• Kristin.aroundtheworld
  • Kristin.aroundtheworld

World Trip 2022

299-päiväinen seikkaillu — Kristin.aroundtheworld Lue lisää
  • Quito (2)

    24. huhtikuuta 2022, Ecuador ⋅ ⛅ 16 °C

    Free walking tour in the historic centre.
    Visited the second highest cathedral in South America - „Basilica de Voto National“.
    Took the cable car 🚡 „Teleférico“ up to 4.000m to the volcano „Pinchincha“ for sunset but had no luck, just fog. Enjoyed the evening with good food and some rounds of „Wizzard“.Lue lisää

  • Cotopaxi Nationalpark (1)

    25. huhtikuuta 2022, Ecuador ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C

    Let’s go to the Cotopaxi National Park 🏞

    The Cotopaxi National Park is a protected area in Ecuador situated roughly 50 km south of Quito. The Cotopaxi volcano (meaning 'smooth neck of the moon' in Quechua; Quechua q'oto 'throat' + Aymara phakhsi 'moon') that lends its name to the park is located within its boundaries, together with two others: the dormant Rumiñahui volcano to its north-west and the historical Sincholagua volcano (last major eruption: 1877) to the south east. Cotopaxi is among the highest active volcano in the world. Its most recent eruption began on 14 August 2015, and ended on 24 January 2016.

    We stayed at the beautiful „Secret Garden Cotopaxi“ Hostel in the Birdhouse - just a tiny house, with a big hammock and a big window with volcano Cotopaxi right in front of us. We started with an small walk through the property to acclimatize and have spent the evening by the fireplace.
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  • Cotopaxi Nationalpark (2)

    26. huhtikuuta 2022, Ecuador ⋅ ⛅ 9 °C

    We woke up with a clear blue sky at 6 am and enjoyed these stunning view with a cup of coffee ☕️

    Rumiñahui 🌋 is calling. Rumiñahui (/ruːmiˈnjɑːwiː/ roo-mee-NYAH-wee, Kichwa rumi stone, rock, ñawi eye, face,[1] "stone eye", "stone face", "rock eye" or "rock face"]) is a dormant, heavily eroded stratovolcano 4.721m above sea level.

    It was a beautiful but also a hard and exhausting hike up to the peak.
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  • Cotopaxi Nationalpark (3)

    27. huhtikuuta 2022, Ecuador ⋅ ☁️ 10 °C

    We ended our stay in the Cotopaxi national park with a horseback riding - 3h in the saddle and the mountain always in our field of vision. Such a nice and relaxed end of our trip.
    Let’s see if I can get to the top of the highest volcano of the world someday. I thought about many times if I try to reach the summit, but decided to start with smaller peaks in Peru.Lue lisää

  • Quilotoa

    28. huhtikuuta 2022, Ecuador ⋅ ☁️ 8 °C

    Most people go for a 3 day hike and finish at the Quilotoa crater lake. But since we had little time, we decided to skip the hike and go directly by bus to Quilotoa and do a day hike. And we were once again impressed by these stunning views, the green water and the vegetation around the lake - impressive how many different plants and flowers can grow at an altitude of almost 4.000m.Lue lisää

  • From Quilotoa to Mindo (1)

    29. huhtikuuta 2022, Ecuador ⋅ ☁️ 5 °C

    Woke up for sunrise, skipped breakfast and went directly to the bus because it is a long journey from Quilotoa to Mindo: CAMPINETA to ZUMBAHUA (0,5h), Bus to Latacunga (1,5h), Bus to Quito (2h), Uber to the other bus terminal in the north (1h), taxi to another bus terminal (0,1h) because we didn’t wanna wait 4h for the next direct bus for Mindo, bus to the access to Mindo (2,5h), taxi to the town of Mindo (0,25h). In total we needed 8,5h for 320km.

    It didn't take long since we left Quito, and we could see white clouds rolling over lush green trees and vegetation from the bus windows. The immediate change of scenery was unbelievable, and it meant the only thing.

    We were getting nearer to a small Ecuadorian village Mindo and Mindo Cloud Forest to be precise, which is known as a paradise for bird watchers, waterfall lovers, and those who like to enjoy the right mixture of adventure, nature, and relaxed vibe.
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  • Mindo (2)

    30. huhtikuuta 2022, Ecuador ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    We started with a cacao tour at the famous farm „El Quetzal” - named by a bird. We did a guided walk through the small farm, witnessed the step-by-step process of making chocolate and did a guided tasting of unique cacao fruit products, the variety of chocolate bars, and the famous brownie.Lue lisää

  • Mindo (3)

    1. toukokuuta 2022, Ecuador ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    Let’s go birdwatching 🦜

    Mindo represents a key site for Birding in Ecuador, because the warm climate and rich natural landscape make this area an ideal place for birds to live all year round. Home to over 500 bird species and a vast diversity of other wildlife like many different species of butterflies, Mindo is named an IBA (Important Bird Area) and most of its forests are protected. Mindo Cloud Forest has the highest count of endemic montane birds in the entire world. Ecuador is also the country with most species of hummingbirds, over 130.

    Among others we have been able to see the following birds: Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, Yellow-throated Toucan, Toucan Barbet, Giant Antpitta and Quetzal.

    In the afternoon we went for a hike through the private property of “Casa Amarillo” to a viewpoint.
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  • Mindo (4)

    2. toukokuuta 2022, Ecuador ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    Tucan right in front of our balcony in the morning.

    The area is rich in waterfalls and cascades of different sizes, and you can find them all over the region, especially after the rain. The official name of this area is Tarabita y Santuario de Cascadas Mindo.
    This path deep in the cloud forest reveals not one but seven waterfalls, all of them accessible on foot.
    We took the cable car „Tarabita“, crossed the valley and started hiking for the rest of the day to various waterfalls.
    Fun fact: Tarabita cable car, powered by a small engine from an old Nissan 2002 pickup truck, is an attraction on its own.
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  • Otavalo (1)

    3. toukokuuta 2022, Ecuador ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    Bye bye Travelbuddy - Tanja had to take her flight back to Germany today and I went on to Otavalo.
    It was a great time and a nice change not to travel solo.

    Otavalo in northern Ecuador is known for its indigenous culture and traditional markets. Wandering the streets of Otavalo is pretty eye-catching, but once you take a photo of all the notable buildings, focus on details such as admiring traditional clothes and braided hair of local women and men.

    Nowadays, it is quite unusual to see so many indigenous people in the 40 000 city, and it is definitely the reason why Otavalo is worth visiting.
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  • Amazon Rainforest (1)

    6. toukokuuta 2022, Ecuador ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C

    After 11h in an uncomfortable bus we arrived at the access of the Cuyabeno Reserve and a little later we went 3h by boat down the river to our lodge in the middle of the rainforest.

    What will I do the next 3 days? - Exploring and knowing the diversity of the rainforest:

    Explore one of the world's most mystical and wondrous regions such as the Amazon tropical Rainforest. The area takes part at the east foothills of the Andes, better known as the Oriente in Ecuador. Despite representing only 2% of the Amazon rainforest, the Ecuadorian rainforest accounts one-third of the Amazon's biodiversity. Cuyabeno is one of the wildlife Reserve, it protects approximately 590,112 hectares of tropical rainforest located in the northeastern part of Ecuador and crossed by the equator line.
    There are over 500 different species of colorful birds starting from the smallest hummingbird species to the majestic harpy eagle. Within one hectare of this reserve, it is possible to find up 240 different plant species, many of which are still used for medical purposes until now by the communities. Some species of monkeys, tapirs, sloths, armadillos and jaguars are just a few of the mammals that live in the tropical rainforest of Cuyabeno, besides impressive reptiles such as Anacondas and Caimans should be mentioned too. Other ecosystems of Cuyabeno are the black-water rivers and lakes with flooded forests where there are a variety of fish species such as piranhas, catfish and Arapaimas (which can reach a length of 2 meters) and the pink river dolphins (Iniageoffrensis) and grey dolphins (Sotaliafluviatilis).
    Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve provides habitat for countless plants and animals giving support to a great biodiversity, but it is also home for many indigenous communities such as the Siona, Secoya, Kichwa and Cofan.
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  • Amazon Rainforest (2)

    7. toukokuuta 2022, Ecuador ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C

    Early in the morning we explored the area looking for monkeys and birds in the awakening tropical rainforest.

    After breakfast, we had an interesting activity we visited the Indigenous Siona community to share their daily life in the Amazon Basin. We had a demonstration on how to make ‘Cassave’, the typical manioc (yuka) bread of the region. Additional we learned about the local customs and traditions of their past and present culture.Lue lisää

  • Amazon Rainforest (3)

    8. toukokuuta 2022, Ecuador ⋅ ☁️ 26 °C

    After breakfast we walked through the rainforest and our guide shared all his knowledge and experiences. We learned how the most diverse life forms can coexist in the nature and survive side by side within a delicate balance. We spotted colorful butterflies, frogs and listen some birds as we learn more about the great variety of flora.
    Returned to the lodge for lunch. After we had short time to rest enjoying the nature, swimming in the river and a pleasant nap in the hammock.
    In the afternoon we traveled by motorized canoe upstream to reach the Laguna Grande. As we explored the lagoon, we learned about the 'Igapó', the ecosystem of the flooded forest and dominated by giant macrolobium trees which provide habitat for epiphytes and some species of birds such as cormorants. After exploring the lagoon, we could swim in the calm waters while watching the spectacular sunset of the Amazon region.
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  • Lima (2)

    12. toukokuuta 2022, Peru ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C

    Started my first full day in a new city as usual with a Free Walking Tour including a tasting of the blessed liquor of Peru "El Pisco Sour".

    When fog bundles its colonial facades and high rises, Lima's enchantments come across as all too subtle. After Cairo, this sprawling metropolis is the second-driest world capital, rising above a long coastline of crumbling cliffs. To enjoy it, climb on the wave of chaos that spans from high-rise condos built alongside pre-Columbian temples, and fast Pacific breakers rolling toward noisy traffic snarls. Think one part southern Cali doused with a heavy dose of America Latina.
    But Lima is also sophisticated, with civilization that dates back millennia. Stately museums display sublime pottery; galleries debut edgy art; solemn religious processions recall the 18th century and crowded nightclubs dispense
    tropical beats. No visitor can miss the capital’s culinary genius, part of a gastronomic revolution more than 400 years in the making.
    This is Lima. Shrouded in history, gloriously messy and full of aesthetic delights.

    In the afternoon, as we lay comfortably in bed and rested, it suddenly started to shake, definitely noticeable and for a few seconds. An EARTHQUAKE of magnitude 5.4 11km from the epicenter, gave us quite a scare.
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  • Huaraz (1)

    13. toukokuuta 2022, Peru ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C

    Off to Huaraz - the hikers paradise of Peru.

    Ground zero for outdoor-adventure worship in Peru, the Cordilleras are one of the preeminent hiking, trekking and backpacking spots in South America. Every which way you throw your gaze, perennially glaciered white peaks razor their way through expansive mantles of lime-green valleys. In the recesses of these prodigious giants huddle scores of pristine jade lakes, ice caves and torrid springs. The Cordillera Blanca is one of the highest mountain ranges in the world outside the Himalayas, and its 18 ostentatious summits of more than 6000m will not let you forget it for a second.
    Huaraz is the fast-beating heart linking the trekking trails and roads that serve as the mountains’ arteries. Plans of daring ice climbs, mountain-biking exploits and rock-climbing expeditions are hatched over ice-cold beers in fireplace- warmed hostels and bars, often only interrupted by a brief sojourn into the eastern valley to the enigmatic 3000-year-old ruins of Chavín de Huántar.
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  • Huaraz (3) - Laguna 69

    15. toukokuuta 2022, Peru ⋅ ⛅ 6 °C

    This vivid blue lake surrounded by snow-covered peaks is the jewel of the Cordilleras and a challenging second acclimatization hike. It's a fairly long and tough six-hour round-trip hike from the trailhead to the lake, which sits right at the base of of Chacraraju (6112m). However, I have been rewarded with great views of Chopicalqui (6345m), Huascarán Sur (6768m) and Norte (6655m) along the way.Lue lisää

  • Huaraz (4) - Nevado Mateo

    16. toukokuuta 2022, Peru ⋅ ☁️ 6 °C

    My first 5k peak is waiting for me…

    We were picked up early in the morning (02:00am) and started the journey driving along the Callejon de Huaylas Valley until the city of Carhuaz and then up to Shilla district and then into the Huascaran National Park until we reached the Punta Olimpica Tunnel, which connects the Callejon de Huaylas Valley and Conchucos Valley. This is the longest vehicular tunnel in Peru and the highest in the world at 4740m.

    From here, there is no marked trail and it was rocky. The climb begun with a flat but short hike to the foot of the moraine wall and then a short but tricky ascent up to the moraine wall. The rest of the way was a mixture of good path with some demanding climbing over moraine rocks and loose ground until we reached the glacier where we put on our glacier gear (crampons and ice axe) and roped up . First time walking with crampons for me. The way to the top was quite steep or but without technically difficult.

    We reached the summit in approx. 2 hours where there was plenty of space to walk around appreciate the amazing surrounding mountains such as Huascaran, Chopicalqui, Chacraraju, Contrahiervas, Ulta, Hualcan and many others.

    We went back following the same way down to the route and drove back to Huaraz.
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  • Huayhuash (1)

    19. toukokuuta 2022, Peru ⋅ ☁️ 9 °C

    There is no doubt that the Cordillera Huayhuash is among the most beautiful mountain chains in the world. Located in the Peruvian Andes in South America and measuring a mere 30km in length; this mountain range is an incredible compact cluster of enormous icy towers surrounded by cascading rivers, turquoise lakes, and with a great diversity of flora and fauna. Here looming overhead stands the legendary Yerupaja (6634m), the second highest peak in Perú, and more legendary still, Siula Grande (6336m), a mountain famous as the setting of Joe Simpson’s epic tale of survival, “Touching the Void”.

    First day and worst day of the trek, because it rained and hailed and it was cold and almost everyone was asking himself: „Why am I doing this?“ - Climbing up a mountain by rain and wind, cold temperatures, sitting in a little tent with 11 people on a uncomfortable chair, sleeping on the ground when the temperature drops at night down up to -5 degrees, no bathroom, no warm water, just a natural toilet behind a rock…
    But as soon as you reach a pass or a peak, have a nice view over a valley, all that is forgotten - you just enjoy and are proud of yourself.

    Quartelhuain - Cacanapunta - Janca
    7,6km
    490hm/430hm
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