These travelers are camping on the shores of a peaceful lagoon in Cajas National Park, located in the highlands of Ecuador. The name "Cajas" is derived from the indigenous Quichua word that means "gateway to the snowy mountains." Traveling with a sustainable tour operator like Expediciones Apullacta will ensure that you not only enjoy the best trails and camping spots, but also that you won't cause any unintentional harm to these fragile ecosystems.

Find sustainable hotels and tour operators in Ecuador

This entry was posted on June 14, 2013 at 9:45 AM and has received 684 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.

Need some last minute gift ideas for the traveling adventurer in your life? Fear not -- we've got you covered.

1) Reusable water bottles and/or water filters

There's no need to waste money or natural resources by buying disposable water bottles with these nifty water solutions. Reusable water bottles are handy for everyday use as well, whether you're going to work, class, or are just running errands. Portable water purifiers, such as an ultraviolet light purifiers or packs of chlorine dioxide tablets are perfect for backpackers and anyone traveling in the developing world, where you can't always drink the tap water. There are even water bottles with built-in purifiers for the ultimate convenience factor!

2) Travel towels

According to The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (Douglas Adams' cult classic novel), a towel "is about the most massively useful thing an interstellar hitchhiker can have." Well, that goes for adventurers on planet Earth as well -- from camping, to lounging on the beach, to a long day of city exploration, a towel can be an indispensable tool. Many hotels charge extra to rent towels for the beach or pool, and some hostels don't provide towels at all. Aside from the obvious uses, towels can also be used to shield your head from the sun, to cover a questionable-looking bus seat or hostel pillow, or as a cushion. Quick-dry, antimicrobial, and UV protective fabric makes towels like these a thoughtful and infinitely useful gift.

3) Solar charger

Break free from the grid! Use a portable solar charger to juice up your cell phones, mp3 players, and digital cameras. This gift idea is especially great for trekkers who might not even have access to an outlet for days at a time.

4) Compression packing bags

Originally designed for storage purposes, travelers have caught on to the convenience of compression bags for their packing needs. Pressure valves on these plastic bags suck all the air out, shrinking your clothes and other items to a fraction of their size to make the most of your suitcase/backpack space. But be wary of weight restrictions on flights, as the more items you pack into your bag, the more it will weigh.

5) Portable coffeemaker

No one wants a travel buddy suffering from coffee-withdrawal grouchiness! There are several types of portable coffeemakers, mostly geared towards campers, that are perfect for those who are only functional after their morning cup o' joe. Coleman makes a highly reviewed drip coffeemaker that can go right on a camping stove. There are also French press-style coffeemakers that come in a variety of sizes, including a portable mug that you can drink right out of as soon as your coffee is ready.

6) Travel apps

Why not buy your loved one a travel app or two for their mobile device? There are so many different kinds of apps for travelers out there, from games to prevent boredom on long flights to language translators. Other travel apps include trip itinerary organizers, currency converters, free Wi-Fi finders, flight alerts, and databases with maps of every kind (city maps, rail maps, park maps, ski resort maps, and more).

7) Basic medical kit

A lightweight basic medical kit can be crucial in a pinch. Get one that is small with a soft container that will fit easily into a purse or backpack. If you're not in a major city, chances are there aren't convenience stores on every corner. Simple items like Band-Aids, Neosporin, bug bite cream, antiseptic wipes, and over-the-counter medicines for common ailments (like minor pain, allergies, indigestion, congestion, and heartburn) will be worth their weight in gold if the situation calls for them.

8) Donations

Does your traveler already have all the gear they could ever want? Make a donation in your loved one's name to a nonprofit organization that is working to help a destination he or she loves. If they bonded with a local community, there are many organizations doing great work for underprivileged communities, such as helping children get an education, advocating for women's rights, protecting local wildlife, and promoting fair treatment of workers in the tourism industry. If your traveler was awed by the beautiful natural environment they visited, consider donating to an organization that is working towards preserving that special place!

This entry was posted on December 19, 2012 at 5:04 PM and has received 1169 views. There are currently 1 comments. Print this entry.

Ecuador may be best known for the famed Galapagos Islands, but its many diverse cities are fun and exciting in their own right. Each city has something to offer -- Quito with its beautifully preserved colonial center and majestic mountain surroundings, Baños with its famous natural hot springs, Guayaquil with its tropical, laid-back vibe, and Otavalo with its world-renowned artisan market. Read on for a brief overview of what some of Ecuador's top cities have to offer. You just might change your plans for your next vacation!

Quito

The capital of Ecuador is a big, diverse city that boasts a spectacular natural setting. Flanked by majestic Andean mountain peaks, Quito is spread out across a expansive valley at an altitude of about 9,200 feet (2,800 m), making it the second highest capital city in the world. It might take you a few days to get fully used to the thin mountain air as you explore the city's treasures, both old and new. Quito was the first city (along with Krakow, Poland) to be named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978.

The "Old City" district, one of Quito's biggest draws for tourists, is the largest and best-preserved in Latin America. A massive restoration effort completed in 2006 rejuvenated masterpieces of colonial and independence-era architecture, which can be seen in the numerous old churches, historic theatres, town squares, museums, convents, and monasteries that fill this area. Quito's historic district is so vast that you'd need more than one visit to see it all!

To the north, the "modern" district is also a fun place to visit. The Mariscal Sucre neighborhood is especially popular with tourists, as it has many hostels, multi-story hotels, trendy cafés and restaurants, parks, museums, music shows, and nightlife. This is a great place to visit or stay in if you want to be immersed in the young, international backpacker community.

Sustainable accommodations in Quito

Baños

Known as the "adventure capital" of Ecuador, Baños is situated on a hillside of the active Tungurahua volcano and offers easy access to the Amazon rainforest. Baños is named for its "baths" of sacred water--that is, its hydrothermal springs. People travel from near and far to soak in the natural hot springs and go horseback riding, trekking, mountain biking, climbing, and river rafting. A popular route to take by bike or train is from Baños to Puyo, which offers spectacular views of the upper Amazon Basin.

If you want to tap into the cultural identity of the city, visit the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Agua Santa (Church of the Virgin of the Holy Waters), a neo-Gothic cathedral that houses a colorful collection of murals depicting local miracles attributed to the Virgin throughout history. Every year in October, the locals celebrate their city's spiritual protector with a street festival filled with music, dancing, food, and drink.

Sustainable accommodations in Baños

Guayaquil

The "Pacific Pearl" of Ecuador is also the country's largest and most populous city. Guayaquil, a port located at the convergence of the Daule and Babahoyo rivers, only very recently begun to attract tourists, giving it a very authentic and unpolished "local" feel. The tropical weather, waterfront, and friendly locals contribute to what some travelers have described as a pseudo-Caribbean vibe.

City residents flock to the Malécon 2000, the modern riverfront area that offers monuments, museums, fountains, shopping malls, restaurants, bars, docks, and scenic viewpoints. At the end of Malécon 2000 is the historic district of Las Peñas, home to quaint and colorful wooden houses, cobblestone streets, and a multitude of small art galleries.

Otavalo

This small city is famous for the culture and talents of its indigenous people, the Otavaleños. They're easily spotted by their traditional attire -- short white pants, dark ponchos, and long braided hair for the men, and intricately embroidered white blouses, long dark skirts, and layers of beaded necklaces for the women. The world-renowned Otavalo market features beautiful traditional handicrafts, jewelry, weaving, street food stalls, herbal and "magical" remedies, fresh produce, and much more. While the bustling market scene is not to be missed, you'll gain a much richer cultural experience by going beyond the market and taking the time to visit the surrounding villages where most of the Otavaleños live. You'll support and perhaps even meet the artisans who handcraft your souvenirs, bypassing the middle-men who sell at the market and often pay their suppliers a mere pittance for their goods.

Sustainable accommodations in Otavalo

This entry was posted on November 21, 2012 at 1:24 PM and has received 1875 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.

Backpacking is a fun and inexpensive way to see some of the world's most beautiful and hidden destinations. Be conscious of your impact on your next backpacking adventure! Remember these green travel tips and you'll find that budget-friendly and eco-friendly go together quite nicely.

1. Stash your trash – This might seem obvious to some, but a plastic bag for garbage might be the most important thing to keep on your person at all times while backpacking. Garbage cans are not readily available in most of the remote places of the world, or on that $3 bus you hopped on to travel across Central America. You'll need somewhere to stash those food wrappers, tissues, and whatever else you might need to toss until you find a suitable receptacle.

2. Buy local – Whether its food, souvenirs, hostels, or tour guides, buy your goods and services from local businesses. Eat in local restaurants and attend local events, such as festivals and street fairs. Do your research and make sure your accommodations and tour companies are owned by local people. Which brings me to my next point...

3. Avoid aggressive haggling – A little haggling is appropriate and sometimes even expected in some places, but don't get carried away. Yes, you're on a budget, but that extra dollar or two probably means a lot more to that local vendor than it does to you. A good strategy is to ask an employee at your lodge or hostel what a fair price is for what you want to buy, so you know what to expect beforehand.

4. Waste not – Try not to buy more food than you can eat in one sitting, as you might not have access to refrigerator to store leftovers when you're on the go. Buy non-perishable food that you can save for later, or offer extra food to a fellow backpacker.

5. Take public transport – It's cheaper, more adventurous, and better for the environment! Instead of taking taxis around town, decipher the city's bus or rail system, look into renting a bicycle, or walk. Take a bus or train to get to your next destination instead flying or renting a car.

6. Minimize water bottles – Tap water is not drinkable in many developing countries, but you can still try to minimize the amount of water bottles you buy as much as possible. Your hostel will likely have a source of filtered water in the common area, so try to fill up for the day before you leave. If there's a teapot or coffeemaker available, boil some tap water in advance and you'll have a pot full of free drinking water. Another option is buying a lightweight water purifier, such as an ultraviolet light purifier or a pack of chlorine dioxide tablets.

Know any more great tips for green backpacking that we missed? Comment and let us know!

This entry was posted on August 29, 2012 at 9:16 AM and has received 1690 views. There are currently 0 comments. Print this entry.