Stacia, from Stumble Safari, was in Ecuador for a month, and in her own words “it was not nearly enough time”. There is so much to do there, and she takes us through the highlights of her trip – from volunteering veterinary work to bridge jumping, and everything in between.
What was paramount in our discussion before recording was just how much there is to do in Ecuador. Hear the episode to find out more.
Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and all other platforms; just search “Between The Mountains” or Ask Alexa! (“Alexa, play Between The Mountains Travel Podcast!”).
Why Should Someone Go To Ecuador?
Well, why shouldn’t someone go? Thankfully, Stacia is the perfect person to answer this question, with so much great Ecuador content on her blog here.
Well, we start with the food. Stacia describes it as incredible, and it can often be such a huge part of a country’s culture. But when you mix this with some rich cultural history you have a recipe for success. The whole city of Quito is a UNESCO site.
With this, excluding the Galapagos Islands, everything in the country is affordable and in most cases cheap.
Then there is the adventure. Mountains, beaches, Amazon rainforest and more greet you here, and it’s precisely what we all look for.
A Veterinary Internship
The first part of Stacia’s trip here was actually much more wholesome than just backpacking. Her background is veterinary work, and so Stacia came to Ecuador to help with wildlife that have been rescued and providing immunisations in the Amazon rainforest.
Treating monkeys, tapirs, and more, Stacia stayed in an eco-hut in the jungle for two weeks helping the wildlife at a rescue centre. But, despite the definitely-not-clear water used to wash here, this mission was well worth it for Stacia.
Adventure Backpacking
Fuelled by her time spent saving wildlife, Stacia headed to the Galapagos Islands. But first, a spontaneous stay over at the capital. By complete chance, the day they left the jungle was Ecuador’s independence day. So, naturally, a lot of celebrating followed with the locals and checking out the sites.
It sounds like something you can’t miss. They put on a great cultural show from food, music, to lighting of the different churches.
After a discussion about Quito and everything she recommends (watch out for fake cabs, and brush up on your Spanish!), we move on to the Galapagos Islands.
To walk where Charles Darwin walked was incredible. Stacia built up some good experience here and talks about snorkelling in the area, taking day trips to different island, and exploring “secret locations”. Whether it was secret or not (that’s tour guides for you), the wildlife did not disappoint. Black tipped reef sharks, giant pufferfish, and sea turtles where ready to great her swimming under the water with her.
Reluctantly leaving the wildlife behind, the next stop was Baños. Featuring the Instagram-famous “swing at the end of the world” (which was a bit under-whelming in person), this place offers so much:
Waterfall canyoning, white-water rafting, parasailing, paragliding, rock climbing, hiking, mountain biking, ATV rental… they have everything!
You have to listen to the podcast to hear more about Baños and more, but I will leave you with this bridge jumping video to enjoy!
Stumble Safari
Stacia’s passion for travel, adventure, and animal tourism is so clear to hear. If you want to read her own material then click here, or follow along and keep updated with her content on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
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