Having visited all 63 U.S. national parks, we felt it was time to broaden our scope and explore one of the most popular and biologically diverse national parks outside the United States: Galápagos National Park. Located hundreds of miles west of mainland Ecuador, this archipelago of tropical islands…Having visited all 63 U.S. national parks, we felt it was time to broaden our scope and explore one of the most popular and biologically diverse national parks outside the United States: Galápagos National Park. Located hundreds of miles west of mainland Ecuador, this archipelago of tropical islands straddles the equator.
Because the islands were isolated from other landmasses for millions of years, many plants and animals evolved into species found nowhere else on Earth. Much of the wildlife you encounter in the Galápagos exists only there.
Galaxy Cruises recently hosted our visit to this remarkable national park for four days and five nights aboard their EcoGalaxy catamaran. If you’d like to learn more about Galaxy Cruises, follow this link. And if you use the promo code MattandKaren at checkout, you’ll receive a 5% discount. If you use this code, we may earn a marketing fee, but you won’t pay anything extra.
Here are some of the topics we cover in this episode:
· A brief overview of the Galápagos, including a bit of history
· Our stay in Quito, Ecuador’s capital, for a couple of days before the cruise
· The flight from Quito to the islands and the process of getting through immigration, customs, and paying the park entrance fee
· Our daily activities during the cruise, including what we did and what we saw - like snorkeling in deep water for the first time while sea lions swam alongside of us
· Our impressions of the EcoGalaxy, the crew, and the accommodations
· And more!
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We head back to Ecuador to explore a lesser-visited southeastern loop that moves from the high Andes into the Amazon in just a few hours. David and Tim swap rainforest lodge stories, then David sits down in Cuenca with Felipe from Two Degrees Expeditions to unpack a new, community-driven route that …We head back to Ecuador to explore a lesser-visited southeastern loop that moves from the high Andes into the Amazon in just a few hours. David and Tim swap rainforest lodge stories, then David sits down in Cuenca with Felipe from Two Degrees Expeditions to unpack a new, community-driven route that threads cacao and guayusa farms, light-adventure rafting, birding lodges, Shuar cultural experiences, and standout gastronomy in Saraguro.
Why listen:
• Discover how quickly you can link the Andes and Amazon in southern Ecuador
• Learn what “light adventure” looks like for families and curious first-timers
• Hear how Shuar and Saraguro communities are leading culture-forward, sustainable tourism
• Get ideas for unique stays, from river-perched rooms to forest cabins
Places and experiences mentioned
• Cuenca
• The Andes and the Amazon of southern Ecuador
• Cacao farm visit and chocolate tasting
• Guayusa farming and tea tradition
• Family-friendly rafting experience
• Shuar community visit and cultural exchange
• Saraguro town and Chamuico restaurant (six-course tasting)
• Lodges referenced: Rio Vida Lodge (Hualaquiza), Copalinga Forest Lodge
Responsible travel notes
• This route is intentionally community-based. Please book with operators who compensate local partners fairly and cap group sizes.
• Follow lodge guidance on river and rainforest safety, stick to marked paths, and use insect repellent that is rainforest-safe.
• Cultural photography: always ask permission, especially during ceremonies.
Connect with the guest
Book directly with Two Degrees Expeditions or find them on Instagram at 2 degrees expeditions.
Note: Some of the above are affiliate links. if you book using them you will not be charged any extra, but we will receive a small commission to help support the show.
Mentioned in this episode:
Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the world
This podcast is part of the Voyascape Network, a collection of some of the world’s best travel podcasts. Explore more at Voyascape.com.
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This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below:
This week we’re in Cuenca, Ecuador — a UNESCO World Heritage city nestled in the Andes. Known for its cobblestone streets, historic charm, bohemian spirit, and Panama hats (which, despite the name, actually come from Ecuador), Cuenca is a city where history, culture, food, and nature blend seamlessl…This week we’re in Cuenca, Ecuador — a UNESCO World Heritage city nestled in the Andes. Known for its cobblestone streets, historic charm, bohemian spirit, and Panama hats (which, despite the name, actually come from Ecuador), Cuenca is a city where history, culture, food, and nature blend seamlessly.
Host David Brodie is joined by Felipe Neira from 2 Degrees Expeditions, a Cuenca local and guide, to share the best of this remarkable destination — from markets and hot springs to Inca history and modern gastronomy.
What You’ll Discover in This Episode
• The deep history of Cuenca, once the northern capital of the Inca empire.
• Why the city’s rivers, surrounding mountains, and fertile valley make it so unique.
• The spiritual and cultural experiences found in Cuenca’s markets, including traditional healing rituals.
• Relaxing escapes at the region’s hot springs and boutique hotels.
• Felipe’s favorite restaurants that highlight Ecuadorian ingredients and innovation.
• Why simply walking Cuenca’s streets and riverside paths is one of the city’s greatest pleasures.
Where to Stay
• Parc Royale Cuenca – Boutique charm in a historic building with cathedral views
• Itza Hotel – Stylish design and stunning city viewpoints.
• Santa Lucia House – A colonial mansion with a tranquil courtyard and French restaurant.
What to Do
• Visit the vibrant 10 de Agosto Market — for fresh produce, traditional dishes like hornado, and encounters with healers.
• Experience traditional healing rituals — with herbs, energy cleanses, and spiritual traditions unique to the region.
• Soak in the Baños de Cuenca Hot Springs , a perfect place to relax among the Andes.
• Explore the Pumapungo Archaeological Park — ancient Inca ruins right in the city.
• Take in the creativity of Cuenca’s Street Art, with murals and painted cityscapes transforming urban spaces.
Where to Eat
• La María – Women-led kitchen creating innovative cuisine from traditional Ecuadorian ingredients.
• Dos Sucres – Seasonal, farm-to-table dining with produce from their own gardens.
Plan Your Trip
• Learn more about tours with 2 Degrees Expeditions, Felipe’s company offering guided experiences in Cuenca and beyond.
Mentioned in this episode:
Check out the Smart Travel Podcast
This week's show is supported by the new Smart Travel Podcast. Travel smarter — and spend less — with help from NerdWallet. Check out Smart Travel at the Link below:
Smart Travel Podcast
Check out all of our other travel podcasts from around the world
This podcast is part of the Voyascape Network, a collection of some of the world’s best travel podcasts. Explore more at Voyascape.com.
For advertising or sponsorship opportunities across the network, see the link below.
Could guided group travel be your next brave step? In this episode, Cheryl sits down with Avery Hale-Smith, Chief Experience Officer at Backroads, to explore how active, guided adventures are changing the way women experience travel around the world. From immersive childhood travel in Ecuador to stu…Could guided group travel be your next brave step? In this episode, Cheryl sits down with Avery Hale-Smith, Chief Experience Officer at Backroads, to explore how active, guided adventures are changing the way women experience travel around the world. From immersive childhood travel in Ecuador to studying abroad in India, Avery shares how meaningful cultural experiences shaped her view of travel—and how that perspective now informs Backroads’ active journeys across six continents. In This Epis...more
PFT Commenter joins The Wonton Don and Uncle Chaps to Drop A Pin in Ecuador. They talk about the unique wildlife in Ecuador, from the famous Galápagos tortoises to blue-footed boobies. PFT shares stories about about his two week trip. A look at how Ecuador was once home to ancient creatures and its …PFT Commenter joins The Wonton Don and Uncle Chaps to Drop A Pin in Ecuador. They talk about the unique wildlife in Ecuador, from the famous Galápagos tortoises to blue-footed boobies. PFT shares stories about about his two week trip. A look at how Ecuador was once home to ancient creatures and its ties to natural history. They dive into how it’s one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. A quick chat about Charles Darwin’s visit to the Galápagos Islands and how it inspired his famous theory of evolution. The show ends with a Getting Cultured Segment with Rico Bosco.more
Send us Fan Mail If you had 96 hours in NYC what would you do? I'm thinking 96 hours wouldn't be enough to take in everything I'd want to do but travel expert Onanta Forbes just spent 96 hours in NYC so on this week's podcast we'll get the lowdown on what she did and get some tips on traveling to NY…Send us Fan Mail If you had 96 hours in NYC what would you do? I'm thinking 96 hours wouldn't be enough to take in everything I'd want to do but travel expert Onanta Forbes just spent 96 hours in NYC so on this week's podcast we'll get the lowdown on what she did and get some tips on traveling to NYC. Plus, we'll head to Ecuador, famously known for its tours to the Galapagos. But there's so much more to see in Ecuador so find out more about that. And Ken Stewart from Crowfoot Travel Solutions...more
Please click here to 'Follow' the show - it really helps get the show to a wider audience (which I really thank you for!). 🚨 Don't FORGET to Join the Adventure Newsletter Here 🚨😎 In this enlightening recap episode of The Adventure Diaries, Chris Watson sits revisits the Call to Adventure & Pay It Fo…Please click here to 'Follow' the show - it really helps get the show to a wider audience (which I really thank you for!). 🚨 Don't FORGET to Join the Adventure Newsletter Here 🚨😎 In this enlightening recap episode of The Adventure Diaries, Chris Watson sits revisits the Call to Adventure & Pay It Forward segments with Hazen Audel, the charismatic explorer and host of Primal Survivor. Hazen shares his passion for rewilding, the importance of ecotourism, and his experiences in some of the...more
Send us Fan Mail Travel Expert Onanta Forbes is traveling the world again, last week she was in Ecuador and was cruising along the Amazon River so we'll catch up with her to hear about her adventures. Then we'll head to Nova Scotia and visit the Fox Harb'r Resort located on the north side of Nova Sc…Send us Fan Mail Travel Expert Onanta Forbes is traveling the world again, last week she was in Ecuador and was cruising along the Amazon River so we'll catch up with her to hear about her adventures. Then we'll head to Nova Scotia and visit the Fox Harb'r Resort located on the north side of Nova Scotia. And, Ken Stewart from Crowfoot Travel Solutions will be along to give us a few destination ideas and travel deals with our Weekly Round Up. Support the showmore
This week on the pod, join Ryan as he explores Guayaquil, Ecuador's largest city. Discover a Millennial Malecon, delve into miniature history museums teeming with pirates, and encounter feral iguanas. Also, stay tuned as Kiernan learns what a chameleon is.
Things we talk about in this week's episod…This week on the pod, join Ryan as he explores Guayaquil, Ecuador's largest city. Discover a Millennial Malecon, delve into miniature history museums teeming with pirates, and encounter feral iguanas. Also, stay tuned as Kiernan learns what a chameleon is.
In this episode of "Out of Office: A Travel Podcast," get ready for some high-altitude exploration as Ryan takes us to Quito! Learn about Simon Bolivar's significant other (who was both a lover and a fighter) and discover what qualifies as a tree worm.
For more information on the places and experie…In this episode of "Out of Office: A Travel Podcast," get ready for some high-altitude exploration as Ryan takes us to Quito! Learn about Simon Bolivar's significant other (who was both a lover and a fighter) and discover what qualifies as a tree worm.
For more information on the places and experiences discussed in the podcast, check out the following links:
Ryan shares a study that shows the farther you wander, the happier you'll be (https://entrylevelrebel.medium.com/new-study-the-farther-you-wander-the-happier-you-will-be-7fbfafa556f), while Kiernan suggests checking out the WPA murals at United States post offices (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_United_States_post_office_murals).
