Having conqured Machu Picchu and aware that we're rapidly running out of time Alex and I are eager to get started on our next excursion - the Amazon rainforest. This has been on my bucket list for longer than Machu Picchu has - an absolute must do, my entire reason for wanting to come to South America. We have several options as the rainforest stretches across nine countries in total.
After lots of research we settle on Cuyabeno National Park in Ecuador for the quality of wildlife and excellent prices... then we learn that several tourists have been kidnapped by Colombian gurillas in previous years. Then we learn that the Peruvian rainforest is only by plane or boat (Iquitos is the largest city in the world with no road access), thus spending more time and money. As we have to be in the capital, Quito, in ten days time for a flight to Colombia, we opt for Ecuador but decide to visit Yasuni National Park - away from the troublesome border.
With a decision made Alex and I still have to work out how to get there. We're still fairly far south and flights within South America are very expensive. I have met travellers who have found it cheaper to fly to Mexico, the States or even Canada and then back rathet than get a direct flight between two South American countries. It takes us six days to get to Quito from Cusco, alternating between a night on a bus and a night hostels along the way. The best of these stops is in Huacachina, an oasis town surrounded by miles and miles of rolling, golden sand dunes. Alex and I celebrate an evening not being on a bus with a dune buggy ride more vomit inducing than any roller coaster.
With seven days left before out flight and five days wanted in the jungle, Alex and I head straight to a travel agents upon arriving in Quito. Despite our reluctance to get kidnapped it turns out that Cuyabeno National Park offers better prices, more wildlife and more water. Our travel agent seems slightly cofused that we should be concerned - 'I wouldn't send you there of it was dangerous', 'I've sending tourists there for years and never had any problems' etcetera etcetera. Only slightly convinced but aware that I'm probably being overly paranoid I push my concerns aside, unable to ignore the poster of the beautiul jungle lodge in front of me and the chance to be there tomorrow. At least getting kidnapped would fulfill my dream to live in the Amazon and practice my newly researched hostage negotiation skills.
After lots of research we settle on Cuyabeno National Park in Ecuador for the quality of wildlife and excellent prices... then we learn that several tourists have been kidnapped by Colombian gurillas in previous years. Then we learn that the Peruvian rainforest is only by plane or boat (Iquitos is the largest city in the world with no road access), thus spending more time and money. As we have to be in the capital, Quito, in ten days time for a flight to Colombia, we opt for Ecuador but decide to visit Yasuni National Park - away from the troublesome border.
With a decision made Alex and I still have to work out how to get there. We're still fairly far south and flights within South America are very expensive. I have met travellers who have found it cheaper to fly to Mexico, the States or even Canada and then back rathet than get a direct flight between two South American countries. It takes us six days to get to Quito from Cusco, alternating between a night on a bus and a night hostels along the way. The best of these stops is in Huacachina, an oasis town surrounded by miles and miles of rolling, golden sand dunes. Alex and I celebrate an evening not being on a bus with a dune buggy ride more vomit inducing than any roller coaster.
Above: Dune buggy/ death trap
Above: Huacahina
Above: Huacachina as featued on the fifty soles note
With seven days left before out flight and five days wanted in the jungle, Alex and I head straight to a travel agents upon arriving in Quito. Despite our reluctance to get kidnapped it turns out that Cuyabeno National Park offers better prices, more wildlife and more water. Our travel agent seems slightly cofused that we should be concerned - 'I wouldn't send you there of it was dangerous', 'I've sending tourists there for years and never had any problems' etcetera etcetera. Only slightly convinced but aware that I'm probably being overly paranoid I push my concerns aside, unable to ignore the poster of the beautiul jungle lodge in front of me and the chance to be there tomorrow. At least getting kidnapped would fulfill my dream to live in the Amazon and practice my newly researched hostage negotiation skills.
Above: Most recent picture... just incase
Welcome to the jungle! Was an awesome experience and we defintely lucked out with our awesome Guide.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know there was a chance to get kidnapped, its makes it sound more exotic now.