Thursday 26 January 2017

MEXICO



Mexico is a country between the U.S. and Central America that's known for its Pacific and Gulf of Mexico beaches and its diverse landscape of mountains, deserts and jungles. Ancient ruins such as Teotihuacán and the Mayan city of Chichén Itzá are scattered throughout the country, as are Spanish colonial-era towns. In capital Mexico City, upscale shops, renowned museums and gourmet restaurants cater to modern life.Covering almost two million square kilometers (over 760,000 sq mi), Mexico is the sixth largest country in the Americas by total area and the 13th largest independent nation in the world. With an estimated population of over 120 million, it is the eleventh most populous country and the most populous Spanish-speaking country in the world while being the second most populous country in Latin America. Mexico is a federation comprising 31 states and a federal district that is also its capital and most populous city. Other metropolises include Guadalajara, Monterrey, Puebla, Toluca, Tijuana and León.




The Tropic of Cancer effectively divides the country into temperate and tropical zones. Land north of the twenty-fourth parallel experiences cooler temperatures during the winter months. South of the twenty-fourth parallel, temperatures are fairly constant year round and vary solely as a function of elevation. This gives Mexico one of the world's most diverse weather systems.Many large cities in Mexico are located in the Valley of Mexico or in adjacent valleys with altitudes generally above 2,000 m (6,562 ft). This gives them a year-round temperate climate with yearly temperature averages (from 16 to 18 °C or 60.8 to 64.4 °F) and cool nighttime temperatures throughout the year. Many parts of Mexico, particularly the north, have a dry climate with sporadic rainfall while parts of the tropical lowlands in the south average more than 2,000 mm (78.7 in) of annual precipitation. For example, many cities in the north like Monterrey, Hermosillo, and Mexicali experience temperatures of 40 °C (104 °F) or more in summer. In the Sonoran Desert temperatures reach 50 °C (122 °F) or more.




Long an escape for the gringos, still an interesting country to visit from Baha to the Yucatan, lots of places to explore and hang out.


TULUM


Tulum is a resort town on Mexico’s Caribbean coast, around 130 km south of Cancún. The 13th-century, walled Mayan archaeological site at Tulum National Park overlooks the sea. It incorporates the clifftop Castillo, built as a watchtower, and the Templo de las Pinturas, with a partially restored mural. Inland, the Cobá archaeological site has pyramid-shaped temples with views over the surrounding jungle. Tulum’s spectacular coastline – with all its confectioner-sugar sands, jade-green water and balmy breezes – makes it one of the top beaches in Mexico. Where else can you get all that and a dramatically situated Maya ruin? There’s also excellent cave and cavern diving, fun cenotes, and a variety of lodgings and restaurants to fit every budget.




Some may be put off by the fact that the town center, where the really cheap eats and sleeps are found, sits right on the highway, making the main drag feel more like a truck stop than a tropical paradise. But rest assured that if Tulum Pueblo isn't to your liking, you can always head to the coast and find that tranquil beachside bungalow. Exploring Tulum's surrounding areas pays big rewards: there's the massive Reserva de la Biosfera Sian Ka’an, the secluded fishing village of Punta Allen and the ruins of Cobá.


Arguably the most placid place on earth, Tulum is a magical combination of ancient ruins, fabulous coastlines and charming restaurants. It has everything going for it as a hippie hot spot ; its undiscovered, its got relaxed bistros and bars, and cute local markets that sell everything from dream catchers to local organic produce.


MARUATA


Maruata is a Nahuat indigenous town on the coast of Michoacán, Mexico. It's part of the Pomaro indigenous community; an isolated, autonomous group of towns that banded together following the genocidal "motines" era of the 16th century. Pomaro and the nearby indigenous communities of Coire and Ostula still hold communal titles to their lands. They have so far rejected outside offers to create large-scale tourist developments in their territory. Maruata still retains much of its rustic character, as it slowly develops into a locally run Eco-tourism center.With clear turquoise waters and golden sandy beaches, Playa Maruata (Turnoff Hwy 200-Km 150) is the most beautiful beach in Michoacán. The Nahua fishing village has a bit of a hippie reputation, attracting beach bums from all over. It’s a tranquil, friendly place to hang out with your sweetie or a large stack of paperbacks. It’s also a prime nesting site for green turtles (nightly from July to December).




This is a rural zone lacking the amenities of more developed areas. Infrastructure is minimal, services mostly unavailable. There is a new IMSS hospital here, as well as a medic at the small marine base on the beach east of town. A small naval station is currently being built here. The nahuat communities of the coast have had their own police force for many years- the federals auxiliaries. Federal police regularly patrol through here and army troops sometimes pass through with heavy equipment. Occasionally agents of the PGR will touch down here in their helicopters. Maruata is a traditional community rapidly transitioning into the modern world. The highway arrived here in 1980, electricity in 1996. Rapid change has brought various problems, including sewage, contamination and crime. Alcoholism and drug abuse are fairly common, as in most of north america. Burglary is a real concern if you are camping here. Money, passports and valuable electronic items should never be left unattended. A money belt and a small day pack are useful here. Food should never be left in tents. Free range pigs have destroyed many tents here, in their insatiable quest for food. Hang food bags from the ceiling of the camping Ramada.




On the coast of Michoacan, Maruata has been a mecca for some time now. The big Parties are Christmas and Easter. No hotels, only camping. Lots of drums and other music. The locals are Nahuatl Indians, and extremely friendly. Best beach on the West Coast of Mexico. Good herb for around five dollars an ounce, plus the occasional peyote surprise. Please bring sheets of blotter acid, there's always a terrible shortage. Things are a bit weird since the gathering of '95-'96 but there's always room for a few more freaks.


GUADALAJARA


Guadalajara is a city in western Mexico. It’s known for tequila and mariachi music, both born in Jalisco, the state of which Guadalajara is the capital. Guadalajara’s historic center is dotted with colonial plazas and landmarks such as the neoclassical Teatro Degollado and a cathedral with twin gold spires. The Palacio del Gobierno houses famous murals by painter José Clemente Orozco.




If you’re intimidated by the size and intensity of Mexico City, Guadalajara delivers a less frenetic alternative. Many of the cliched images recognized as Mexican have roots here: mariachi music, wide-brimmed sombreros, the Mexican hat dance and charreadas (rodeos). But, Guadalajara is as much a vanguard of the new Mexico as it is a guardian of the old. Chapultepec hipsters drive the cultural life forward, fusion chefs have sharpened the edges of an already legendary culinary scene (famed for its tender stews and ‘drowned’ sandwiches), while foresighted local planners are doing their damnedest to tackle the traffic and congestion (a bike-sharing scheme is the latest wild card).
With over four million inhabitants in its broader metro area, Guadalajara can’t match the intimacy and architectural homogeneity of smaller colonial cities, though its historic core is handsome enough, anchored by the twin wonders of the cathedral and the Instituto Cultural de Cabañas, the latter a UNESCO World Heritage site. Modern and spread-out, the Chapultepec neighborhood is sprinkled with fashionable restaurants, coffeehouses and nightclubs. Mellow suburbs Tlaquepaque (upscale) and Tonalá (grassroots) are a folk-art shopper’s dream destinations. Zapopan has some interesting colonial sites and is known somewhat euphemistically as Guadalajara’s Beverly Hills.




The inland city of Guadalajara is bursting with history and culture. Many attractions are in the city's historic center and in the neighboring city of Zapopan. Museums, parks and churches flourish alongside bullfights, rodeos and ‘football’. Nearby are the towns of Tequila, where the drink of the same name is produced, and Tlaquepaque and Tonala, where Mexican artisans create an abundance of craft items. Mariachi, which originated in the area, is a common sight and sound in Guadalajara.


PALENQUE


Palenque, also anciently known as Lakamha, was a Maya city state in southern Mexico that flourished in the 7th century. The Palenque ruins date from ca. 226 BC to ca. AD 799.After its decline, it was absorbed into the jungle of cedar, mahogany, and sapodilla trees, but has since been excavated and restored and is now a famous archaeological site attracting thousands of visitors. It is located near the Usumacinta River in the Mexican state of Chiapas, about 130 km (81 mi) south of Ciudad del Carmen,150 m (164 yd) above sea level. It averages a humid 26°C (79°F) with roughly 2160 mm (85 in) of rain a year




Deservedly one of the top destinations of Chiapas, the soaring jungle-swathed temples of Palenque are a national treasure and one of the best examples of Mayan architecture in Mexico. Modern Palenque town, a few kilometers to the east, is a sweaty, humdrum place without much appeal except as a jumping-off point for the ruins and a place to find internet access. Many prefer to base themselves at one of the forest hideouts along the road between the town and the ruins, including the funky travelers’ hangout of El Panchán. Where the mushrooms are grown! Small town full of all kinds of people, about half are hippy foreigners that come to escape froth rush and live amongst others who 
share their lifestyle.




Palenque in particular draws a good crowd of hippies who take a break from the cute beach town of Tulum to head to the rain forest jungles, get bitten by mozzies and trip out on strong grass and magic mushrooms.




See You Soon...On Another Famous Hippie Location
Until Then...NAMASTE...

#Trotterhipp






Sunday 22 January 2017

Oblivion_-_Nordland [LasTSwastiK Mix]

GUATEMALA


Guatemala, a Central American country south of Mexico, is home to volcanoes, rain forests and ancient Mayan sites. The capital, Guatemala City, features the stately National Palace of Culture and the National Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology. Antigua, west of the capital, contains preserved Spanish colonial buildings. Lake Atitlán, formed in a massive volcanic crater, is surrounded by coffee fields and villages. Officially the Republic of Guatemala (Spanish: República de Guatemala), is a country in Central America bordered by Mexico to the north and west, the Pacific Ocean to the southwest, Belize to the northeast, the Caribbean to the east, Honduras to the east and El Salvador to the southeast. With an estimated population of around 15.8 million, it is the most populous state in Central America. A representative democracy, Guatemala's capital and largest city is Nueva Guatemala de la Asunción, also known as Guatemala City.




The territory of modern Guatemala once formed the core of the Maya civilization, which extended across Mesoamerica. Most of the country was conquered by the Spanish in the 16th century, becoming part of the vice royalty of New Spain. Guatemala attained independence in 1821 as part of the Federal Republic of Central America, which dissolved in 1841. Lots of hippies live in communities here. Mayans are very cool people, but check with the State Department for warnings, as occasionally there is political violence in certain areas.




TIKAL

Tikal is an ancient Mayan citadel in the rain forests of Northern Guatemala. Possibly dating to the 1st century A.D., Tikal flourished between 200 and 850 A.D. and was later abandoned. Its iconic ruins include the giant, ceremonial Lost World Pyramid and the Temple of the Grand Jaguar. At 70 meters, Temple IV is the tallest Pre-Colombian structure in the Americas and offers sweeping views. Tikal was the capital of a conquest state that became one of the most powerful kingdoms of the ancient Maya. Though monumental architecture at the site dates back as far as the 4th century BC, Tikal reached its apogee during the Classic Period, c. 200 to 900 AD. During this time, the city dominated much of the Maya region politically, economically, and militarily, while interacting with areas throughout Mesoamerica such as the great metropolis of Teotihuacan in the distant Valley of Mexico. There is evidence that Tikal was conquered by Teotihuacan in the 4th century AD. Following the end of the Late Classic Period, no new major monuments were built at Tikal and there is evidence that elite palaces were burned. These events were coupled with a gradual population decline, culminating with the site’s abandonment by the end of the 10th century.




A very important hippy ancient Mayan site. Stay on the island when in Flores. The town is a bit rough. Tikal is beautiful, make sure you go out into the jungles where you can see so many monkeys! The grass is top quality there too. But sometimes climbing those pyramids can be a bit of a scary experience, especially when remembering that they were built extra steep just so when you were thrown down the steps you weren't going to stop till you hit the bottom!

ANTIGUA

Antigua is a small city surrounded by volcanoes in southern Guatemala. It’s renowned for its Spanish colonial buildings, many of them restored following a 1773 earthquake that ended Antigua’s 200-year reign as Guatemala’s colonial capital. Notable architectural examples include baroque La Merced, a squat, yellow-and-white church. It’s an integral part of the city’s famous Semana Santa, a holy week with parades and rituals.Set in a spectacular valley of three looming volcanoes (one of which, Fuego, releases puffs of smoke daily), Antigua is one of the best-preserved colonial towns in Central America. Without a doubt it’s an absolute must on any Guatemala itinerary and, being only an hour from the airport in Guatemala City, it’s a perfect first stop for visitors to acclimatize to Guatemalan life.




Antigua’s magnificent one-storey pastel-collared houses could be something straight out of a Van Gough painting and are beautiful to behold. Its grid plan streets with the Parque Central at its heart make Antigua one of the easiest towns in Guatemala to explore on foot. The city’s old colonial ruins, shook to pieces by the San Marta earthquakes in 1773, act as reminder that Antigua was once held to be the capital not only of Guatemala, but of Central America as a whole.Despite of its relatively small size, Antigua has much more to offer visitors than cobble-stone streets and pretty colonial buildings with yards filled with flowers and fountains. The city also has a buzzing restaurant and bar scene where locals, travelers and ex-pats alike meet to speak ‘Spanglish’ and enjoy authentically prepared international food from Indian and Thai to French (including fondue), American bagels and German bread. While Antigua might be your first stop in Guatemala, it’s also a great place to rest and relax after time on the road as the range of budget hotels and hostels in Antigua is by far the best in the country. Careful, though, as many of the permanent ex-pats were also once just visitors, until Antigua slowly became home!



LAKE ATITLAN

Lake Atitlan, famously described by Aldous Huxley as ‘the most beautiful lake in the world’, should be on the list of every visitor to Guatemala. Formed when the lid of a volcano was blown off during an explosion, Lake Atitlan is located in the scenic Highlands of Guatemala and, like Antigua, sits neatly nestled between three volcanoes. These three can be climbed, as can Indian’s Nose mountain.




For less steep hikes, try walking between the dozen little villages spread out along the shores of Atitlan. The three most popular villages for tourists each have a distinct feel: San Pedro tends to be for backpackers looking to have a good time, with plenty of restaurants, bars, and ways to relax including saunas, heated pools and swimming pools. Nearby San Marcos is known to target those in the market for meditation and yoga retreats, and many of the small village’s restaurants cater to a vegan/vegetarian diet. Panajachel acts as the ‘big city’, despite having a population of only 11000, as it’s where most travelers first arrive when visiting the area. It has the most hotels, restaurants, bars, and the streets are lined with typical Guatemalan trinkets and handicrafts. Boats leave from ‘Pana’ to most of the other villages around the lake, including those that most tourists never see.Despite rising tourism, Lake Atitlan is still home to a massive Maya population who go about their traditional daily lives, alongside selling handicrafts. Catch a glimpse of the ladies making tortillas and weaving the traditional costumes or washing clothes in the lake. While the men carry wood on their backs strapped to their heads, pick coffee and sell their produce at local village markets.




FLORES

With its red-roofed houses painted all the colors of the rainbow and the bright white church on top of the hill, Flores is one of the most beautiful towns in all of Guatemala, especially when seen from a boat out on the lake. Dine at one of the restaurants on the shore and witness the spectacular sunrises and sunsets over the lake every single day. A well-constructed promenade surrounding the island town is inviting for long strolls along the water, and the various piers are perfect for sunbathing or jumping off for a swim in the lake.




Often connected to a trip to Tikal, the little town of Flores is located on an island in Lake Peten, and is reached by bridge from its ‘sister city’ of Santa Elena (itself as dusty and dirty as Flores is charming) – make the journey using the distinctive Guatemalan chicken bus.Flores is not only the ideal base for your trip to Tikal; it’s also an enjoyable place to relax for a few days. Connect with other travelers at Las Gardenias hostel, hang out in a hammock and read. Make sure to take a boat ride to one of the nearby beaches or to Petencito, a small zoo on an island in the lake which is home to animals indigenous to the region.


CHICHICASTENANGO

Chichicastenango, or just ‘Chichi’, as it is commonly called, is most famous for its colorful market, held on Thursdays and Sundays. A visit to the market should not be missed, as it is the showcase market in a country of amazing markets. Get great bargains on typical clothes, souvenirs and jewelry.The market is not only considered the best for tourists, as the indigenous Mayans come from all over to sell (in areas off the main square) everything from fruit and vegetables to live chickens, turkeys, flowers and even kittens.




Just make sure to stay the extra day or two in Chichi, as the town itself is an entirely different place on non-market days. Take the chance to chat with locals, visit the brightly-coloured cemetery overlooking the town, or take a hike out of town to Pascual Abaj, a Mayan shrine on a hill above town. Meaning “sacrificial stone” in a local Mayan language, Pascual Abaj is a shrine to Huyup Tak’ah, the Mayan earth god. Visitors are welcome here, and the local indigenous Mayans make the short trek regularly to bring good luck or good health. ‘Sacrifices’ are made too; everything from corn to Coca Cola, or if you are lucky to catch the real deal, even a rooster may be sacrificed.






See You Soon...On Another Famous Hippie Location
Until Then...NAMASTE...

#Trotterhipp

Thursday 19 January 2017

      

ECUADOR


Ecuador is a country straddling the equator on South America’s west coast. Its diverse landscape encompasses Amazon jungle, Andean highlands and the wildlife-rich Galapagos Islands. In the Andean foothills at an elevation of 2,850 meters. Quito, the capital, is known for its largely intact Spanish colonial center, with decorated 16th- and 17th-century palaces and religious sites, like the ornate Compañía de Jesús Church.




Considered by many as the hippie capital of the South America, Ecuador is a famous hippie travel destination because of its beautiful ecosystems and the fact that it is quite budget friendly. You'd find handmade clothing and jewelry, interesting pubs and cafes and a laid back attitude that makes this place extremely gringo friendly. Quito in Ecuador is especially popular amongst the hippies.





QUITO


Quito (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈkito]) (Quechua: Kitu; Aymara: Kitu), formally San Francisco de Quito, is the capital city of Ecuador, and at an elevation of 2,850 meters (9,350 ft) above sea level, it is the highest official capital city in the world and the one which is closest to the equator. It is located in the Guayllabamba river basin, on the eastern slopes of Pichincha, an active strato volcano in the Andes mountains. With a population of 2,671,191 according to the last census (2014), Quito is the second most populous city in Ecuador, after Guayaquil. It is also the capital of the Pichincha province and the seat of the Metropolitan District of Quito. The canton recorded a population of 2,239,191 residents in the 2010 national census. In 2008, the city was designated as the headquarters of the Union of South American Nations.

The historic center of Quito has one of the largest, least-altered and best-preserved historic centers in the Americas. Quito and Kraków, Poland, were the first World Cultural Heritage Sites declared by UNESCO, in 1978. The central square of Quito is located about 25 kilometers (16 mi) south of the equator; the city itself extends to within about 1 kilometer (0.62 mi) of zero latitude. A monument and museum marking the general location of the equator is known locally as la mitad del mundo (the middle of the world), to avoid confusion, as the word Ecuador is Spanish for equator.




 We can say that Ecuador is the hippie mecca of south america. Lots of heads are drawn here because of the beautiful ecosystems, environmental opportunities, very, very cheap cost of living, and people for the most part embrace gringos. People might stare at you, but it's not because they disapprove; but its just that most people outside of cities have never seen a hippie! Quito is phat because there are heads all over, and there are lots of really cool restaurants, coffee shops, stores, etc. Super cheap, handmade indigenous clothing (like the brightly colored sweaters you see lots of hippies wearing) and wares are available in the city, and the massive outdoor market of Otavalo is just a 40 minute drive away. If you're ever in Quito, one place you must absolutely go to is called 'The Aladin'. This is a middle-eastern hang out run by a few really nice, English speaking middle-easterners. they import most of their wares, such as intricately designed ash trays, delicate utensils and dishes, 3-foot hookahs, and heavy, elaborately made chess sets (you just might feel like you're in Iran or something!). You can have a cup of tea & snack at one of the couches, play a game of chess at the tables, or smoke a hookah of many varieties of flavored tobacco out on their patio. delicious food, incredible ambiance; it's one of the coolest places to be in!




Nariz del Diablo: After reaching the town of Alausi in the highlands of Ecuador, you will encounter a beautifully restored train station that will take you back in time. This will mark the beginning of your incredible train adventure on the “most difficult train track in the world”. As your train ride continues you will feel engorged by the Andean mountains and start wondering how were people able to build this track on such difficult terrain and under extreme environmental conditions. The train zig-zags down the mountain going back and forth when it reaches the end of the track. This is absolutely amazing and you will understand why this mountain is called “the devil´s nose”. Not only because it is shaped like a nose but also because many workers lost their lives while building this impossible train track. When you reach the bottom you will see the magnitude of this engineering accomplishment and will feel very lucky to have had the chance to enjoy this ride. Be sure to have your camera ready and allow yourself to feel like a bird flying over the mountains.




Cotopaxi Volcano: Because you are on the equator, this volcano is the highest active volcano from the center of the Earth. The snow-caped summit is so shy that it rarely lets you witness its beauty. There is a saying that it only shows itself to locals and rarely allows tourists to see it. If you are lucky enough, you will be able to see this postcard worthy image on a blue sky contrasting with the white summit covered with snow that never melts. If you want to climb to the top of the volcano, you must prepare yourself and get acclimated to the altitude. Sometimes this process takes several days but reaching the top of the mountain will make you feel that you have conquered this giant and that you have the whole world at your feet. While visiting the Cotopaxi Reserve, you will find Llamas and Alpacas (South American Camelids) and if you are lucky enough you can even see wild horses roaming through these highlands.




Yasuni National Park:      Lush green vegetation and incredible wildlife will be your hosts while hiking through the tropical jungle at the Yasuni National Park. If you love nature and enjoy seeing various animals and plants all in one place then this is the right place for you. While walking through the jungle, you could see various species of monkeys and over 100,000 species of insects. You can also try to identify over 500 species of birds and over 4000 different species of vascular plants. Yasuni is one of the most bio diverse places in the world so do not be surprised if you see organisms that nobody has seen before. Because of the countless rivers you can enjoy extreme sports like white water rafting or canyoning or even enter some of the caves entrenched deep in the jungle. If you enjoy learning about other cultures, you could also visit some of the local indigenous communities and learn how they live with very little money while hunting, fishing but more importantly while protecting and respecting nature. They can teach you how to hunt with a “cerbatana” which is a hand-made blowgun that can be quite accurate if you learn how to use it well.




The Cloud Forest of Mindo: Only 1.5 hours away from Quito and 2500 feet lower in elevation you can find an amazing ecosystem known as the cloud forest. It is unique because you need two components in order for it to form. On one hand you need very tall mountains and on the other hand you need lower elevations covered with lush vegetation. But that is not all, you also need lots and lots of water that luckily come from the snow that melts high up in the Andes Mountains. Because of the warm winds that rise from the lower grounds which mix with the cold winds from the higher grounds, this area is always humid and you will feel like you are literally walking in the clouds. Mindo is a birdwatcher´s paradise and you will notice this very early in the morning while having breakfast in one of the various eco-lodges that are perfectly suited for your comfort. Many of these lodges have bird feeders and you can enjoy your morning coffee while being surrounded by hundreds of hummingbirds and many other species of colorful birds.




The Galapagos Islands: Would you think it is possible to swim with wild penguins, sea lions and sea turtles all in one place? Would you think it is possible to find marine iguanas that dive into the ocean to feed on seaweed and giant land tortoises roaming through terrain that looks like they are walking on Mars? Would you also think that it is possible to walk along the nests of breeding seabirds without making them fly away? All of this is possible while visiting the place that inspired Charles Darwin to propose his amazing evolutionary theory back in 1859. The reason why this is possible is because the animals that inhabit the islands do not have natural predators and do not feel threatened by people. Of course, people should never try to touch or feed the wild animals but it is perfectly fine for these creatures to come close to you and meet you. The Galapagos Archipelago is comprised of 19 islands and each one is a natural laboratory where life is evolving as we speak. A long time ago birds, mammals and reptiles reached the islands and have been adapting to the special conditions of each island. New species evolve because the organism that faces new environmental conditions needs to adapt and each island presents this conditions. This is the basis of the evolutionary theory and you can witness all of this while visiting Galapagos.




Montañita Beach: Do you like to surf? If so, you will love this hippie town on the Pacific coast of Ecuador. This is the best place to surf, enjoy the beach and party with people from all over the world. Because Montañita is so popular it has become a world-renowned destination for surfers. You can spend a couple of days in Montañita without spending too much money because most of the lodges are rustic but comfortable. While visiting Montañita you can enjoy wonderful fruit cocktails prepared right before your eyes in the various thatched roof bars that are spread along the beach. While walking through the streets of Montañita you will hear lots of reggae and hippie music and if the timing is right you can even be part of one of the various music festivals on the beach. Come to Montañita, you will just have a great time.




Baños:  Baños is Ecuador´s mecca for extreme sports and adventure. You can rent a bike, a horse, a buggy and explore the region and even jump off a bridge or cross a zipline while riding your bicycle. Only your imagination is the limit to the extreme adventures you might have in Baños. Traditionally, Baños used to be a place to visit because of its ferric hot springs. But more recently, it has gained touristic momentum and more and more extreme sports are practiced. Because of its location it is the bridge between the highlands and the tropical rain forests. You can reach the jungle very quickly and start exploring the area. Because Baños has become such an important touristic destination you can find food from all over the world and this means that you could also meet other tourists that have come to enjoy this city. Another reason why Baños has become so popular is because of the Tungurahua volcano. This volcano has become active again and it is constantly releasing pressure which can be witnessed almost on a daily basis. The most impressive sightings have been reported at night which is when one can see small volcanic eruptions from this giant.




Otavalo Market: The “Poncho Market” of Otavalo is the largest open indigenous market in South America. This wonderful open market is famous for its woven textiles that are used to make all kinds of clothing and even decorative items for your home. Not only textiles can be found in Otavalo, you can also find hats, rugs, musical instruments, traditional jewellery and all kinds of indigenous art. The Otavalo people are quite entrepreneurial and have managed to deliver their goods all over the world. You will enjoy shopping at this market, not only because of the wide variety of items that you can find but also because you will be trying to get the best deals from the Otavalo people.




Quito´s Historical District:  You will really enjoy your visit to Quito, a city that lies entrenched high in the Andes Mountains at 2850 meters (9350 feet) above sea level. UNESCO declared Quito as a World Cultural Heritage Site back in 1978. It has the largest and best-preserved historic district in America and walking through its narrow streets will make you think that you went back in time. Try to visit the various churches in the historic district to see religious art at its best. Some of these churches have gold-plated façades that will make you wonder where did they find so much gold. On a clear day you can see all of the snow-caped mountains that make this a picture perfect moment for your trip. At night, the historical district becomes alive with music and you can try interesting beverages made out of Andean fruits and sugar cane liqueur. You can also try a sweet purple broth that is made out of black native corn and red Andean fruits. Quito will be the cultural highlight of your trip to Ecuador.




Las Peñas in Guayaquil:  The newly renovated Peñas neighborhood is so picturesque and nice that you will love to spend a lot of time listening to music and wondering along its narrow streets. Las Peñas is famous not only because of its beautiful houses but also because traditional musicians would serenade the beautiful women of Guayaquil when they were sleeping in their homes. Las Peñas oversees Guayaquil´s riverfront and you will really enjoy a cold beer while seeing the beautiful port city in all of its splendor. You can visit Guayaquil´s riverfront and enjoy delicious crabs that are prepared with a very tasty garlic sauce. This is something that you will remember for the rest of your life and will tell your friends that you had crabs that grown in the mangrove.






See You Soon...On Another Famous Hippie Location
Until Then...NAMASTE...

#Trotterhipp