An Insiders view on Amazon, Ecuador

By Charles Cumella 


Ecuador is an amazing place, full of natural and man-made wonders. Ecuador has some of the most unique landscapes in the world, including the Highland region (Sierra), the Coastal region (Costa), and the Galapagos. But there’s no way to forget the Amazon region (Amazonia), and its enormous amount of fauna and flora. There are a few national parks and protected areas in Ecuador’s Amazon region, including the Cuyabeno Wildlife reserve, the Yasuni National Park, and the Limoncocha Biological Reserve. There are 2 species of animals discovered every day in the Ecuadorian Amazon, this demonstrates that Ecuador is one of the most bio-diverse countries in the world!

What makes Amazon in Ecuador a good travel destination?  

The Amazon is an amazing travel destination because of all of the flora and fauna that can be found there, the passengers will be amazed of everything they can see; from 10-foot snakes to dolphins in the middle of a river.

Tell us something that every traveller should know when travelling to the Amazon?

Every  person that travels to the Ecuadorian Amazon should know that they are in for a huge surprise with everything they’ll see, and that they’ll have one of the most relaxing and impacting trips of their lives.

Any essentials that one needs to carry when they travelling to Amazon?

Insect repellent, sun block, sunglasses, light clothing and water resistant ponchos are all indispensable things to have with you in the Amazon. Also indispensable, is the desire to learn about the ecosystem and communities that call this place home.

Which are the most surreal places to visit when in Amazon?

The Cuyabeno is one of the most surreal places to visit in the Ecuadorian Amazon. It has the highest amount of flora and fauna in the Ecuadorian Amazon, having 12.000 species of plants, and 320 species of animals. It’s a wildlife lover’s dream!

Can you tell us a little about the life of the locals?

The local communities that call the Ecuadorian Amazon home are very diverse, some like the Siona community in the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, are very used to visitors and even welcome tourists to partake in their daily lives. Others, like the Taromenani tribe located in the Yasuni National Park, do not welcome visitors and are very violent. The communities are very different and very comfortable living out of our “normal” society.

What are the local delicacies/drinks which one must try and where Amazon?                                

The Ecuadorian Amazon has many strange local delicacies, one of the most polarizing ones is the Chontacuro grubs, these are large insect larvae that live in trees, these are then grilled and served. The “chicha de jora” is a drink you will most likely find in the Amazon, it is a fermented corn flour drink that the locals drink like fruit juice, but once it is sufficiently fermented, it becomes an alcoholic beverage.
Yucca is a type of root vegetable used as a base in almost every local food and is grown everywhere in the area.

What are things which one must buy when in Amazon?

The best things to buy in the Amazon are souvenirs, supporting the local communities, such as things made with Tagua, a special seed used for manufacturing jewelry and others.

Which are the most romantic places to visit in Amazon?

Cuyabeno is the most romantic place in the Amazon, it has white and black water lakes which is an amazing place to enjoy a beautiful sunset with your loved one.

What are the local festivals which one must visit when in Amazon?

In Archidona, there is the festival of Chonta, which is a tradition in order to celebrate the region’s success over the invading Spanish forces. This is held during April.

The things guidebooks will not tell anyone about Amazon?

Sadly, there is a lot of oil exploitation in the Ecuadorian Amazon region. This is something that may not be in many guidebooks but it is also a necessary insight into local life in the area.

According to you what is the best thing about Amazon?

For me, the best thing in the Amazon is the huge amount of wildlife and the rest and relaxation you can have while there. It’s an unforgettable experience.

Check out our latest package on the Amazon.

Insiders View On Serbia

By Natasa Kokir

Serbia is a fabulous country in the mountainous of Western Balkans, breathtakingly rich in warm-hearted people, history and outstanding cultural heritage from the Prehistorical, Roman to modern times. Serbia is an amazing country, beyond all expectations, with a diversity of spectacular landmarks, bustling cities, glorious mountain hideaways. Serbia is among the Top Ten Hot Spots in Europe, more than 1 billion EUR invested in hotels and infrastructure development, a major economic hub in southeastern Europe.

What makes Serbia an ideal travel destination for all?

The country‘s diversity and picturesque landscape offers endless possibilities and adventures. The endless fields of Vojvodina, the magnificent Danube river, ancient Belgrade and glorious mountains extending all the way to Montenegro, are just waiting for you to explore them. Serbia gives you the chance to experience several-century-long traditions, attractive local features, unusual rhythms and memorable tones that accompany the wealth of “mental flavor”.

Tell us something that every traveler should know when travelling to Serbia?

Serbians are the most hospitable, warm and friendly people in Europe, rich historical heritage, excellent gastronomy, it is very well known for its nightlife, very affordable.

Any essentials that one needs to carry when they travelling

Valid passport is enough. For India citizen no visas are required for a visit of up to 30 days, within period of one year

Which are the most surreal places to visit when in Serbia?

Kalemegdan fortress in Belgrade, Djerdap gorge, Uvac lake, St. Sava Temple, Drina river, Museum of Nikola Tesla, National Park Tara, archaeological site Lepenski Vir, ancient imperial palace Felix Romuliana, Wooden town – Mecavnik, Studenica Monastery.

Can you tell us a little about the life of the locals?

Serbian people are very warm, proud, brave, passionate, open-minded, enterprising, generous, traditional, caring and extremely hospitable.

What are the local delicacies/drinks which one must try and where Serbia?

Serbia’s famous dishes are kajmak, ayvar, smoked ham, smoked beef, rakija /fruit brandy/, corn-bread /proja/, beans, jam, slatko – fruit jelly, various pickled food, notably sauerkraut /sarma, kiseli kupus – pickled cabbage, cabbage casserole/ and even sausages.

What are things which one must buy when in Serbia?

One must buy jar of ajvar, a bottle of rakija, hand knit socks and opanci.

Which is the most romantic places to visit in Serbia?

View from the Kalemegdan fortress on confluence rivers Sava and Danube, Wooden town.

 What are the local festivals which one must come to attend in Serbia?

Exit in Novi Sad, Trumpet festival in Guca, Jazz festival in Nis, Belgrade Beer Fest, Lovefest in Vrnjacka Banja, Autumn in Smederevo, Belgrade International Film Festival – FEST are the festivals oned must visit when in Serbia.

 The things guidebooks will not tell anyone about?

Serbia is a spirited, fascinating country and tourism has grown steadily. It is beyond expectations in all the ways and waiting to be discovered.

According to you what is the best thing about Serbia?

One of the best things in Serbia are people, very hospitable and friendly.

Check out our latest package on Slovenia