Tag: experience

How to Have The Most Meaningful Travel Experiences

by Rach Rob, posted in A Personal Journey, Travel Hacks

You’ve heard the stories, read the memoirs, and seen the movies. They make it look and sound easy to “transcend”. To become enlightened by travel. Let’s be honest, you will still be you upon your return home. With that said, travel can be a transformative experience. But it comes in subtle and unexpected ways. If you are traveling on a journey of personal growth, there are some basic principles you can keep in mind to help gain the meaningful experiences you seek.

Continue reading “How to Have The Most Meaningful Travel Experiences” →

Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve ~ Visiting the Jungle of Ecuador

by Rach Rob, posted in Ecuador, South America

So you are in Ecuador and want to see the Amazon?  A number of companies offer immersive jungle excursions in Cuyabeno Reserve, and I recommend the experience.  However, the planning part of this can be a bit confusing.  So this post is about what you can expect from your Cuyabeno jungle adventure and how to plan it out in the least confusing and exhausting way possible! Continue reading “Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve ~ Visiting the Jungle of Ecuador” →

10 Ways to Have a Blast in The Galapagos ~ On A Budget

by Rach Rob, posted in Ecuador, South America

33 Galapagos

Many long-term travelers choose to skip the spectacular Islands of Galapagos for one unfortunate reason: the cost.  I myself debating saving this destination for “later in life” as it’s own separate trip.  Ultimately, I realized I couldn’t spend nearly 2 years exploring the South American continent without visiting the Galapagos.  I am very glad I didn’t skip over these Islands on my adventure.  And I learned that you don’t have to break the bank in order to visit. Continue reading “10 Ways to Have a Blast in The Galapagos ~ On A Budget” →

There Are Some Crazy-Ass Backpackers Out There.

by Rach Rob, posted in A Personal Journey, Collaborations

“Stupid tourists”. Ever wonder why locals everywhere make fun of tourists?  Wonder no more. Continue reading “There Are Some Crazy-Ass Backpackers Out There.” →

Tarzan Leaves The Jungle

by Rach Rob, posted in Chapa Chico, South America

This one is overdue. What do a gas stove, a wooden pepper grinder, a temperature nob in a shower, and a surf board have in common? Continue reading “Tarzan Leaves The Jungle” →

Cuenca, Ecuador

by Rach Rob, posted in Ecuador, South America

I began my Ecuador explorations in the lovely city, Cuenca.  Cuenca has dozens of museums for art and history.  You can visit factories of the famed “Panama Hat” to learn how they are made (Yes, the Panama hat actually comes from Ecuador…).  You can walk the streets or follow the river.  There are even Incan ruins in the middle of city. Continue reading “Cuenca, Ecuador” →

Ceremonies Of The Amazon

by Rach Rob, posted in Bolivia, South America

Anyone who visits the jungle in Rurrenabaque, Bolivia has the chance to participate in a native ritual ceremony.  The indigenous Tacana traditionally practice these ceremonies twice a week, on Tuesday’s and Fridays, and additionally for special occasions and events. Many jungle adventure tours will be sure to include the ceremony in your experience even if your tour does not fall on those days.

These ceremonies are about giving back to Pacha Mama (Mother Earth) for the abundance of resources and life she provides.  They are also an opportunity for the native people to ask for her protection from dangers, providence of food, and general well-being. Continue reading “Ceremonies Of The Amazon” →

Amazon Junlge – Iquitos, Peru

by Rach Rob, posted in Peru, South America

You may know by know that I am quite enamored with the rainforest.  Iquitos, Peru is another launching point to the Amazon.  The main reason to visit Iquitos is preparation before a jungle excursion and rest afterwards.  Iquitos boasts that it is the world’s largest city inaccessible by car.   Continue reading “Amazon Junlge – Iquitos, Peru” →

¡Jungle Crafts!

by Rach Rob, posted in Bolivia, Peru, South America

By now you know that I have spent a good bit of time exploring the Amazon rainforest.  One of many things that fascinates me about Amazon culture is the impressive knowledge of the jungle’s natural resources.

Indigenous communities throughout the Amazon have learned over centuries how to utilize the rainforest for survival.  These cultures rely almost entirely on plants and plant materials for survival.  The plants provide them with food, medicine and materials for shelter and clothing.   Continue reading “¡Jungle Crafts!” →

Paracas – Peru’s “Little Galopagos”

by Rach Rob, posted in Peru, South America

Paracas is located on the shores in the Ica provence south of Lima.  The bay waters are peaceful and the Humbolt Current runs just a little ways offshore all the way up to the Galapagos Islands in Equador.  The current stirs up nutrients attracting wild sea life in great variety.  A short boat trip away, Peru’s famous Ballestas Islands, popularly referred to as “The Little Galapagos”, rest along this current.  The islands are home to sea lions, penguins, pelicans, sharks, dolphins, whales, turtles and a hundred other bird species.  Not to mention, this place is a fisherman’s dream come true. Continue reading “Paracas – Peru’s “Little Galopagos”” →