After a long travel day (taxi, ferry, bus, airplane, taxi), we landed in Ayampe. So far we love it. Its a little hippie town on the SE coast of Ecuador, just north of Montanita.
The town is tiny, and its off season so it is dead. But it has a beautiful beach, and a brackish lagoon. We have just been chilling here. Beach walks, and exploring the nearby area. The birding is great, and we love our lodging – Vistimar Ayampe. The host is a young expat (Tulane grad) and has been great. He has given us all sorts of good advice about the area. We went on hike with him today. Just down the beach, and over some rocks. But it was fun – we saw some cool rocks, a few crabs, and watched the dogs play in the surf. Maybe a bit of scrambling.
Ash did yoga here – ms. Srivinasan style – which she loved. We have only eaten one meal, breakfast, but it was good. We are going to eat Coconut Shrimp in a bit.
We also like the two other guests we have interacted with (Marty, who lives in New Orleans; and Eva, a German woman at the start of a three month adventure).
While it has not really rained, it is misty and boy is humid. More humid than New Orleans! And a lot more bugs than the Galapagos but overall not bad.
Not much else to say, just loving our time here. Tomorrow, we are going to head up the coast and try to hike in a national park, and maybe buy some presents / souvenirs.
Your trip has been wonderful so far—i Hope it continues to delight and amaze you.