After some time deep in the Amazon of Ecuador, surrounded by the pulse of the rainforest, I found myself stepping back into the sophistication of Quito — a city of charm and contrast. The shift from wild to refined felt like changing worlds overnight.
In the jungle, we came across a giant tree alive with a nest of large black ants — fierce little creatures whose bites and stings demanded respect. A small fire was lit to smoke them out, the air thick with the scent of burning leaves and rain-soaked earth. Nearby, men worked with chainsaws and hatchets, cutting and measuring trees for sale. Even the young boys joined in, rolling logs down muddy slopes — and yes, I helped a little too! Watching them hoist massive logs onto their shoulders was humbling, a reminder of how strong the human spirit can be when work and life blend into one.
Before long, I found myself living like a Kichwa woman — basket on my back, machete at my side, and sturdy water boots for the rain-soaked ground. Transport? The back of a pickup truck, of course — faster than the local bus and far more thrilling, with wind, rain, and laughter mixing together.
In Tena, I met Mateo, a tiny hand-sized monkey from a nearby traditional village show. Nights there are a celebration of life — a crackling fire, loud music, and plenty of local yucca alcohol and cerveza to keep spirits high, even in the rain.
Everywhere, the scent of fresh cacao drying in the sun lingers — sweet, earthy, and unforgettable. And when the heat and humidity grow heavy, there’s always Tena Lagoon, a place to swim, swing in a hammock, eat, relax, and simply breathe in the pure, untamed air of Ecuador.
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