Hello all,

I am currently sat in an underground internet cafe in Cuenca after 7 of the most amazing days in the Amazon jungle and in Banos, two absolutely beautiful places. So much to tell but I will try and keep it relatively brief!

So, left Otavalo for a looooong drive day (well done Damo, our driver) down to Misahualli and the jungle lodge that became our home for 3 nights. Arrived to a MASSIVE and well tasty meal that consisted predominantly of carbs- they love their carbs- and then passed out in lovely little bedroom under mozzi net.

Jungle day 1: started off painting each others faces with paint from a plant- we are all warriors! Art skills on show. Then waterfall climbing and trekking jungle in morning- AMAZING. Awesome sights and got some awesome photos by a huge waterfall known for having amazing energy. More photo stops in lagoon under waterfall- all too amazing to put into words really. We got 100% drenched, all collecting a nice amount of water in our sexy gum boots. Then, after another massive lunch, we headed out to a lagoon for a swim- freezing water, but then walked around to the river and there was absolutely beautiful scenery, totally gorgeous. My favourite place so far. The rocks either side of the rapids were smooth and grey and huge, perfect for climbing on. The sun was shining and the mosquitos and sand flys were out! I must have tasty legs, my bite count was pretty high after that afternoon. Back to lodge for dinner, ate a giant ant, played games around the fire, then to bed. AWESOME.

Jungle day 2: We headed off to another part of the jungle to go canyoning, climbing up and through rocks- was wet and hard work haha. Climbed through a crevasse which was a nice cosy home for loads of furry bats- looked pretty cute until they flew. On the trek we ate more ants! haha. One kind which tasted like lemons, really quite nice. In the afternoon we went tubing on the river over the rapids which was awesome fun, best part was swimming in the river with the current- beautiful weather, warm water. We then reached an indigenous village and a lovely woman, mother to 15 children (OMG), invited us into her home- we saw their local foody traditions and tried some grubs. Yes, thats right, I ate a grub, and it wasnt really too bad! Afterwards played football with the kids and then the rain came down. Big time. Tropical storm bring it on. It is the rainforest for a reason! Heading back down river on the tubes was FREEZING but we sang to keep sane and warm. Once back, we had a BBQ and danced salsa. Lush.

Jungle Day 3: In the morning headed down river in a canoe to a local animal sanctuary, saw lots of monkeys and other animals. cute. After heading back to the main land we said goodbye to our awesome guide Alex and jumped on the truck to Banos. BEST FEW DAYS EVER.

After another longish drive down to Banos we arrived at a beautiful camp site. Girls opted out of camping and went into dorm (chickens) because of the rain. lovely. Banos consisted of: hot springs from the local active volcano (and everyone getting very VERY burnt because of the beautiful sunshine, whoops): food market for lunch: jumping off a 100 m high bridge (which looked so dangerous- just a couple of guys on a bridge with some rope. lol): partying, which was a lot of salsa dancing with latino men then scooting off to the loo when they started to get creepy haha: walking to and behind AMAZING waterfall: jumping on a party bus with the locals: doing a 1km zip line down the river valley: BBQ-ing: and hanging out with the hummingbirds in the mornings at a beautiful little spot I claimed as my own. All amazing.

Today I am in Cuenca, another beautiful city with stunning architecture and a ridiculous amount of shops.

Tomorrow we head down to Mancora, Peru. Sad to say goodbye to Equador as it is a stunning country, but excited for what is to come (BEACH SUN COCKTAILS)!

I am bitten, burnt, but very happy. L.T.D.

Love and hugs to all xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx