Vilcabamba (July 20 - 22, 2006)

Vilcabamba is known as the valley of longevity because the people in this area regularly live to be over 100 years old, with several living to be 120 to 135 years old. Theorists think it is because of the composition of minerals in the water, the climate, or because the people here eat all organic foods with no chemical contamination. Whatever the reason, indulging in the local spa treatments sure can’t hurt!

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Cuenca (July 23, 2006)

Ecuadorian buses are noticeably different from the ones in Argentina, Bolivia and Peru; nice but different. The buses seem to have three defining characteristics:

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Baños (July 24-26, 2006)

The walk to the waterfall went through lovely lush rainforest and ended at the spectacular waterfall, which dumps huge amounts of water into the canyon below. Viewing platforms have been built very close to the waterfall so you can feel the power of the water pounding down, and get wet from the spray as well.

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Quito (July 27-29, 2006)

Inside the basilica it is possible to climb to the top of one of the bell towers, and we mean right to the top! Even higher than the bells. It was a bit scary when the ladders kept getting steeper and there were no guard rails. The views of the city from up there were fantastic. After climbing the bell tower, there is a narrow wooden walkway that crosses to the other end of the basilica where you can climb to the top of another tower, which was equally as fun.

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Galapagos Cruise (July 30-August 6, 2006)

I don’t know what it was – the peaceful and calming sea air, the fearless animals, our hospitable guide and crew, or the dreamy feeling of sailing around beautiful tropical islands – but the whole package combined to make the best week of our trip.

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