A Hitchhikers Guide to Ecuador

Last weekend I traveled to Montanita, Puerto Lopez, and Alandaluz along the Ecuadorian coast. The purpose of this venture was the mid-service reunion between all the volunteers in the country. Myself, along with the rest of the Cuencan crew woke very early in hopes of spending a few hours at the famously wild beach of Montanita. Although only there for one night; it lived up to its infamous tag of being one of the most rowdy beaches in South America. I literally tried to go to bed three times that night, in the hopes of feeling refreshed at the beach the next day. Needless to say, that did not happen. I went to bed (on my balcony) at about 4:30 in the morning. Explanation needed for statement in the parentheses? It was too damn hot in my room, and I also had the common courtesy not to wake up my roommates that early in the morning. Eventually I did make it in my bed, having what I considered the worst night of (or lack thereof) sleep ever. It’s very hot near the beach and sleeping in an oven isn’t very conventional (no pun intended). Either way, we woke the next morning, had some lunch, and then traveled to a private resort called Alandaluz, to meet the rest of our crew. I’m not going to get into that much detail, because it was a pretty crazy weekend. What I will explain is that we were in need of alcohol one night, so myself and two other guys (Peter and Chris) decided to head to Puerto Lopez (the closest town about 30 minutes away) to pick up some booze for the crew. The best part of the weekend was our means of transportation. For the first time in my life, I hitch-hiked a ride. It was amazing. Although it’s unnecessary to hold out your thumb when hitchhiking down here, I insisted on doing it. Eventually we got picked up by a man with a pick-up truck! Unfortunately I did not have my camera with me to document this momentous event. What I can tell you is that standing up in the back of the truck, the warm coastal air hitting my face, and the beautiful scenery that engulfed my surroundings, even if for only 30 minutes will be burned into my memory for the rest of my life. This man could have easily pulled over to the side of the road, robbed us, and left us for dead, but (although it was in the back of my mind for a bit) my mind was concentrated on this new experience. It really made me think to myself, what’s the point in always “playing it safe”? Sometimes you have to get out there, risk a little something, and the reward will be an event you will never forget. In this case, camera or not, I will remember that entire ride to the little town of Puerto Lopez.

I may not remember the ride back though, because we started taking shots in the back of another pickup truck.

Look at the pictures of our resort below. Chevere.