Crucita, Ecuador: Manabí's Lively Beach Escape (Just Outside Portoviejo & Manta)

Looking for a vibrant beach scene in Ecuador's Manabí province? Look no further than Crucita! Situated conveniently between Portoviejo and Manta, this popular stretch of coastline transforms on weekends into a bustling hub, attracting locals and visitors alike. The long beach is lined with a fantastic array of restaurants and bars, offering everything from fresh seafood to refreshing cocktails, all within earshot of the waves. For the adventurous, water sports and exhilarating paragliding opportunities abound.

The beauty of Crucita is its versatility. During the week, you can experience a completely different atmosphere – a tranquil haven perfect for unwinding, soaking up the equatorial sun, and enjoying a peaceful swim in the Pacific. Then comes the weekend, and the energy shifts. It's the ideal spot to meet up with friends, as I often do, for a few cold beers and plenty of laughter under the warm Ecuadorian sky.

Don't miss Sundays in Crucita! It's a fascinating time to witness the local fishermen, the hardworking "grafters," as they bring in their daily catch. You can watch them haul the fish ashore and expertly clean them, ready for sale – a real glimpse into the local way of life.

I've made some great friends in Crucita over the years. Here are a few photos from a recent reunion with some of the lads I met last year. As you can probably tell, it was a lively affair with plenty of drinks and good times! It reminds me of my friends back home – always up for a laugh and great company. Of course, there's always that one who gets a little too enthusiastic with the drinks early on!

Interesting Facts about Crucita:

• Paragliding Hotspot: Crucita is renowned as one of the best paragliding destinations in South America, thanks to its consistent coastal breezes and stunning cliffside launch points. You'll often see colorful paragliders soaring above the beach.
• "Ciudad de los Vientos" (City of Winds): Due to its reliable winds, Crucita is also popular for other wind-related sports like kitesurfing and windsurfing.
• Local Economy: Fishing plays a significant role in Crucita's local economy, and the Sunday fish market is a testament to this. You'll find a wide variety of fresh seafood available.
• Growing Tourism: While popular with locals, Crucita is increasingly attracting international tourists seeking a more authentic and less crowded beach experience compared to some of the larger resorts

                                                                  

             

  

  















     

Exploring the Wild Side: A Day Trip to the Guayllabamba Zoo near Quito

Our adventure took us north of Quito today to visit the Guayllabamba Zoo! What should have been a straightforward drive from the south of the city turned into a bit of a scenic detour – let's just say we enjoyed the local roads for a good couple of hours before finally arriving!

Despite the initial navigational challenges, the reward was well worth it. The Ecuadorian sun was beating down, making a refreshing helado (ice cream) inside the park an absolute must! The zoo is home to a fascinating collection of exotic animals, many of which were completely new to me, alongside familiar sights like lions and tigers. What really struck me was the excellent condition of the animals – they all appeared fit, healthy, and full of energy!

Beyond the impressive animal collection, the zoo itself offers fantastic photo opportunities and some truly breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. It's definitely a day trip to consider if you're in the Quito area. I even had the chance to chat with fellow travelers from the US, Italy, and Germany, all equally captivated by the wildlife and scenery.

For those needing refreshments, there are several snack bars conveniently located throughout the zoo complex. However, on our way back south to Quito, we decided to stop off in a nearby town for a bite to eat and a well-deserved beer after our day of exploration. Then it was back on the road for the (hopefully less circular!) journey home.

Did you know? The Guayllabamba Zoo, officially known as the Quito Zoo, is actually located in the Pichincha province, specifically in the Guayllabamba parish, which is northeast of Quito. It's one of the largest zoos in Ecuador and plays an important role in wildlife conservation and environmental education. The zoo focuses on native Ecuadorian species, showcasing the country's incredible biodiversity, from Andean condors to Amazonian jaguars. They also participate in breeding programs for endangered species and rescue and rehabilitate animals. Keep an eye out for information about their conservation efforts during your visit!. https://quitozoo.org/

 

  

  

      

  

Saturday Morning Bargains at a Quito Sur Market: A Feast for the Senses (and the Wallet!)

This Saturday morning, I joined my friend Carlos bright and early – around 6 am – for a trip to one of the vibrant markets in Quito Sur. Let me tell you, the sheer volume of fresh produce and goods on offer was astounding! The haul we brought back could easily sustain a family for well over a month. The key to a successful shopping trip here? Don't be shy about a little haggling on some of the prices!

Honestly, it felt like absolutely everything imaginable was right there in front of me. We're talking glistening fresh fish, golden honey, sweet plátano, and a dazzling array of exotic fruits I'd never even seen before. One of the most delightful surprises? Vendors actually offering you samples of the fruit to taste before you make a purchase! I could have wandered through the bustling aisles all day, soaking in the atmosphere.

By the time we were done, Carlos's car was practically overflowing with fruit, fish, rice, and a rainbow of other fresh vegetables. And the best part? The total cost was incredibly reasonable. The amount of food we got for our money would barely buy half as much back in the UK – a comparison that still blows my mind.

To give you a real sense of the incredible variety and vibrant atmosphere, check out some of the photos I snapped at the Quito Sur market! You'll get an idea of the amazing fresh food and local treasures on offer.

Standing on the Equator in Ecuador: Exploring Mitad del Mundo near Quito

Discover the incredible experience of visiting the Equator in Ecuador, a truly astonishing place also known as Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World). Located just outside Quito, the bustling capital city of Ecuador, this landmark offers a unique opportunity to stand with one foot in each hemisphere.

Ecuador, the very country named after the Equator, geographically straddles this significant line, positioning its 272,046 km2 (109,483 sq mi) right in the planet's midsection.

Planning your visit to Mitad del Mundo and the nearby Pululahua Crater? Be aware that the climate in this region is typically hot and dry, even when it might be raining in the relatively close city of Quito. It's essential to pack a hat and apply sunscreen to protect yourself from the equatorial sun. While the Mitad del Mundo complex offers various options for drinks, snacks, and meals, the stunning Pululahua Crater has virtually no facilities. Therefore, if you plan to explore the crater, make sure to purchase water and any other necessities at the Mitad del Mundo complex beforehand.

As a popular tourist hot spot, Mitad del Mundo welcomes visitors from around the globe, including many Americans. While the primary language spoken is native Spanish, you can often request an English-speaking guide upon your arrival to enhance your experience.

Prepare to capture plenty of memorable photos! The views from the Equator line and surrounding areas are truly breathtaking. Within the Mitad del Mundo complex, you'll also find various museums focusing on fascinating aspects of Ecuadorian culture, including intricate Inca gold artwork, ancient pottery, and an impressive model of the region's mountains with the precise equator line clearly marked

Ecuadorian dancing of the coast!

Ecuador's dancing of the coast is always nice to see and get involved in the culture.

Winding Through the Andes to Manabí's Coast

blog ecuador photos

Winding Through the Andes to Manabí's Coast

The drive from Quito down to Manabí is quite something. You're treated to some truly beautiful vistas as you wind through the Andes Mountains. Some of the downhill stretches can be a bit nerve-wracking with the roads, but honestly, the scenery more than makes up for it.

Later on, the journey takes you towards Los Frailes, a secluded beach. The road leading there is picturesque in itself, with trees arching overhead, creating perfect little spots to pull over and snap a quick photo.

And then you arrive at Los Frailes. This isn't your typical crowded beach; it's a government-protected gem tucked away in Manabí. The water is clear, and on many days, it's incredibly peaceful – you might even find yourself with the whole beach to yourself. It really does feel like a little slice of paradise.

My First Taste of Ecuador: An Expat's Initial Journey

My First Taste of Ecuador: An Expat's Initial Journey

Hey everyone, and welcome to my blog about Ecuador in South America, for those interested in travel and new experiences. I wanted to share a bit about my first time visiting the country.

My journey started in September 2009. I was living in Newcastle, UK, my hometown, and working for a wine company. The job involved long hours doing wine tastings, and while I enjoyed meeting people and the wine itself was good, I reached a point where I felt ready for a change. It might seem a bit sudden, but I decided to quit my job and take off.

After making that decision, the question was: where to go? I wasn't drawn to the typical destinations, wanting to explore something a bit different. Thailand, the USA, South America – my mind was full of possibilities. I'd connected with people from various countries online, which added to the confusion. Eventually, a friend from South America, "Marlon", shared his reasons for why I should consider going there.

Some of the points he made were:

1. The exchange rate between the British pound and the US dollar was favorable.
2. The weather was consistently warm, with some rain, which was a welcome change from England.
3. The country boasted beautiful scenery, including beaches, mountains, the Galapagos Islands, and the Amazon rainforest.

That was enough to pique my interest. I searched online and found flights from Newcastle to Guayaquil in Ecuador, with layovers in Amsterdam and Panama.

Upon arrival in Ecuador, there were some security questions about the purpose of my visit, which seemed quite thorough. As a tourist, I was initially granted a 90-day stay by filling out a simple form on the plane – a straightforward process. Other visa options are available with further research.

I landed in Guayaquil around 7:30 am after a long flight and was understandably tired. Marlon met me at the airport and drove me about three hours to his home in Portoviejo, located in the Manabí province.

I have to admit, as I arrived, I had a moment of questioning my decision. Traveling so far to a place where I only knew one person felt a little daunting. The first ten minutes of the drive were a bit of a culture shock, seeing poorer areas that I had only seen on television before. I tried to keep an open mind, as advised.

Portoviejo seemed like a fairly large place, possibly similar in size to Newcastle. I noticed quite a few people looking at me, likely because I was a foreigner. However, it didn't bother me; perhaps they were just curious.

Marlon had arranged a hotel for me, nothing fancy, but it was fine as I needed to rest. I thanked him for his help and we agreed to meet the next day. The following day, I was offered an apartment to rent for $100 per month, which seemed very reasonable. It was at that point that the reality of being there started to sink in.

I went to the shops to buy some essentials, and the price of beer immediately caught my attention – around 60p a bottle. Cigarettes were also inexpensive. It definitely felt like a good deal!

There are many stories, details about prices, and conversations I could share from that time. I plan to include photos and videos from my initial stay to provide a better picture.

When my initial three months were up and I had to fly back to the UK, I was surprised by how emotional I felt. I had genuinely grown to love the country and had made some good friends, including students at a local university where I occasionally sat in on classes and offered help. The lifestyle appealed to me greatly – a relaxed pace, easy access to beaches, fresh fruit and fish, and a generally healthy way of life. I felt refreshed and revitalized.

Returning home in January 2010 felt like a return to gloom. The contrast with the sunny life I had just experienced was stark. However, the memories of Ecuador stayed with me, and I knew I wanted to go back. That's exactly what happened. I returned in October 2010 and have been living here full-time ever since. It's been a bit of a whirlwind, but I have no regrets. I do miss my family and friends back home, which can be difficult at times, but this is where my life is now, and it was a positive decision for me.

I hope this gives you a little insight into my initial journey here. As I continue to live in Ecuador, I hope to share more information, including any mistakes I might make and general tips for living here. Who knows what I'll get up to next?

Feel free to leave a comment if you've been here before or are interested in following my experiences.

Cheers, and I'll speak to you soon