Eight Days of Ecuador…Day 3

After a long, HOT insect-fearing night of sleep in Montañita, I awoke sleepy-eyed. This was day 3 of our eight days of Ecuador photography travel abroad class. Be sure to read day 2 if you want to follow along on our adventure!

Ecuador’s temperatures remain fairly consistent year-round, making the traditional seasons of spring, summer, winter, and fall largely unnoticeable. The climate ranges from hot and humid to subtropical, with a rainy season lasting several months, depending on the specific region. Thanks to its position on the equator, Ecuador experiences minimal variation in daylight hours, with both sunrise and sunset consistently occurring around 6 AM and 6 PM each day.

Day 3 – Sunday, April 22: Chasing the Sunrise and a Curious Encounter

I was up before the sun the next morning, having slept poorly, eager to catch the sunrise. I walked out to the beach alone, but unfortunately, it was a bit cloudy. As I headed back to my room, I startled one of two dogs lying outside a nearby room. Then, I noticed a van in the lot with a sticker that read “Raised on the Road.” This intrigued me, so I jotted the name down in my journal.

The evening before, I’d seen a young couple with two small kids and these two dogs walking on the beach. Upon my return to Nashville, I searched Instagram, found their page, and have enjoyed following their fascinating story: a family of four traveling the world in a Land Rover.

When I got back to my room, I saw that several others were also up early, so we walked back to the beach and sat at the beachfront restaurant area of our hotel, watching the dogs roam around.

Eventually, the rest of our group joined us, and we all enjoyed a breakfast of bread with butter and jam, eggs, fruit, and fresh juice before packing up for our next destination.

Coastal Journey: The Spondylus Route to Manabí

Our journey continued as we headed off to Manabí via the scenic Spondylus Route, also known as the “Ruta del Sol.” This coastal drive led us through charming small fishing villages along the way. We made a stop at the Santuario Blanca Estrella del Mar, perched near the ocean. From this vantage point, we could see a cross in the distance, a local vendor quietly setting up along the tranquil highway, and miles of stunning shoreline from the cliff’s edge.

Upon our arrival at the beach in the surf town of Manabí, the students got a taste of local culture. We watched as vendors would grind ice by hand crank and add their syrup of choice, creating a delicious shaved ice snack. It was remarkably similar to what we call a snow-cone, offering a sweet and refreshing treat in the warm coastal air.

As we strolled along the beach, soaking it all in, there was no shortage of captivating sights for our cameras. So many things were distinctly different from what we’re accustomed to in the States. The students enthusiastically photographed the men with their ceviche carts, skillfully shucking oysters and crafting fresh, made-to-order delicacies right there oceanside. We all sampled one from a local vendor, and it was absolutely wonderful!

Everyone was so laid back and happy everywhere we went, and they appeared to not care very much about material possessions or time. Matthew said that most Ecuadorian people loved tourists because they appreciated the money tourists spent on their products and services. We continued to immerse ourselves in Ecuadorian culture and the stunning coastal charm. The experience offered a blend of unique sights, sounds, and flavors that truly highlighted the diversity of the region.

From Beach Photos to Sweet Discoveries

After our beach photoshoot, we set off for our next destination, making a delightful stop in a small, vibrantly colored town painted in shades of pink, blue, and yellow. Mathew was eager for us to experience the local sweet desserts, all made from the cane sugar grown right in the area. Every bite of their freshly prepared food tasted remarkably different, a refreshing change from the processed foods we’re accustomed to back home.

Unearthing Ancient History at Agua Blanca Museum

We then stopped at the Agua Blanca Museum, where we embarked on a fascinating tour. Here, we delved into the rich history of Balseros Del Mar Del Sur, an extraordinary archaeological site. This area reveals insights into one of the most ancient cultures in South America, offering a profound glimpse into a civilization that thrived long ago. The museum provided a captivating context for understanding Ecuador’s deep historical roots and the significant archaeological discoveries made in the region.

At another fascinating museum, we delved deeper into the early culture of Ecuador, examining intricate pottery and other ancient relics. We even saw samples of local snakes preserved in jars, which I personally found quite cool! Afterward, we ventured out along the trails, absorbing more historical insights from both Norby and a knowledgeable guide from the museum.

Puerto López Bound: Seafood Delights and Coastal Shopping

Our next destination was Puerto López, where we planned to stay the night. On our way into town, we pulled over at a charming seaside restaurant for a late lunch. Afterward, we enjoyed a bit of shopping along the lively beachside streets. I indulged in a mixed seafood stir-fry with fresh local avocado, it was absolutely delicious and cost only $12!

Our “Gilligan’s Island” Stay at Cabañas Playa Sur

That evening, we checked into our rooms at the Cabañas Playa Sur hotel, which was incredibly cool. The accommodations felt more like charming huts, each featuring clean, nicely tiled bathrooms and the typical Ecuadorian construction of bamboo and palm-leaf thatch roofs. My room even had a screen in the upper section and an oscillating fan, offering a touch of comfort. The back of the property boasted several hammocks for guests to lounge in, and a direct path from the front led straight to the beach—it truly felt like our own little “Gilligan’s Island!”

The guys, Eric and Jason, seemed thrilled with our new surroundings and headed out for a swim with some of the other students before sunset. This was truly the first bit of downtime we’d had since the trip began. However, it only lasted about an hour, as we quickly needed to get back out on the beach to capture the stunning sunset.

Inside my room, a charming wooden table with two stools invited relaxation. The bed, like all the others, was thoughtfully equipped with mosquito netting draped above it, a feature I’d soon discover the critical importance of that evening!

As the day drew to a close, we wrapped up with another night of shooting on the beach in Puerto López. We focused our lenses on capturing the vibrant life along the shore, photographing both the local residents and a few visitors enjoying the evening.

The scene on the beach was quintessential coastal life. Fishing boats dotted the sand, some just returning, others heading out into the Pacific surf. People casually played soccer along the shore, while dogs roamed freely, enjoying the wide-open space. Everyone seemed to be soaking in the beautiful evening sunset, creating a wonderfully relaxed and vibrant atmosphere.

After yet another incredibly long day, we finally settled into our rooms at the Cabañas Playa Sur hotel. Lying in bed, the soothing sound of waves crashing on the beach was a constant presence, making it almost feel like camping, but with the luxury of a mattress instead of a sleeping bag. Soon, I’d discover just how similar it really was to being out in the woods!

Exhausted, I felt incredibly comfortable and relaxed as I drifted off to sleep. This was the first time on the trip I’d had no trouble falling asleep. Each of our rooms was equipped with mosquito netting over the beds, but around 3:30 AM, I learned the hard way that it’s crucial to tuck it securely under the mattress to keep other kinds of bugs out. Trust me, it’s far better to keep them out than trapped inside with you!

I woke up in a panic, something crawling on me, and instantly flicked it away. Reaching for my phone (which I was quickly learning needed to be by my side all night as a flashlight), I discovered a cricket had somehow spent most of the night with me. I desperately searched the bed for the rest of his family. Once I felt I was truly alone in bed, I meticulously tucked the netting as far under the mattress as I could from inside my makeshift tent and tried to go back to sleep. It took a while.

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