I took a bus from Puerto Lopez to Guayaquil (4 hours), dragged my 70 lbs worth of bags all over the place, had a tantrum, and finally figured out where to buy a ticket to Cuenca and where to board at the Guayaquil bus station. I timed it just right and got on the next bus within 15 minutes. That busride was another 4 hours. Once we started climbing, we went through Cajas National Park which is absolutely gorgeous! Lakes and tall mountains all around, the bus zigged and zagged up to Cuenca. My hostel, the Posada Gran Columbia, was easily enough found with the help of a taxi. My first room was adorable, with a skylight. I thought -- cool! Until morning. The bright light woke me up at 6:00 and I still couldn't see outside. Check out the bottomless drawer in the dresser: So being a pain in the ass, I asked for a room with a window. I waited around the next morning 20 minute, then another 20 minute, then another 20 ...
Follow my experiences fro an onsite CELTA class in Montanita to Loja, where I worked as a teacher of EFL. Teaching English as a foreign language was an exciting experience, as was immersing myself in the culture of Ecuador. I also traveled to Cuenca, Riobamba, Banos, Quito, and The Galapagos Islands after my teaching stint was over.