The road chose me

1 Oct, 2010

Kuélap

By far the biggest and best preserved site in the whole Chachapoyas area is the ancient city of Kuélap, perched high on a mountaintop with commanding views on all sides. It’s quite an effort...

Looking inconspicuous in the main square of Chachapoyas

Hiking / Peru / Road-tripping

27 Sep, 2010

The area surrounding the town of Chachapoyas, high in the mountains, was inhabited from around 880 AD until the 1470s when the Chachapoyas were defeated by the Incans. As a result, the surrounding countryside...

Border Crossing / Ecuador / Peru / Road-tripping

23 Sep, 2010

Into Peru

I wind my way along a very remote dirt road, and find myself at a military checkpoint on what could easily be the top of the world highway. After the friendly guys check my...

Ecuador / Road-tripping

19 Sep, 2010

Ecuador Ends

I’ve always thought one of the hardest things about constantly being on the move is constantly saying goodbye. Leaving The Secret Garden Cotopaxi is absolutely no exception. I’ve made some great friends over the...

Volcano Cotopaxi crater (tiny amount of smoke on left)

Ecuador / Hiking / Mountaineering

13 Sep, 2010

Cotopaxi Summit – 5,897 meters of Daring

Four months of watching excitedly as groups departed for the summit of Cotopaxi Volcano (5,897m/19,344ft) has not dulled my fascination in the least. Each and every time I’ve waited anxiously for their return and...

Camping / Ecuador / Hiking / Road-tripping

10 Sep, 2010

A Camping Trip To Remember Pt. 2

I’m really not sure if I get much sleep, struggling with the cold and unfamiliarity of my tent after three months of luxury in a real bed. My tent is covered in a thick...