Guayaquil, Ecuador – Globetrotter Girls

Guayaquil, Ecuador After cruising around the Galapagos Islands, I was in urgent need of a break to catch up on work projects and to deal with the hundreds of emails that had piled up in my inbox while I was on the boat (I get so many emails these days, I can barely handle the volume anymore!). I decided to stay in Guayaquil, the city where I’d flown to the Galapagos from, which happens to be Ecuador’s largest city, and one of the largest sea ports in all of South America. Beyond that, there’s not all that much to do and see for tourists though. A newly revamped river walk, the Malecon 2000, made for a great running track in the mornings, and for some good entertainment in the evenings (people watching, and an IMAX cinema that showed LaLa Land). Just north of the Malecon sits Las Peñas, the city’s oldest neighborhood, where colorful little houses are built into the side of a hill, Cerro Santa Ana. The neighborhood used to be a slum, but a regeneration project transformed it into the tourist attraction that it is today. 432 stairs lead up to the top of the hill, each one numbered, so that with each step, you are painfully reminded you how many more stairs you still have to climb.

By Dani – Full Story at Globetrotter Girls

Ecuador Gay Travel Resources

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Cruising the Galapagos Islands – Globetrotter Girls

Galapagos Islands - Dani This week I went on a trip of a lifetime: a 4-day cruise around the Galapagos Islands. This archipelago of 20 islands, 42 islets, and over 250 rocks in the ocean, a 2-hour flight of the coast off mainland Ecuador, is a nature and wildlife lover’s paradise! For four days, we cruised around some of the islands, with frequent snorkeling stops and island explorations. The boat would anchor in the ocean, and our dinghies would bring us to the shore. With the exception of one island, Santa Cruz, we never encountered any other people, it always felt like we were the only ones out there. Even when the boat was cruising in between islands, we often didn’t see another boat for hours. The snorkeling stops were my favorite part – we swam with penguins, sharks, rays, seals and turtles. Something I never tire of! On land, we watched Giant Tortoises mating, eating and just being, we watched sea lions take over the ports of the two towns we stopped in, and we watched hundreds of colorful Sally Lightfoot Crabs crawling around the rocks near the shore. I photographed iguanas, blue-footed boobies and other birds, I got up for a sunrise snorkeling session near a rock in the middle of the ocean which was a popular spot with hammerhead sharks, and I sunbathed on a dreamy, secluded, tropical beach.

By Dani – Full Story at Globetrotter Girls

Ecuador Gay Travel Resources

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Join the Nomadic Boys on a Galapagos Cruise

Galapagos Fancy visiting the Galapagos Islands aboard the Passion: one of the most exclusive luxury yachts in the world with an awesome group of gay guys? You’re in the right place! Our first gay cruise to the Galapagos which took place in October 2016 was such a resounding success that we’re dead excited to announce we will be doing it again in October 2017. We’ve teamed up with the highly rated and gay owned Ishpingo Tours in Ecuador to host our second luxury gay cruise to the Galapagos Islands on: 12-21 October 2017. Spaces aboard the highly rated Passion are limited to 12 people and we expect another sell out in 2017. And because we love you so much, we’re offering our readers an exclusive 5% discount for this one in a lifetime experience with the promo code NOMADIC5 Galapagos

THE WILDLIFE OF THE GALAPAGOS

The Galapagos Islands are an archipelago of volcanic islands in the Pacific Ocean, around 1,000km (600 miles) from Ecuador’s coast. The variety of unique wildlife here not only inspired Darwin back in 1835, it completely captivated our group when we visited in October 2016. This is one of the few places in the world where you get so close to the wildlife because they are blazé to humans. You’ll be so spoilt, no other safari will be the same again. It’s not just above ground you get close with wildlife. There are many opportunities to go snorkelling and discover the rich underwater world surrounding the Galapagos Islands where reef sharks, manta rays, tropical fish and of course the many playful sea lions await you.

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE CRUISE

Our gay cruise to the Galapagos Islands aboard the Passion luxury yacht will take place on 12-21 October 2017. Included in the cruise:
  • 2 nights in a luxurious 5 star boutique hotel near Quito’s UNESCO listed Old Town exclusively for our group
  • 8 days / 7 nights all-inclusive cruise exploring the Eastern Islands Galapagos itinerary
  • all meals on board the Passion
  • open bar, all alcoholic drinks are included
  • fully accredited English-speaking guides
  • all activities and excursions described in the itinerary, including all equipment
  • roundtrip domestic airfare to/from the Galapagos, with exclusive access to the VIP lounge on arrival in Baltra
  • Galapagos National Park entrance fee
  • Galapagos Transit control card
  • all airport transfers both in Quito and in the Galapagos
  • Quito city tour and Middle of the World tour visiting the equator line including lunch

Early bookings:

If you book your cabin before 15th May 2017, we will offer a free upgrade to business class for the domestic roundtrip flight to/from Quito/Galapagos islands and an exclusive night tour of the historic centre with Quito Eterno.

The costs are set out as follows:

  • Stateroom: $7,275 (per person based on double occupancy)
  • Master or VIP Suite: $8,235 (per person based on double occupancy)
For more information, click here.]]>

Quito’s Stunning Basilica del Voto Nacional – Globetrotter Girls

Basilica del Voto Nacional I’m back in South America! And it strangely feels like I’ve never left, even though it’s been nearly eleven months since I said goodbye to Colombia. But considering I was in Mexico until mid-April and then again a whole month in November, it shouldn’t be too surprising that everything feels strangely familiar. The Latin America traffic craze, the bustling markets and town squares, the noise (horns, speakers, megaphones), the street food vendors everywhere. There were a few things though that made Quito, my first stop in Ecuador, feel different: 1) there are many women in traditional native dress, with long skirts and braids, hats and colorful shawls, which remind me a lot of the native dress in Bolivia. And 2) The altitude! Quito is the second highest city in the world (only La Paz sits higher), and with an altitude of just over 9,200 feet I definitely felt the affects of it. I don’t think I’ve been to a place that high since traveling around Bolivia three years ago.

By Dani – Full Story at Globetroter Girls

Ecuador Gay Travel Resources

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Six Great Things to Do in Ecuador – Nomadic Boys

Ecuador - Nomadic Boys The guys let go of Stefan’s swing and out he went, flying into the Andes SHOUTING at the top of his lungs, half terrified, half blown away by the adrenaline… Throughout our 8 years relationship, Sebastien had NEVER heard Stefan screaming out loud so much (it was actually hard not to laugh!) The El Vuelo del Cóndor swing in Baños was one of our 6 awesome things to do in Ecuador, which we think you’ll also love. #1 SWING OUT INTO AN ACTIVE VOLCANO Located at the foot of an active volcano, Baños is one of our favourite places in Ecuador with plenty of activities ranging from zip lining, white water rafting, trekking, canyoning and of course, the swings! Casa del Arbol (which literally means tree house) is the most famous place people come to get the money shot of them on a swing with the backdrop of the Andes. It is in fact not as scary as it sounds: you’re safely tucked in and you never go beyond the cliff edge.

By Stefan Arestis – Full Story at the Nomadic Boys

Ecuador Gay Travel Resources

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Amazon Cruise vs Jungle Lodge? – The Nomadic Boys

Nomadic Boys Seby took one look at the dark green colour of the Amazon River, turned to Stefan and declared: “I am NOT swimming in there Stefan. I will NOT become piranha fish food!” Stefan got his way in the end and managed to persuade Seb to jump in, to the joy of the staff on board the Anakonda cruise who found our bickering (and Seb’s irrational fears) highly amusing. Irrational fears? Contrary to popular belief, swimming in the Amazon River can be quite safe. Our guides knew the spots where tourists like us could swim safely and conquer their Piranha-phobia. Piranhas are not aggressive or territorial, but more like scavengers. They will not go anywhere near you. Despite this, Sebastien lasted a whole 7 seconds in the Amazon River before he jumped straight back into our boat. There are many ways to explore the Amazon jungle in South America, the two most popular are taking a cruise on the Amazon river or staying in a jungle lodge. Both offer a unique and memorable way to see the Amazon, each one with its pros and cons. Ultimately, there is not one answer, it depends on your travel style and how you want to discover the Amazon.

By Stefan Arestis – Full Story at the Nomadic Boys

Ecuador Gay Travel Resources

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Gay Quito – Nomadic Boys

Gay Quito The average length is 7 inches! Surely a reason alone to book your flight over… Quito itself is a beautiful city to explore, perched up high in the mountains, almost 3,000m/9,840ft high. Once you’ve caught your breath from the altitude, you’ll quickly discover a fun, vibrant and exciting gay scene.

GAY MAP OF QUITO

Quito is a long and narrow shaped city in the Guayllabamba river basin with the Andes mountains on either side. The majority of the gay scene of Quito can be found in the touristic Mariscal area, located North from the UNESCO listed Old Town.

GAY BARS AND CLUBS IN QUITO

The gay bars and clubs of Quito start late, so factor in a dolly nap before heading out. For some strange reason, entry to all gay hangouts in Quito are extremely strict towards foreigners so you must bring your passport with you each time you go out. A copy of your passport is not enough and door staff will insist on seeing your original passport with the immigration stamp to let you in.

By Stefan Arestis – Full Story at Ecuador

Ecuador Gay Travel Resources

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Galapagos Islands Travel Video – Nomadic Boys

Galapagos Islands Video - Nomadic Boys The Galapagos Islands are incredible: a once in a lifetime opportunity for most people and for good reason. This is our Galapagos Islands travel video, which we hope inspires and captivates you. The music used is: 1000 Nights by FRENSHIP and you can connect up with them on their Facebook pageInstagram gallery and Twitter profile. We spent a week cruising around the Galapagos Islands on the luxury yacht The Passion using our GoPro Hero 5 camera and made lots of friends with sea lions, giant tortoises, eagle rays and more! The Galapagos Islands are an archipelago of volcanic islands in the Pacific Ocean, around 1,000km (600 miles) from Ecuador’s coast. The variety of unique wildlife here not only inspired Darwin back in 1835, it completely captivated us when we visited in October 2016.

By Stefan Arestis – Full Story at Nomadic Boys

Ecuador Gay Travel Resources

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Ten Interesting Facts About Ecuador – Nomadic Boys

Facts About Ecuador Ecuador is a country in South America that is completely underestimated. Most come here to visit the Galapagos Islands, but quickly discover so much more, whether in the Amazon, the Andes or the coast. The country also punches its weight in so many different ways that you’ll soon wonder why you didn’t know more about it. These are our 10 interesting facts about Ecuador which fascinated us when we visited. #1 THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ECUADOR Ecuadorian history has been strongly influenced by invading forces and waves of immigration, each bringing with them their own cultural influences. Initially, the country was made up of various indigenous tribes. The first invaders were the Incas followed by the Spanish in the 1500s. Since Independence in 1809, Ecuador has seen waves of immigration from Spain, Italy and more recently the USA. Of all the countries we’ve been to in South America, we found Ecuador to have the strongest affinity to the US, despite the recent strained relationship between the two.

By Stefan Arestis – Full Story at the Nomadic Boys

Ecuador Gay Travel Resources

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Gay Life in Ecuador – The Nomadic Boys

Gay Ecuador The gay scene in Quito is a lot of fun with a handful of gay bars and discos. But compared to other cities across Latin America like Buenos Aires and Montevideo, we noticed the crowd was largely quite young in comparison. No bear culture here for example…where do all the over 40s hang out? Ecuador has this weird extreme mix of the very conservative older generation versus the more forward thinking, confident and liberal minded millennials. It makes sense when you look at the dramatic change in LGBT legislation over the last 20 years. Until 1997, gay life in Ecuador was tough: it was an extremely conservative country, on par with places like Sri Lanka, India or Indonesia where just being caught in a gay bar could get you in trouble with the police. In 1997, the constitution was changed introducing some of the most progressive gay friendly legislation in the world. For example, full anti-discrimination laws on grounds of sexual orientation were introduced. In the UK we had to wait until 2003 when the equivalent law was passed and in the USA, there is still no federal law outlawing discrimination nationwide.

By Stefan Arestis – Full Story at the Nomadic Boys

Ecuador Gay Travel Resources

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