Categorie: Latin America

In Search of Authenticity at Otavalo Market, Ecuador

A visit to the indigenous market of Otavalo in Ecuador is probably one of the most advertised activities in Quito’s guest houses and travel agencies. It’s said to be one of the largest and oldest indigenous markets in South America, and every single guidebook will tell you it’s a must-do if you’re visiting the Quito […]

2015 Travel Summary

Here we are again, at the beginning of a new year, wondering where time went. Looking back at the past twelve months, thinking how we could have done things better, what is still missing in our lives and wondering where the next 52 weeks will take us. For me, the past year was one full […]

What it’s like to live in Puerto Cayo, Ecuador

Life in Puerto Cayo: Our Slow, Serene Chapter in Ecuador You’ve probably never heard of Puerto Cayo.Don’t worry — most people haven’t. Puerto Cayo is a sleepy fishing village on Ecuador’s Pacific coast, offering little more than long stretches of sandy beach sprinkled with seashells and colorful pebbles.Yet, it’s where we chose to settle for […]

An Announcement: The Trip of a Lifetime – 100Essential Travel Experiences

It’s been quiet on Travel Cake these past few months. Some of you have been asking me where I’ve been and what I’ve been up to. Well, I can tell you this much: I haven’t been slacking! I’ve moved from Ecuador to Belgium where I have been slaving away at a 9 to 5 desk […]

Mindo for the broke, Ecuador

Tucked away in the cloud forest on the slopes of the Ecuadorian Andes lies the sleepy town of Mindo — a lush, misty haven perfect for all kinds of adrenaline-pumping activities.Tubing, canyoning, mountain biking, ziplining, hiking… you name it, Mindo’s got it. But not for me. Due to a physical limitation, I was unable to […]

Hiking the Cocora Valley in Colombia

Hiking the Cocora Valley: A Dream 10 Years in the Making I was never much of a hiker — at least not until I did a multi-day trek in Nepal a few years ago.While I still can’t call myself a hardcore trekker, I now find myself seeking out hikes more and more. The distances, the effort, […]

5 Quirky things to do in Bogota, Colombia

Every time I spend a decent amount of time in a big city, I make it a mission to hunt down the quirky, funny, offbeat things that lie beyond the standard tourist trail. Since this was my second time in Bogotá, I’d already ticked off the usual “must-sees”—the Monserrate views, the Gold Museum, La Candelaria […]

12 Favourite Destinations

Exactly ten years ago today, I embarked on my first independent trip. By “independent,” I mean a journey not organised or sponsored by parents, school, or any other organisation. It was the first time I travelled on my own dime, in my own time. I was 19 when a friend and I booked a ticket […]