Viewpoint – Maldo Travels

San Andres – Buggy Rental

Jean Maldonado — Fri, 23 Apr 2021 20:00:00 +0000

When we arrived in San Andres, we mainly got around the island via public transport or taxi. In the first couple of days on the island, we noticed several buggies on the streets and also rental spots. We enquired about the buggy in one of the rental spots near Centro and decided to hire one for one of the days we had free. The rental came to 200,000 COP¹ for 1 full day with a full tank.

We picked up the buggy at around 11 AM and headed down to the southern tip of the island. It took us about 45 minutes to drive down the coastline enjoying the great beach views along the way. We stopped at El Hoyo Soplador which is one of the main tourist spots in San Andres. At this place, the parking is free, but the locals ask you to buy a drink or food from the restaurant bar. We ordered one of the local cocktails called Coco Loco which was served in a coconut. There was a long queue when we got there to take a picture at the place. This tourist spot is a natural phenomenon of a blowhole in the rocky ground. When the waves come crashing into the cove, you’ll get a gust of wind and water sprayed out of the blowhole. We waited in the queue for about 10-15 minutes to get a picture/video.

Next, we continued driving along the coastline in a loop around the island. After about 20 minutes, we arrived at a viewpoint on the west side of the island. At this viewpoint, there is the tourist letter sign of I Love San Andres Island. There aren’t as many people at this viewpoint compared to the other letter sign of San Andres in Centro, so it’s easier to get a picture here. After getting a picture we continued driving up the coastline to get to Centro on the north side of the island. It took us about 30 minutes and it was now around 1.30 PM so we went for lunch in Centro.

After lunch, we stopped by the main tourist letters of I Love San Andres in Centro. We then looped back around the island making stops at remote beaches along the way. Most of the west side is quite rocky and mainly used for Scuba diving. The south and east side have untouched sandy beaches with clear water. Since these beaches are more remote, they don’t have crowds like the beaches at Centro and were great to relax in. We finished our loop back to Centro at around 6 PM to drop off the buggy.

San Andres – Semi Submarine

Jean Maldonado — Thu, 22 Apr 2021 20:00:00 +0000

We booked this tour for the afternoon with Ecodivers Tours following our Scuba Experience Tour in the morning. The minibus that picked us up from the dive center dropped us off in Centro and we headed to the tour agency’s office. From here, one of the reps walked us over to the pier where the semi-submarine boat was located. It was a large boat which was anchored in deeper water, so we first got on a smaller boat which took us to the semi-submarine. The semi-submarine had lots of seating space for about 50 people and lots of shade. We set out at around 3 PM and headed in the direction of Haynes Cay for about 30 minutes.

The boat slowed down near a shallow zone where there was lots of sea life and we were invited to go down to the hull. The hull was full of windows so you could see all the marine life swimming around. The guide pointed out the different species and gave us information on them. Another guide dove into the water to lure fish toward the boat. This part of the tour lasted for about 20 minutes before we headed to another zone for swimming. The boat anchored in and we were free to go for a swim. The current was very strong so not many people got in, but it was a refreshing swim to cool down from the sun. At around 4.30 PM we began making our way back to the pier and finished the tour at 5 PM. It was a quick boat ride into the sea and a good way to explore the sea life without getting wet.

San Andres – Caribbean Paradise

Jean Maldonado — Sun, 18 Apr 2021 20:00:00 +0000

At the departure airport, everyone has to purchase a Tourist Card which costs 25 USD² and can be paid in USD or COP³. you must make sure to keep the Tourist Card throughout your stay and present it at the San Andres customs when leaving the island. We arrived at the San Andres Airport at around 4 PM. The airport is quite small so we got through customs quickly. Upon exiting the airport, several taxis are waiting to pick up passengers. Our hotel was located in San Luis on the east side of the island which was a little far away from Centro where the main strip is. We decided to first walk to the main strip to see if we could get a tour for the following day.

The main strip is a short 20-minute walk from the airport, and you can first walk to the beach and walk alongside the sea which is a beautiful walk. Once we got to the main strip, we found a couple of tour agencies and bought an Islands Tour for the next day. We then took a taxi to our hotel which cost us 25,000 COP. We stayed at San Luis Place by Dorado which had a private beach. A perk of the hotel we stayed at is that we also had access to the private beaches and facilities of the other hotels By Dorado. That evening we headed to one of them in the San Luis area Hotel Reina del Mar which had a bar and restaurant.

We spent a week in San Andres which is great for both relaxing and going on tours to explore the island. Many of the hotels have private beaches and we found time every day to chill at the private beaches and pools of the hotels By Dorado. There are also lots of tours and activities available and we headed out on the Islands Tour, a Scuba Diving Experience, a Semi-Submarine tour, rented a golf cart to tour the island, and went to a Boat Party. Overall, it’s a great island destination to experience Caribbean beaches with lots of activities.

Cunuyacu – Waterfall and Hot Spring

Jean Maldonado — Wed, 06 Jan 2021 08:47:00 +0000

Located on the foothills of the volcanic twin mountains Los Ilinizas, the waterfall and hot spring of Cunuyacu are about a 2-hour drive away from Quito. These destinations are less frequented by tourists and on an off-the-beaten-path route. To get there, you first need to get to the Ecological Reserve which can be accessed via a dirt road in San Juan de Pastocalle after coming off the Panamericana highway. There is a large tourist sign at the entrance of the dirt road so it should be easy to spot. It had rained the day before so the road was quite muddy. We went in an SUV-type vehicle and managed to get through most of the way without any issues. There was just one part where there was quite a large rock where the passengers had to get off for the car to make it up.

We made it to a car park at around 7.30 AM, and although we could proceed further, we decided to leave the cars there since the road wasn’t getting any better. We then started hiking up, and after a couple of minutes, we came across the entrance that had a large welcome sign. The road at this point was cordoned off to block vehicles access. There was also a house here and I had read up that there was someone who lives in the area that provides transportation. However, it was quite early and no one seemed to be in, so we went across the barrier and continued hiking up. From this point, the dirt road got much worse with large holes and rocks. Only a 4×4 vehicle would be able to make it up, but for a hike the road is fine. It took us about an hour to reach a viewpoint which was also the start of the trail.

First, the trail descends to the river where there is a small wooden footbridge. It was quite muddy so take care when going down the trail as some parts are very slippery. After crossing the bridge, the trail splits with one route leading to the waterfall and the other going to the hot spring. The trail has signposts along the way so you won’t get lost. We first followed signs for the waterfall and we got there in about 10 minutes. The waterfall itself isn’t too big, but the highlight is its red/orange color. The color is due to the rocks that have been tinted red by volcanic minerals. The color of the water itself is clear and it doesn’t give off a bad odor that volcanic minerals tend to produce. We were able to get close to the waterfall which made for some great pictures. To get close to the waterfall you have to cross the stream which has some slippery rocks. Water shoes or wellies would be great but not necessary. We were the only ones there and we didn’t run into any other groups at this time. We spent about 20 minutes taking pictures here before continuing to the hot spring.

We first turned back and walked along the trail to return to the footbridge. Then we followed the other route that leads up to the hot spring. Along the trail, we passed through a mystical forest of Polylepis trees. In Ecuador, this tree is nicknamed the ‘Paper Tree’ due to its appearance of the bark peeling off like layers of paper. This trail is a little longer and we reached the hot spring in about 20 minutes. Once again, we were the only group there and had the place to ourselves. The hot spring is a small natural pool where they’ve stacked some sandbags to contain more water. The water temperature itself is warm, not hot, but it’s more refreshing after the hike. You can smell the minerals here, but it is not off-putting. The highlight is the view since the pool is like a balcony on the mountainside looking over the landscape. The weather wasn’t great so we didn’t get to see much of the neighboring mountains, but it was still a great place to relax. We stayed here for about an hour before it started to rain, so we started heading back before a downpour.

It was a wonderful experience abundant in nature and great for a day trip from the capital city. The hike itself was fairly easy and only tiring due to being at an altitude of over 4000 meters. If you go later in the day, the transportation service would save you the 1-hour initial hike. It was also great to have the place to ourselves without having to deal with tourist crowds.

Otavalo & Peguche – Culture & Nature

Jean Maldonado — Sat, 19 Dec 2020 21:09:00 +0000

The popular tourist town of Otavalo is only a 2-hour drive away from Quito. There is also regular public transport since it is a well-traveled route with buses leaving from the North Terminal of Carcelén. It’s a nice scenic drive along the winding Andean mountains; especially when passing the lake at San Pablo which lies next to the great volcano Imbabura.

We arrived at the Parque Simon Bolivar which is a small central square. There are several paid parking lots in the area and after parking our car, we walked to the crafts market. The people of Otavalo are primarily indigenous and have integrated with modern society. You’ll see lots of people walking around in their traditional clothes, and the main attraction in the town is the crafts market. The crafts market is only a couple of blocks from the park where we left our car, and there are many crafts stalls on the sidewalks on the way. Some roads are also closed to vehicle traffic so it’s safer to walk to the market. The busiest days are the weekends when the majority of the vendors open their stalls. The market is still open on weekdays though so it’s still worth a visit. You’ll find many different products for sale and Otavalo is well known for its high-quality textiles; especially the ponchos. There are also many restaurants in the area to get a taste of some of the region’s cuisine.

After going for a stroll around the market, you can head to a nearby waterfall at Peguche. It’s only a 10-minute drive from the market and there’s a car park on-site. Public transport is also available and departs from the park. Another option is to hail a taxi from anywhere in town which will cost around 2 USD¹ each way. The final option is the 40-minute walk since it’s not too far and also a nice walk through the town. Between the car park and the entrance, there are a couple of shops and stalls selling snacks, drinks, and souvenirs. There is also an Incan solar calendar structure which is accessible for free.

The entry ticket for the waterfall costs only 0.50 USD for access to the trails and spaces along the way. It’s then a short 10-15 minute walk along the trail which is very well maintained. The surrounding area is very green like a rainforest which has lots of different paths. There are toilet facilities and we also passed a camping area. Further down the trail, there was a path that headed toward a natural pool. There were also small bridges that crossed the river to an area with some huts. It looked like these huts were restaurants since they were playing music, but they also looked like lodging. The trail splits at one point, with one path going to the lower part of the waterfall and the other path going up to a viewpoint. We first went to the lower part of the waterfall and crossed a wooden bridge to get there. The waterfall isn’t very high, but the water comes crashing down with enough force to create a gust of mist. You can get very close to the waterfall, but be prepared to get very wet. I managed to climb up on one of the large boulders to get a picture. The water is a little cold, but bearable with the hot weather that we had when we went. We then went back across the bridge and up the other trail to the viewpoint of the waterfall. There is a small hut there that looks out towards the waterfall.

On the way back along the trail, we noticed another path that went up the other side of the hill. We followed the trail up and this one goes higher than the one at the viewpoint. We got to a point where there was a warning sign and continued past it to the top. The trail past this point gets very narrow and can be scary if you’re afraid of heights. This trail goes over the waterfall and you get an amazing view of the town with a mountainous background. We took some rest here before heading back down and back to the car park.

Mojanda Cajas – Andean Lakes

Jean Maldonado — Sat, 19 Dec 2020 11:25:00 +0000

Some amount of preparation is necessary to visit the lakes at Mojanda Cajas as there are several routes. The main route is the one that has a road coming from Otavalo. This route is a cobblestone road that arrives at the main lake, so it’s easily accessible by all vehicles types. If you’re coming from Otavalo then this is the better option, however, if you’re making your way from Quito, this route adds another 30-40 minutes to your journey. The alternative route is a dirt road from Tabacundo. Given this, it’s not suitable for small vehicle types and if it has been raining, only 4×4 cars will be able to make it up. So if you plan to come from Quito, make sure to check the weather.

Since this place is quite remote, there is no public transport to the lake. Therefore, you first need to take public transportation to Otavalo or Tabacundo, and then look for a taxi service. There are also pickup truck services in these areas which may be more suitable. When booking the transportation service, you should agree on either a time for them to wait for you before heading back, or ask them to return to pick you up if you plan to be there a while. Otherwise, it’ll be a long walk back as it is kilometers of uninhabited landscapes.

We went via the Tabacundo route and it takes about an hour to get to Tabacundo from Quito. From Tabacundo, it then takes about another hour along the dirt road to reach the lakes. It had not been raining recently when we went, but certain parts of the road were very muddy. We were in a small SUV-type vehicle that only struggled in one uphill part where the passengers had to get off. Throughout the drive, you get to enjoy some amazing landscapes of rocky mountains and green valleys. Towards the end of the journey, we managed to spot the lake from a distance. We came across a viewpoint where we got off to take some pictures. We then continued another 15 minutes downhill to reach the car park by the lake.

Next to the car park, there is a small area with some cabins that can be rented out and a small garden area. We got there at around 9 AM and it looked like there was no one around so we had the whole lake to ourselves. At the end of the garden, there is a small pier that you can walk on to and get some great pictures. It was cloudy when we got there so the water looked quite grey. However, the sun did come out for a bit and the water looked much clearer. No matter the weather, the surrounding landscape is amazing. It’s also possible to go in the water, but be warned, the water is freezing cold. We managed to go in knee height for a couple of seconds before running back out. We spent about 30 minutes at the lake before it got cloudy again, so we decided to head down just in case it started to rain. If the weather was better or if we had been camping, there is a map at the site with several trails in the area.

Botany Bay – Beautiful Sandy Beach

Jean Maldonado — Sun, 13 Sep 2020 06:41:00 +0000

It’s possible to take public transport to this destination, but you need to first take a train to either Broadstairs or Margate and then take a bus to Botany Bay. From London, it’ll take around 2 hours and 30 minutes, depending on where in London you’re departing from. It’s much easier to get there by car since it’s a 1-hour 45-minute drive if there’s no traffic. However, this beach is very popular in the summer, so it’s best to leave in the early morning to get a decent parking spot near the beach.

The Botany Bay area is very residential and depending on where you’ve managed to park, you’ll likely have to walk along the cliff to one of the beach entrances. You’ll get some spectacular views of the sea and beach from this walk. There’s a free toilet and changing area at one of the main entrances, it’s not very big nor well kept though. If it’s a busy summer’s day, then there will probably be a long queue as well.

The beach itself is quite small, but it’s a sandy beach which is quite rare in the UK, hence its popularity. It’s also rather unique given the white chalk cliffs that border it. The cliffs make for great photo opportunities and are also great to walk along since they have great viewpoints of the beach. When we went in September, the weather was in the high 20s to 30s, but the water was still icy cold. Overall, it’s a great beach that’s close enough to London for a day trip.

Seven Sisters – Scenic White Cliffs

Jean Maldonado — Sat, 12 Sep 2020 17:08:00 +0000

The closest towns to the cliffs are Seaford and Eastbourne. Both have train stations with services from London and the train ride is about 2 hours. We decided to go to Seaford by car and it’s also a 2-hour drive. It’s quite a popular tourist site so the car park by the seaside can get full very quickly. There are a couple of stalls at the stone beach for snacks, drinks, and ice cream. It was quite chilly when we went, so there weren’t many people in the sea since it was freezing cold. There’s a path along the stone beach lined with colorful beach huts which makes for a nice walk.

The path leads to the start of the trail at Seaford Head West that goes towards the white cliffs. The walk up the cliff is quite steep so it’s a little tiring. The rest of the trail is easier though and fairly flat. There are no barriers on the cliff edges and there are warning signs throughout the trail stating that ground on the cliff edge can be unstable. So it’s best to stay clear from it and always keep an eye on children. There are some great views along the trail though, and you can pick up some of the white chalk rocks along the way.

We walked along the trail for about an hour until we got to a viewpoint of the Seven Sisters white cliffs. From this viewpoint, you get a panoramic view of the rolling cliffs. You can continue along the trail to get to the Seven Sisters cliffs, but we decided to turn back to Seaford to have time for a quick stop in Brighton that is only a 30-minute drive away.

Porto – Historic Coastal City

Jean Maldonado — Sun, 06 Sep 2020 23:48:00 +0000

Our flight back to London departed from Porto in the evening, so we got to Porto at around 11.45 AM to explore the city. We found a car park near the Câmara Municipal do Porto. There’s a large plaza with several cafes and restaurants in the area. We walked around the area for a bit and then headed for lunch at Kind Kitchen which had excellent vegan options.

Following lunch, we walked down to the river to cross the bridge Ponte Luís I. The roads leading there were narrow and filled with colonial buildings. We also stepped into São Bento Station where the walls at the entrance are decorated with beautiful mosaic tiles. We also passed many old churches and the Cathedral Sé do Porto which is at the top of the cliff near the bridge. You can cross the iconic metal bridge which has pedestrian walkways on either side.

The interesting thing about this bridge is that the tram passes over it rather than local traffic which makes it great to walk across. The bridge is very high up and has great views of the river and the city. It took us about 10 minutes to cross the bridge and on the other side, there’s a cable car which goes down to the riverside. Tickets cost 6 EUR one-way and 9 EUR for return which was a bit pricy so we decided to walk back across the bridge. On the way back, we took a small detour via Jardim Marques de Oliveira and took a little break at a nearby cafe. We then headed back to the car park to make our way to the airport to catch our flight back to London.

Portugal – Towns, Mountains and Lakes

Jean Maldonado — Sat, 05 Sep 2020 14:26:00 +0000

On our trip to Portugal, we stayed at a friend’s family’s place in Canas de Senhorim which is about a 1-hour 45-minute drive from Porto where we landed. There are several car rental companies within walking distance from the airport and our friend normally rents from Drive & Go. The drive to Canas de Senhorim is beautiful as we pass by mountain landscapes along winding roads. We were staying here for about a week and we did some grocery shopping in the bigger town of Nelas which is a short 10-minute drive away. For eating out in restaurants, we headed to the city of Viseu which was a 30-minute drive away. For activities, the Serra da Estrela national park is close by as well as several small towns.

Praia da Lagoa Comprida

It took us about a 1-hour drive to get to this lake in Serra da Estrela and the route is very scenic as we climb the mountains along winding roads. There are a couple of small mountainside towns on the way before reaching the car park which is next to the dam at the lake. There’s a small shop/cafe here and you can walk along the dam for some great pictures. The lake is huge and there were a couple of groups of people sunbathing by the lake. We found a spot on one of the large boulders by the lake and went for a swim. The weather was great when we went with 30-degree temperatures but the lake was still quite cold which made for a refreshing swim. After doing some swimming, we went for a walk around the lake and there are many large boulders that would be great for bouldering. Overall, it was a great place to spend a relaxing afternoon.

Viseu

One of the main attractions in this city is Sé Catedral de Viseu which dates back to the 12th century. Entrance to the cathedral and adjacent square which has some iconic tile artwork is free, but you can also pay to visit the museum which goes through very old buildings. The architecture and stonework of the cathedral appear to be untouched which allows you to appreciate the history in this place. Across the main plaza, you can find the newer Igreja da Misericórdia de Viseu. Next to this church, you can find a viewpoint that looks over the city. We walked around the stone-tiled city which has several shops in its high streets and ended up at Jardim da Ribeira. There is a funicular here which goes up to Igreja da Misericórdia de Viseu, but the highlight at this time of year was the Feira de São Mateus. This yearly event takes place at the end of August and the beginning of September. There were many funfair games, food stalls, and a stage with live music. One of the iconic foods was the farturas which were being sold everywhere. These were very tasty and are similar to churros but much larger.

Mangualde

This was one of the bigger towns close to Canas de Senhorim. The highlight here is the Live Beach which is an artificial beach. It’s a great place to relax with beach chairs and parasols available for hire. There is also a bar/restaurant, a kids area, and a football pitch in the sand. After going for a swim, you can head to the Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Castelo which is at the top of a hill and makes for a great viewpoint. You can either drive up to the parking area or walk up some steps. There’s also a restaurant there which is famous for serving a snail dish.