Things to do:
Zip-lining through the forest canopy - Now I should start off by mentioning that there were two companies offering this activity up until July this year. One of them went bankrupt following a death on the zip line. So it was with some hesitancy that I decided to do this (mind you I had done some research on the surviving company and it sounded ok). 3.6km of lines over 12-13 wires (depends which sign you read) and they allow, if not encourage, doing the superman and the mariposa (butterfly) on certain lines. Can't say it isn't without its risks but I did do the superman. Follow the extremely brief safety instructions carefully as you can easily hurt yourself seriously if you have a lapse in concentration. ~$15.
Santuario de Cascadas - I walked the 6km uphill to the start of the walk which is actually a 530m cable car across the valley ($5 return) then a hike to up to six waterfalls. I only managed to see four of them as I was running out of time. Best to do early in the morning before it gets too hot and humid. Is a c.18-20km walk if you start from town.
Mariposario - The butterfly farm about 3km from town. It is only one large enclosure filled with thousands of butterflies. Sounds a bit gay but was quite relaxing to chill out in there for an hour or so. Tough to take photos of them - especially the large ones with their bright blue wings that you only see when they are flying.
Tubing - Starts opposite the mariposario. Cost around $6 per person including transport out to the starting point. Really good fun. Lasts about 45-60 mins. The water is freezing, your backside may take some punishment from the rocks during the drier months when the water level is lower, but it is well worth it. Take a waterproof camera and wait for the guide (who works quite hard actually directing the mass of tubes tied together) to do the spiderman on the rock faces. (photos of tubing to come I hope)
Birdwatching - Mindo is apparently one of the best places in Ecuador to watch birds. The day I arrived was the end of an annual bird-watching long weekend. I didn't end up going on a guided walk due to alcohol consumption but it is supposedly well worth it. Go first thing in the morning....around 6am.
El Quetzal Cafe - Famous for its chocolate brownies. I had one and it was quite amazing. Went back for another a few days later and was disappointed (must have got an end piece - was dry and unappealing). Check it out anyway. Most things they sell are very expensive (all relative of course). You can also do a chocolate tour there as well.
Fruit shakes - Swing on the bamboo seats at a cool little fruit shake bar that will add some rum to your concoction if you want. The seats are dangerous after a couple drinks - hold on tight! Order your next drink 5-10 mins before you want it as it takes an eternity to make them for some reason (think they are cutting up fruit to order???).
 |
| This is the biggest one....up to 20cm |
 |
| Bit out of focus but hard to capture this feisty one with my shitty len |
 |
| This one landed on me and wouldn't get off |
 |
| The hatchery.....all born that morning, waiting for their wings to dry |
 |
| Stairway to..... |
 |
| The fruit cocktail bar....after a few |
Walk to the waterfalls....
 |
| Desperately need photoshop....blackground will be black one day |
 |
| Same deal |
 |
| This stupid cow opted to chew on a plastic bag rather than the endless fields of green grass. I stole it from her. |
No comments:
Post a Comment