Casa Joaquin: Boutique Hotel in Quito’s Liveliest Neighborhood

Casa Joaquin: Boutique Hotel in Quito’s Liveliest Neighborhood

  Originally built in 1930 as a family home in the newer (at that time) part of Quito just north of the Old Town Center, Casa Joaquin has loads of history and character. The family run, colonial-era inn has been completely renovated, very well-done and tasteful. The decor is stylish, but not at all over…

Cruising the Galapagos Islands in major style!

Cruising the Galapagos Islands in major style!

Half a century ago, Aristotle Onassis graciously gave his yacht to Princess Grace and Prince Rainier of Monaco for their wedding present, which the royal couple used for a romantic honeymoon cruise through the Mediterranean. During the years that followed, this classic craft went through many different owners and name changes, until Ecuador-based, Quasar Expeditions,…

Ecuador’s Captivating Colonial Mountain Cities – Quito and Cuenca

Ecuador’s Captivating Colonial Mountain Cities – Quito and Cuenca

A Two Part Series of Discovery (Stay-Tuned) My first visit to Ecuador was nearly eight years ago. My trip at that time focused on experiencing the magnificent Galapagos Islands on Ecuador’s Pacific Coast; the islands are truly an eco-paradise, easily one of the world’s greatest treasures that should be on everyone’s bucket list. But Ecuador is…