60. It will cost $70 to park an RV or bus if you prepay or $100 at the gate.
Accessible parking is available in the front of Lots A, B, C, D, F, G, H and J and is available to guests with a registered state-issued license plate or hang tag.
Courtesy Carts are available for anyone who needs this service. Guests should visit one of the Courtesy Cart designated pick-up locations or call Chiefs Fan Experience at 816-920-4237.
Traffic will flow in a counter-clockwise direction. Gate entry and parking pass determines parking lot. Fans are encouraged to arrive at Arrowhead early and give yourself plenty of time to get to your seats so you don’t miss any of the action on the field.
Click here for more information about parking
GETTING THROUGH SECURITY
Arrowhead also implements a “clear bag policy” in an effort to get fans through security faster.
Guests are allowed to bring a small clutch purse, but other belongings must be placed in a one gallon Ziploc bag. The small clutch bags are not to exceed 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches.
Exceptions will be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection at either Tower Gate, Founder’s Plaza Gate or Spiral gates D and F.
Click here to learn more about the clear bag policy
Binoculars, blankets, banners and signs are all allowed. Bells and other noise makers though are not allowed inside the stadium. Professional cameras are also prohibited.
SUNDAY’S FORECAST
The weather is expected to be exceptionally chilly on Sunday, but fans will have a bright, sunny day at Arrowhead.
Those tailgating in the morning will likely see temperatures in the upper teens with wind chills down in the single digits. By kickoff, expect temperatures in the low 20s.
Click here for the latest forecast
MORE GAME DAY FUN
The first 50,000 fans to enter Arrowhead Stadium will get a commemorative 60th anniversary Chiefs Kingdom rally towel at the gate.
Actor and Kansas City native Paul Rudd will be pumping up the crowds before the game. He’s been selected as the game’s Spirit Leader up in the Drum Deck. Chiefs CEO Clark Hunt will join him to bang the drum!
A B-2 stealth bomber from Whiteman Air Force Base is set to flyover the stadium ahead of kickoff, another great reason for fans to be in their seats early.
As Retired Naval Petty Officer 1st Class General Wilson sings the national anthem, 250 Chiefs season ticket holders will hold an arrangement of stars and stripes on the playing surface.
Have more questions about game day? Click here to read Arrowhead’s A to Z guide
from FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports https://fox4kc.com/2020/01/17/heading-to-arrowhead-heres-what-you-need-to-know-for-the-chiefs-titans-afc-title-game/
from Kansas City Happenings https://kansascityhappenings.wordpress.com/2020/01/18/heading-to-arrowhead-heres-what-you-need-to-know-for-the-chiefs-titans-afc-title-game/
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Where to go in November: 8 destinations that will make you forget the grisaille
November finally announces the end of the sunny days. This time does not motivate you? Do you dream of beaches, palm trees and heat? It may be time to plan a small vacation. Here are the 8 destinations you should visit during November.
Lanzarote, land of volcanoes
Like most of the world, temperatures drop in November. And Lanzarote too ... 27 to 24 ° C on average, nothing to do with the drops of the Old Continent! The temperature of the water (around 20 ° C) allows even the least chilly to take a dip.
If you are still not warm enough, a hike in the volcanoes of the north-west of the island is required. Discover the lunar landscape gathering nearly a hundred peaks. The last eruption dates back 200 years, but volcanic activity continues underground. This phenomenon is also demonstrated during guided excursions: a branch can catch fire by merely being driven into the ground.
Agadir, Morocco differently
Morocco is more than sunbathing and souks. Looking for a new activity? Why not go surfing during a stay in Agadir? Do not panic if you take a wave. The average water is 22 ° C and the midday sun shines at 25 ° C.
Going to Agadir is also an opportunity to go on an adventure in the mountains by car rental and discover the wonderful landscapes of the Anti-Atlas. Stop at Tafraoute, a small town in the region surrounded by unique granite boulders. A weekly market is held every Wednesday. You can buy souvenirs and taste fresh fruits and vegetables from the area.
Split & Krka, the autumnal beauty of Croatian landscapes
Croatia is attracting more and more tourists. And for a good reason: its views are breath-taking. It is therefore in low season that you have to go there to enjoy this region without crossing masses of tourists. Okay, you will not be able to bathe and the temperatures will be far from being so hot (plan a little wool), but the atmosphere will be calmer there.
Stroll through the streets of Split and discover in peace the famous attractions of the city, such as Diocletian's Palace. About 80 km from the capital of Dalmatia is one of the most popular national parks in the country, Krka. Here you can discover the fantastic Skradin Falls and other waterfalls. The park is also home to monasteries, an archaeological site and more. All this with a touch of autumnal color.
Cyprus, the land of Aphrodite
The coast of Cyprus is like a work of art. At 24 ° C, the temperature of the water is still favorable for swimming in November. Opinions diverge as to the most beautiful beaches in the region but it is clear that Lady's Mile Beach (south of Larnaca) stands out. In search of loneliness? Go to the Akamas peninsula where you will not cross a cat for miles.
Autumn is the perfect season to discover the nature of the island. Go hiking in the Troodos Mountains. The region is also known for its heritage: do not miss to visit the painted churches listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. If all these explorations make you hungry and thirsty, stop by one of the old taverns, like the Berengaria Café whose terrace offers a splendid panorama. Too much wind to eat outside? Warm up near the fireplace. To get around easily during your stay, consider renting a car.
Dubai: sun and heat guaranteed
Going to the UAE is to be sure to have sun and heat, whatever the time of year. Dubai is the ideal destination for those looking for summer time. Just relax on Jumeirah Beach while temperatures peak at 31 ° C to feel like summer is back.
To cool off a bit, aside from taking a dip, enjoy the 22 ° C Dubai Mall with some shopping. In the evening, enjoy the sunset show overlooking the city from the Festival City area.
The Dominican Republic, lazing in November
Have a good time before taking your towel and relaxing under the shade of a palm tree. Then start the evening with good grills and a glass of rum. This is what the program of your next vacation might look like under the sun of the Dominican Republic.
For a little more action, take part in a buggy tour. Visit a plantation, ride on the beach of Macao Beach and cool off in an underground river. Be careful, do not be afraid to get dirty!
To explore the surroundings in complete freedom, the rental car remains the ideal solution.
Nairobi: Discovering Kenyan fauna and flora
Nairobi is a paradise for lovers of nature and animals. Kenya is home to some of the most beautiful animal sanctuaries, but that's not all. The Kenyan coast has a coral reef with wonderful reefs filled with colorful fish.
Visit the elephant babies at Sheldricks Elephant Orphanage. This private institution cares for orphaned elephants and rhinos, often because of poaching. The property, located in Nairobi National Park, is open to the public one hour per day. Nairobi National Park is the oldest reserve in the country. For those who watched the movie "Remember Africa": Karen Blixen's farm is nearby.
Hanoi: immerse yourself in the urban frenzy of Vietnam
November is one of the best months to visit the Vietnamese capital. Temperatures are mild to warm, and the precipitation rate is meagre. On the other hand, if you are looking for calm, pass your tour or stay outside the city. Hanoi is a city with a furious pace as evidenced by its old town and its 36 corporations. These were divided according to craft professions. Street copper, street money or silk street, they invite you to an afternoon shopping, but especially discovery.
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The Blue Lagoon Spa in Iceland
Everyone should experience the Blue Lagoon in Iceland, if only one time in their life. Today I’m going to go over my visit to this Geothermal Spa in Iceland and talk about how it was made, how to get there, and so much more. If you have questions about this iconic tourist attraction, I can guarantee they are answered in this tell-all review.
What is the Blue Lagoon in Reykjavik?
This is a spa in the country of Iceland that is open 365 days per year offering a one of a kind experience. The spa water is completely renewed every 48 hours and it’s full of minerals that benefit your skin, such as silica and sulfur.
It’s also important to know that it’s not located in Reykjavik. This is a very common belief that many people fail to grasp. I guess people think that since most of the Icelandic people reside there, that’s where location, but it’s not. It’s in Grindavik.
#Iceland sun poking through. #nofilter #travel #icelandtour #grindavik #allworld
A post shared by AllWorld.com (@allworldonline) on Feb 10, 2018 at 3:12am PST
The drive takes about 45 minutes. I used a tour company and had an amazing experience.
When you arrive, you’ll have a quick walk from the parking lot to the main building. This is where you will check in and get situated.
Make sure you book well in advance of your visit. If you plan on just “dropping in” you may find yourself “SOL.” (Sorry, out of luck.)
You heard it here first. It’s a very popular place and very well ran, so you won’t find yourself sliding a $20 to someone to get in. It’s very straight forward. Book ahead, and thank me later.
You have three options to choose from when you book your visit to the Blue Lagoon. All of them provide you access to the facility, so I’ll break down what you get with each option other than the obvious.
#1: Comfort
Silica Mud Mask
Use of Towel
1st Drink of your choice
2018 Price: 6990 ISK
#2: Premium
Silica Mud Mask
Use of Towel
1st Drink of your choice
Algae Mask
Use of Bathrobe
Slippers
Reservation at LAVA (optional)
Sparkling wine if dining at LAVA
2018 Price: 9990 ISK
#3: Luxury
Private Changing Rooms
Entrance to Blue Lagoon
Silica Mud Mask
Use of Towel
1st Drink of your choice
Algae Mask
Use of Bathrobe
Slippers
Reservation at LAVA (optional)
Sparkling wine if dining at LAVA
Spa Journey Product Set
2018 Price: 53,000 ISK
If you know me by now, you know I’m not really a budget traveler, and some would consider me boujee by nature. I don’t think I’m boujee, but I do subscribe to the #YOLO theory in life, and especially when it comes to travel. I never knew if I’d return to Iceland and be able to do this again, so I went all in and spoiled myself to an experience I’ll never forget. Of course, now that I did it, I’m clamoring to get back and do it all over!
That said, along with my girlfriend, we chose the Luxury package. We were just coming from a rigorous hike and felt it would be a great way to reward ourselves and relax.
The Luxury Package Experience in Detail
This luxury package did NOT disappoint! Once you are in the facility, you are led by a private escort to a room where you can comfortably change, leave your belongings locked, shower, relax, and clean up. Once the attendant showed us around this room, we were headed down a flight of stairs to a private entrance and relaxation room full with fireplace, food, beverages, tea, and all sorts of snacks. A personal bartender was available to us as well and everything was charged to a wristband that had a chip in it. The direct access to the lagoon was through a private door that started with a private pool allowing us to acclimate to the water temperature and make-up prior to joining the masses outside.
Once in the lagoon, it’s literally the world’s largest selfie party! Everyone has selfie sticks, camera phones, or digital camera’s to document the entire experience. It’s almost overwhelming how large the man-made pools are, as they seem to go on forever. It’s a lot to take in at first. Everything from the grotto, to the happening bar area, to the pop up spa offering the algae and silica mud masks.
I experienced all of it, recorded some videos, took many pics, and retreated to the lounge for a 15 minute break. We did this twice during our three hours, and it was unreal to have the ability to have a home base of sort. It sure beat having to put our items in a locker and change in a public changing area, that’s for sure. You will also notice that if you aren’t in the luxury package you have to run outside with your provided robe, hang it up, and enter the pool as fast as possible in order to avoid the chilly wind. I’m not saying it’s the worst experience in the world if you have to do it that way, but if you have the budget to upgrade, I strongly suggest you do it. I don’t regret it one bit.
Things to Take Into Consideration
You are required to shower. Pretty standard practice if you ask me. They do require that you do it naked, but there are stalls so you will get privacy.
Women especially are encouraged to use lots of the provided conditioner. Plan on your hair being beat up quite a bit due to the elements and try to avoid the water. Being a male, I totally didn’t care about this part.
Another cool thing is that you can visit on your way to or from the airport. So if you are flying out in the afternoon and don’t have morning plans, you can spend the free time here on your way to the airport, since it’s on the way.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Where is the Blue Lagoon Located?
Grindavik, which is between Reykjavik, and Keflavik.
Is the Blue Lagoon Man Made or Natural?
Many people ask “how was the Blue Lagoon Formed?
The spa is man made. It was made in 1976. While the surrounding land is entirely made of lava, and the land is natural, the heated water is made possible by the runoff from a nearby geothermal plant. While it’s not a “wonder of the world,” you’ll still be marveled at how they erected such a large hot spring of sort.
How much time can be spent here?
I booked a three hour stay, but you can certainly make a day out of it, especially if you invest in spa treatments.
How old do you have to be to get in?
Two years old. Up to 13 years old gets free admission.
How warm is the water?
The water temperature is 39°C / 102°F. There are areas of the water that are noticeably hotter than others.
When is the best time to Visit the Blue Lagoon in Iceland?
I visited during the Winter and hoped to see the Northern Lights. However, it was too stormy and we weren’t able to see them. While the experience was highly enjoyable, many people say that visiting in the Summer to see the “Midnight Moon” is very cool.
So that’s my down low on one of the coolest destinations you can visit in all of Europe. I’ll happily answer any questions or assist you however possible if you leave comments below.
Update April 2018: I’ll be visiting again in June of 2018! More content to come!
If you liked this Blue Lagoon review, make sure to check out my related Iceland content:
What is the Food Like in Iceland?
Guide to the Weather in Iceland by Month
The Famous Lebowski Bar
The post The Blue Lagoon Spa in Iceland appeared first on AllWorld.com.
source https://www.allworld.com/the-blue-lagoon-spa-in-iceland-review/
source https://allworldus.tumblr.com/post/173237605587
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The Blue Lagoon Spa in Iceland
Everyone should experience the Blue Lagoon in Iceland, if only one time in their life. Today I’m going to go over my visit to this Geothermal Spa in Iceland and talk about how it was made, how to get there, and so much more. If you have questions about this iconic tourist attraction, I can guarantee they are answered in this tell-all review.
What is the Blue Lagoon in Reykjavik?
This is a spa in the country of Iceland that is open 365 days per year offering a one of a kind experience. The spa water is completely renewed every 48 hours and it’s full of minerals that benefit your skin, such as silica and sulfur.
It’s also important to know that it’s not located in Reykjavik. This is a very common belief that many people fail to grasp. I guess people think that since most of the Icelandic people reside there, that’s where location, but it’s not. It’s in Grindavik.
#Iceland sun poking through. #nofilter #travel #icelandtour #grindavik #allworld
A post shared by AllWorld.com (@allworldonline) on Feb 10, 2018 at 3:12am PST
The drive takes about 45 minutes. I used a tour company and had an amazing experience.
When you arrive, you’ll have a quick walk from the parking lot to the main building. This is where you will check in and get situated.
Make sure you book well in advance of your visit. If you plan on just “dropping in” you may find yourself “SOL.” (Sorry, out of luck.)
You heard it here first. It’s a very popular place and very well ran, so you won’t find yourself sliding a $20 to someone to get in. It’s very straight forward. Book ahead, and thank me later.
You have three options to choose from when you book your visit to the Blue Lagoon. All of them provide you access to the facility, so I’ll break down what you get with each option other than the obvious.
#1: Comfort
Silica Mud Mask
Use of Towel
1st Drink of your choice
2018 Price: 6990 ISK
#2: Premium
Silica Mud Mask
Use of Towel
1st Drink of your choice
Algae Mask
Use of Bathrobe
Slippers
Reservation at LAVA (optional)
Sparkling wine if dining at LAVA
2018 Price: 9990 ISK
#3: Luxury
Private Changing Rooms
Entrance to Blue Lagoon
Silica Mud Mask
Use of Towel
1st Drink of your choice
Algae Mask
Use of Bathrobe
Slippers
Reservation at LAVA (optional)
Sparkling wine if dining at LAVA
Spa Journey Product Set
2018 Price: 53,000 ISK
If you know me by now, you know I’m not really a budget traveler, and some would consider me boujee by nature. I don’t think I’m boujee, but I do subscribe to the #YOLO theory in life, and especially when it comes to travel. I never knew if I’d return to Iceland and be able to do this again, so I went all in and spoiled myself to an experience I’ll never forget. Of course, now that I did it, I’m clamoring to get back and do it all over!
That said, along with my girlfriend, we chose the Luxury package. We were just coming from a rigorous hike and felt it would be a great way to reward ourselves and relax.
The Luxury Package Experience in Detail
This luxury package did NOT disappoint! Once you are in the facility, you are led by a private escort to a room where you can comfortably change, leave your belongings locked, shower, relax, and clean up. Once the attendant showed us around this room, we were headed down a flight of stairs to a private entrance and relaxation room full with fireplace, food, beverages, tea, and all sorts of snacks. A personal bartender was available to us as well and everything was charged to a wristband that had a chip in it. The direct access to the lagoon was through a private door that started with a private pool allowing us to acclimate to the water temperature and make-up prior to joining the masses outside.
Once in the lagoon, it’s literally the world’s largest selfie party! Everyone has selfie sticks, camera phones, or digital camera’s to document the entire experience. It’s almost overwhelming how large the man-made pools are, as they seem to go on forever. It’s a lot to take in at first. Everything from the grotto, to the happening bar area, to the pop up spa offering the algae and silica mud masks.
I experienced all of it, recorded some videos, took many pics, and retreated to the lounge for a 15 minute break. We did this twice during our three hours, and it was unreal to have the ability to have a home base of sort. It sure beat having to put our items in a locker and change in a public changing area, that’s for sure. You will also notice that if you aren’t in the luxury package you have to run outside with your provided robe, hang it up, and enter the pool as fast as possible in order to avoid the chilly wind. I’m not saying it’s the worst experience in the world if you have to do it that way, but if you have the budget to upgrade, I strongly suggest you do it. I don’t regret it one bit.
Things to Take Into Consideration
You are required to shower. Pretty standard practice if you ask me. They do require that you do it naked, but there are stalls so you will get privacy.
Women especially are encouraged to use lots of the provided conditioner. Plan on your hair being beat up quite a bit due to the elements and try to avoid the water. Being a male, I totally didn’t care about this part.
Another cool thing is that you can visit on your way to or from the airport. So if you are flying out in the afternoon and don’t have morning plans, you can spend the free time here on your way to the airport, since it’s on the way.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Where is the Blue Lagoon Located?
Grindavik, which is between Reykjavik, and Keflavik.
Is the Blue Lagoon Man Made or Natural?
Many people ask “how was the Blue Lagoon Formed?
The spa is man made. It was made in 1976. While the surrounding land is entirely made of lava, and the land is natural, the heated water is made possible by the runoff from a nearby geothermal plant. While it’s not a “wonder of the world,” you’ll still be marveled at how they erected such a large hot spring of sort.
How much time can be spent here?
I booked a three hour stay, but you can certainly make a day out of it, especially if you invest in spa treatments.
How old do you have to be to get in?
Two years old. Up to 13 years old gets free admission.
How warm is the water?
The water temperature is 39°C / 102°F. There are areas of the water that are noticeably hotter than others.
When is the best time to Visit the Blue Lagoon in Iceland?
I visited during the Winter and hoped to see the Northern Lights. However, it was too stormy and we weren’t able to see them. While the experience was highly enjoyable, many people say that visiting in the Summer to see the “Midnight Moon” is very cool.
So that’s my down low on one of the coolest destinations you can visit in all of Europe. I’ll happily answer any questions or assist you however possible if you leave comments below.
Update April 2018: I’ll be visiting again in June of 2018! More content to come!
If you liked this Blue Lagoon review, make sure to check out my related Iceland content:
What is the Food Like in Iceland?
Guide to the Weather in Iceland by Month
The Famous Lebowski Bar
The post The Blue Lagoon Spa in Iceland appeared first on AllWorld.com.
source https://www.allworld.com/the-blue-lagoon-spa-in-iceland-review/
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