Ecuador 1970 vintage archive footage

-All the Very Best on Your Endeavors in Ecuador-
My Services, web & blog links, articles, photos,
 videos, references, info and contact
 tel. #'s - US & EC. are all below:

Thank You,
Jack Abercrombie,
Cumbaya, Quito- ECUADOR S.A.
journeymanjack.com@gmail.com
Relocation Ecuador: http://JourneymanJack.com/
Ecuador Real Estate: http://ecuadorrealestate.org

toll free from U.S. & Canada:

Mnts: 770-828-7913, Coast: 770-776-6937,

Ec. Off: 02-380-4088,

Ec. Cel Claro: 098-828-8953, y WhatsApp: 593-98-828-8953,

Talk free on "skype" user name: "Jack.Abercrombie"

https://join.skype.com/invite/B4plcVLSCGWk

(In Emergency) Iridium Satellite Phone from the

US & Canada: 011-8816-2146-2897,

from within EC: 00-8816-2146-2897,

FB Profile: https://www.facebook.com/journeymanjack

FB Travel Page: http://www.facebook.com/JourneymanJackinEcuador

Blog: http://journeymanjackinecuador.blogspot.com/

You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/user/journeymanjack/

Linked in: https://ec.linkedin.com/in/jackabercrombie

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jackabercrombie1492/

twitter: https://twitter.com/JourneyJEcuador

PayPal Acct: paypal.me/journeymanjack

JourneymanJack 100% positive feedback (1205*) eBay member since 12 NOV 2003:
http://www.ebay.com/usr/journeymanjack

My photos 2008 EC Arrival Google+ / Picasa web albums:
 https://get.google.com/albumarchive/108089047953129234429?source=pwa

My google maps - saved places - in EC:
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1ziDidjLDWW1CV1tz_phU_9IfTZ0&usp=sharing

RELOCATION SERVICES TO ECUADOR - TOURS TO ECUADOR - JOURNEYMAN JACK:
http://latinamericacurrentevents.com/ecuador-relocation-and-tour-services-journeyman-jack-2/34635/

{Comprehensive Introductory / Exploratory Tours Custom Fitted to your Relocation wants and needs with Pre-Trip Planning, Reservations, Expats & Locals Meet Ups, Rentals / Realty, Survival Spanish, Intro to EC Customs & Culture, Translator, Shopping, Vip Transport....

(the following would come later if you decide EC is for you)> Immigration, Residency Visas, Import / Export- Pets, Air Cargo, Vehicle & Home Inspections, Marriage Registration, Dual Citizenship, Dual Passports, Document Translations, Insurance, Healthcare, Law / Tax, Banking, Farm Land, Property & Site Management, Sea Container Shipping & Logistics, Security & Safety

 Measures, Finding Missing Persons In EC., Skype Video Or Toll Free Tel. Consultations} 

=====================

 (JULY 2019)  'House Hunters International' Quito- S149, E12- 'Quiet Time in Quito'
I helped on set & location on a recent HHI that focuses on the Cumbaya & Tumbaco Valley,
 I assisted the 'HHI' production film crew with prior planning, property shooting locations,
 lodging & logistics. My name: 'Jack Abercrombie' is mentioned briefly in closing credits,
Has been released on HGTV On TUE 12 & WED 13 NOV 2019-
https://www.hgtv.com/shows/house-hunters-international/episodes/quiet-time-in-quito

(JULY 2019) The Dollar Vigilante Groups: Cuenca/Quito, Ecuador- LUIS: "Dear subscribers, today I am with a friend, Jack, and he is in Ecuador, and as I learned more about it, he's actually in Quito but at the same time, he's everywhere in Ecuador. We're going to discover this lovely place and all the places that he's able to touch in Ecuador, and have him help us see
 through his eyes. Thank you so much, Jack, for this opportunity.-JACK:
 "Yes, a good evening. Glad to be speaking to The Dollar Vigilante Group." -
 https://dollarvigilante.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/TDV-JUNE-2019-Issue.pdf

(MAR 2018) 'House Hunters International' Quito-
People always have perception that Ecuador is poor yet it’s so rich in the beauties here- 'amo a mi paiz!' I assisted the 'HHI' production film crew with prior planning, property shooting locations, lodging & logistics. My name: 'Jack Abercrombie' is mentioned briefly in closing credits at at the 21minutes, 24 seconds,-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zvWwICLZQqo

SUN 07 JUL19 - A MUST WATCH VIDEO! - 'Which Country Will YOU Most Likely Become a Victim of a Crime? MUST WATCH!'

SUN 07 JUL19 - A MUST WATCH VIDEO! - 'RAMM' = 'Retire Abroad Media Magazine'

-I have corresponded with and followed Frank & Angie's work over the years, they are a very honest, & savvy couple. I believe they first arrived in Cuenca in about 2010, it was certainly a different atmosphere and vibe nearly a decade ago.

Frank & Angie lived in Cuenca for several years until recently shoving on to Italy and other destinations: 'Frank and Angie Travel & Live Abroad' - 'Which Country Will YOU Most Likely Become a Victim of a Crime? MUST WATCH!'

--Stage 1...The Beginning Stages of the Gringo Vicious Cycle- "Certain areas like Cuenca are promoted by the 'Retire Abroad Media Magazine' = 'RAMM' and their groups at a very low cost of living to get people excited to go visit, retire or move to the places."

--Stage 2... of the Vicious Cycle--

The expat bubble grows and grows and the places being promoted become more expensive, slowly pushing out the locals and expats with smaller pensions. Various crimes against foreigners increase.

<<Cause and Effect>>

Stage 3... of the Vicious Cycle--
You will see an increase of petty crime, home invasions, ie: Prowling, Robbery, especially in expat enclaves. Increase of violent crimes against foreigners and even tourists with drink spikings, sexual assaults in resorts. There will be an uprise in street Muggings and multiple Crime Scams, etc...

--Stage 3.5... Continuation of Gringo Vicious Cycle--

...because the RAMM keeps upping the cost of living in their promotions, wealthier income levels flock into the area, paying higher and higher prices for everything,.. while on the sidelines the majority of the locals arte getting pushed out...

--Stage 4... of Gringo Vicious Cycle--

With the increase in crimes and higher prices, many expats flee, some of them leaving behind property they can't sell. Tourism also slows down...but only a new set of expats get lured by the RAMMs once again and the vicious cycle starts all over again.
It’s called the “Gringo or Expat Vicious Cycle”.

 
-----------------------------------------------
INTRO: Crime waves in various Latin American countries (and other) 00:01
Stage 1 Gringo Vicious Cycle – 1:42
Stage 2 GVC – 5:19
Stage 3 GVC - 8:53
Stage 3.5 GVC - 10:44
Stage 4 GVC - 18:07
The Solution - 20:44
Epilogue - 21:25 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xTsW8bLy5I


DISCOVER CUENCA ECUADOR since 2011 with over 2000 article and video posts TELLING IT LIKE IT IS about life abroad! How You Can Avoid Gringo Gouging with Simple Rule of Thumb https://www.discovercuencaecuador.com

TRAVELING TO ECUADOR? Let one of our DIY guide books show you the way and help you save money! 
DIY CUENCA LANDING GUIDE - https://goo.gl/n411mA 

 DIY QUITO LANDING GUIDE - https://goo.gl/dRtavh 

 DIY ECUADOR COAST GUIDE - https://goo.gl/knVkpT 


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I really like Frank's take on things in this video, and their entire you tube channel, and web site is a wealth of information.-  http://www.DiscoverCuencaEcuador.com

There is a lot of effort going on to correcting EC's past 10 yrs course of action, openly and behind the scenes, Internationally and bi-laterally, Prez Moreno is in Europe this week working on trade relations, and support for corrections in VZ, too lighten up our VZ immigration flow into EC.....,

...as well as the Pacific Alliance formed by Peru, Mexico, Colombia and Chile in 2012 to promote free trade and strengthen ties in the Asia-Pacific region,...

..and much much more too numerous to post, it will not magically correct over night.

It takes a tremendous amount of time & distance to turn a tanker ship around, we must be patient, and see it through. <<as Frank STATED IN THE VIDEO, THESE THINGS RUN IN CYCLES>>

 Thank You for stopping by,
Journeyman Jack Abercrombie,
Cumbaya, Quito- ECUADOR S.A.
journeymanjack.com@gmail.com
Relocation Ecuador: http://JourneymanJack.com/

toll free from U.S. & Canada:
Mnts: 770-828-7913, Coast: 770-776-6937,
Ec. Off: 02-380-4088,
Ec. Cel Claro: 098-828-8953, y Whatsapp: 593-98-828-8953,
Talk free on "skype" user name: "Jack.Abercrombie"

Liz's Ecuador Adventures: Hiking Cerro Ilaló

Liz's Ecuador Adventures: Hiking Cerro Ilaló: We decided at the last minute to go hiking at Ilaló, a volcano located just to the east of Quito.  We followed the not so great directions i...

Happy 4th July 2019 from iLaLo Volcano...<to be continued>

HOLIDAY SEASON SAFETY AND SECURITY - Thu 12/6/2018

ACSQuito@state.gov - Thu 12/6/2018, 9:16 AM
HOLIDAY SEASON SAFETY AND SECURITY ADVISORY
The U.S. Embassy reminds U.S. citizens that holiday celebrations in Ecuador are already underway and continue through the end of the year. During this time, you should remain particularly vigilant due to a seasonal surge in crime.

Additionally, the threat of street crime (e.g., purse snatchings, pickpockets) is high in areas where there are large crowds. U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance, be aware of local events, and take appropriate steps to bolster their personal security during the holiday season.

Below are some tips to be safe and to help you reduce your vulnerability during this holiday season:
In your home:
• Beware of strangers posing as representatives of charitable organizations, police officers, or other solicitors. They may be casing your house.
• Never automatically open the door or gate of your home. Always verify the identity of visitors through an optical viewer, intercom, or a window from which you cannot be observed. If you know the person, ensure that no strangers might be forcing them to have the door opened.
• Be aware of persons loitering on your street or in your neighborhood. They may be criminals conducting surveillance. Call the police if you're suspicious of a loiterer.
• Make a habit of keeping doors double locked (dead bolted) even when you are in the house.
• If you have one, get in the habit of setting your alarm, even when you are at home.
• Don't place holiday gifts where they can be seen from outside the home.
If you are going to be away for the holidays:
• Strictly limit the number of people who know of your intention to leave your residence vacant overnight. Be careful of disclosing travel plans to domestic employees.
• Ask a trusted friend or neighbor to check on your house occasionally, making sure your house keeps a "somebody's at home" look.
In your car:
• Drive defensively. The number of drunk drivers greatly increases during the holidays.
• Always drive with your windows up and doors locked, especially in city traffic.
• Wear your seat belt and ensure small children are secured in size-appropriate safety seats properly mounted in the rear seat of your vehicle.
• Carry your cell phone with you whenever you are traveling by car, no matter how short the journey. In the event of an accident, your cell phone is your lifeline to emergency medical assistance and security support.
• Don't leave valuables in your vehicle – in the seat or in the trunk. Return home to drop off your purchases rather than leave them in the car.
• Be careful returning home from shopping. A vehicle full of gifts is a target for a follow-home robbery.
• When in crawling or stopped traffic, leave at least a half car length between you and the car ahead to allow space to exit rapidly, if necessary.
Attending/hosting holiday parties:
• Do not drink and drive.
• If you are hosting a party, arrange alternate transportation for intoxicated guests.
• If you are attending a party, know your safe drink limit. If you exceed it, call a radio taxi or ask someone to drive you home.
• Do not hail a taxi on the street.
While shopping:
• Remember exactly where you parked your car. Make a mental note or write it down if necessary. Wandering around a parking garage or parking lot is an invitation for trouble.
• When shopping, carry only as many bags as you can comfortably control. Ensure that nothing can be easily snatched from your grasp. Do not bring bags to your car in order to make a second trip for shopping.
• Your wallet, keys, and cell phone should be in a secure location, and you should be especially wary of pickpockets. Have your keys out and ready as you approach your vehicle. Someone fumbling for keys with an armload of packages is a prime target for a mugging or carjacking.
• Be alert to your surroundings. If someone is watching you too closely, is following you, or is loitering near your vehicle, return to the store or contact the police and request help. Criminals often work in teams in order to divert a victim’s attention. Be wary of anyone who attempts to draw your attention away from your belongings and surroundings.
• If you're paying cash for your purchases, don't show any more cash than is necessary. Split up your money into different pockets.
• Keep just the credit cards you routinely use in your wallet. Keep any unused cards out of your wallet and in a safe place.

Happy Holidays!!
Contact information:
U.S. Embassy Quito
Avigiras E12-170 y Eloy Alfaro.
Phone (593-2) 398-5000
ACSQuito@state.gov

U.S. Consulate General Guayaquil
Avenida Jose Rodriguez Bonin and Calle Santa Ana, San Eduardo
Phone (593-4) 371-7000
ACSGuayaquil@state.gov

For additional information, please visit our website: https://ec.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/passports

2018 South America spring forecast: Flooding rain to soak Peru, Ecuador

 2018 South America spring forecast: Drought may worsen Venezuela water crisis; Flooding rain to soak Peru, Ecuador

By Brian Lada, AccuWeather meteorologist and staff writer

August 29, 2018,

 Wet weather will be common from the southern coast of Brazil through Ecuador and Peru with heavy downpours threatening to cause flooding and landslides. Meanwhile, a persistent dry pattern from northeast Brazil through Venezuela will cause drought concerns to mount across the region. 

Drought may develop in northern Brazil, worsen in Venezuela

Dry conditions in the coming months will raise drought concerns across the northern reaches of South America this spring.

“Rainfall opportunities will become more infrequent during the season across the northern part of South America,” AccuWeather Lead Global Meteorologist Jason Nicholls said.

One factor contributing to the upcoming drier-than-normal spring is the developing El Niño.

El Niño occurs when water in the tropical Pacific Ocean rises to above-normal levels for an extended period of time, influencing the global weather pattern.

“The limiting of rainfall will lead to drought areas across Venezuela worsening and expanding into the Brazilian states of Roraima, Amapa, Para and portions of Maranhao. “

The building drought is likely to intensify the water crisis in Venezuela.

https://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/2018-south-america-spring-forecast-drought-may-worsen-venezuela-water-crisis-flooding-rain-to-soak-peru-ecuador/70005903

HNY 2018~ Ecuador Expat Journey - 'Crash Course' tour dates of 2018

Happy New Year 2018~ The first Ecuador Expat Journey - 'Crash Course' tour of 2018 is during Carnaval !!! And remember: our 'Crash Course' 2018 prices are same low price as 2017.

Has Ecuador been on your mind? This amazing country has been written about in many publications as 'the' country to visit in 2018.

Which makes it the perfect time to visit with us for our first tour of 2018, which is also during Carnaval! Starts February 12 for the 10 night signature 'Crash Course'. For those who have already enjoyed it---they will tell you it is called a 'Crash Course' for a reason. There is a lot of travel, information to share and people to meet.

We have the details in place for the February tour. Hurry to guarantee your reservation. Find us at:
http://www.ecuadorexpatjourneys.com/crash-course-tour

Take advantage of this opportunity to be part of the best group ever. 

Ecuador waits for you.
 We pack a lot into 10 days...

Our 'Crash Course' Tours For 2018:
FROM $2600 US DOUBLE OCCUPANCY
$1500 - SINGLE - PRIVATE ACCOMODATION
Loja/Vilcabamba extension: $225 per person (double), $250 (single)
February 12-21 (23), 2018
April 9 -18 (20) , 2018
July 16- 25 (27), 2018
Sept. 3 - 12 (14), 2018
Nov. 5 - 14 (16), 2018
(date with 2 day Loja & Vilcabamba extension added)
'Ecuador Expat Journeys' facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/EcuadorExpatJourneys/

 --comments - reviews--
Jyoti Naik · 29 NOV17-
"I enjoyed my trip with Ecuador Expat Journeys. Jonathan, Susana and Elaina are wonderful and took good care of us. They were always ready to help. We would have never h... See More
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Bill Heath · August 7, 2017-
"I could not have asked for a better experience during my 12 day tour with Ecuador Expat Journeys!! Every detail was perfectly planned and executed. Jonathan, ... See More
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'JJinEC' - 17 OCT16-
"On my first Tour with 'Ecuador Expat Journeys' - 'Crash Course' Back in OCT 2016, In just the first 1 - 2 days I was So Amazed and astounded by what I learned and had explained & shown to me about the ins and outs of Ecuador, and what really makes EC and it's people Tick.
I highly recommend this 'Crash Course' Tour for you, your friends & family.
I have lived & worked in EC full time for 10 years, and I have never seen any other Tour Operation put such a fully comprehensive package together, with so much effort and hard work into their Itinerary & Presentation of both The Mountains & the Coast of EC. at such a good value.
If you have any questions, feel free to call on me anytime, I hope to see you & yours on the next FEB or APRIL 2018 'CC' Tour~
------------------------------------------------------------
'All the Very Best on Your Endeavors in Ecuador'
~Journeyman Jack Abercrombie in Ecuador~
Cumbaya, Quito- ECUADOR S.A.
journeymanjack.com@gmail.com
Toll free from U.S. & Canada:
Mtn's: 770-828-7913, Coast: 770-776-6937,
Relocation Ecuador: http://JourneymanJack.com/

FB personal page: https://www.facebook.com/journeymanjack

Fb Travel Page: http://www.facebook.com/JourneymanJackinEcuador

Blog: http://journeymanjackinecuador.blogspot.com/

You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzl4rnxszGXGXEn-WY91hzg

Linked: https://ec.linkedin.com/in/jackabercrombie

twitter: https://twitter.com/JourneyJEcuador

My photos in Google+ / Picasa web albums: https://get.google.com/albumarchive/108089047953129234429?source=pwa

My google maps - saved places - frequented in EC: https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=212187393968777541090.000479e892ce8f4227992&msa=0

Photos of the Transport - Intro Vehicle: Kia K2700 Diesel 1.5 Ton 4wd / 4dr / half passenger van /
half truck: https://goo.gl/photos/YNfWxUoU1toAMpz9A

RELOCATION SERVICES TO ECUADOR - TOURS TO ECUADOR - JOURNEYMAN JACK:
http://latinamericacurrentevents.com/ecuador-relocation-and-tour-services-journeyman-jack-2/34635/
{Comprehensive Introductory / Exploratory Tours Custom Fitted to your Relocation wants and needs with Pre-Trip Planning, Reservations, Expats & Locals Meet Ups, Rentals / Realty, Survival Spanish, Intro to EC Customs & Culture, Translator, Shopping,....

(the following would come later if you decide EC is right for you)> Immigration, Residency Visas, Import / Export- Pets, Air Cargo, Vehicle & Home Inspections, Marriage Registration, Dual Citizenship, Dual Passports, Document Translations, Insurance, Healthcare, Law / Tax, Banking, Farm Land, Property & Site Management, Sea Container Shipping & Logistics, Security & Safety
 Measures, Finding Missing Persons In EC., Skype Video & Toll Free Tel. Consultations}

"The dogs were too big to fly from Quito to Cuenca, so we arranged to have them driven down by the
famous Journeyman Jack who specializes in relocation." http://www.cuencahighlife.com/an-expat-familys-move-to-cuenca-handling-the-details-and-settling-in/

"The best driving routes, and driving times in Ecuador"-
This week I had the pleasure to interview someone that knows the roads of Ecuador better than ANYONE I know. Jack Abercrombie, an American expat from Atlanta who has lived in Ecuador for over 9 years now and has a heavy-duty truck he uses to help expats move heavy loads of belongings within Ecuador. - See more at: http://ecuadorrealestate.org/driving-times-in-ecuador/#sthash.hO5THOOg.dpuf

"Jack Abercrombie, a well known tour guide-driver from Quito (the capital of Ecuador) was visiting the area for a few days and called for a gathering of friends at Fabiano's (our favorite pizza spot). He anticipated maybe 20-25 people. We ended the afternoon at over 40!- http://www.retiredincuenca.com/2014/05/cinco-de-mayo-mexican-holiday-in-ecuador.html

-Driving In Ecuador Vs The USA: 21 Major Differences-
"This week I had the chance to sit down with one guy who knows the roads of Ecuador better than anyone I know, Jack Abercrombie, a guy from Atlanta who has been living in Ecuador a few years now. He has a truck he uses to help new arrival expats in Ecuador move large loads of goods and pets within Ecuador.  You can reach him at:
http://ecuadorrealestate.org/driving-in-ecuador-vs-the-usa-21-major-differences/

"Some people choose jobs, some jobs choose people. Take “Journeyman Jack” Abercrombie. He’s based in Cumbaya, Ecuador, and is an expert on life as an expat the way few are. He can help you give birth to your dream of moving to Ecuador, facilitate the transition with ease- https://www.gringotree.com/do-you-have-an-exit-strategy/?goal=0_abb51ee8d2-78784da2fb-109772665

"At the time of the earthquake, Abercrombie was at home in Cumbaya, just east of Quito. Though he felt the earthquake, he did not feel the impact like those who suffered so much on the coast. Abercrombie — also known as “Journeyman Jack” — makes a living relocating people.... https://www.cuencahighlife.com/expats-help-rebuild-chapel-rio-canoa/

(PS) What is STEP? Benefits of Enrolling in STEP: The - Smart - Traveler - Enrollment - Program,
 (STEP) is a free service to allow U.S. citizens and nationals traveling abroad to enroll their
 trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.: https://step.state.gov/step/

(PSS) USA- Veterans Crisis Hot Line- 1-800-273-8255

I am also a team member of the Ecuador Expat Journeys - 'Crash Course' It is a Great outfit that 1,000's of Expats have used over the years, it is a predetermined comprehensive set route with other couples & singles. Begining in Quito, and on to N. Sierra Cayambe, Otavalo, Cotacachi,
Ibarra, back to the South & West to Middle of the World Park, Mindo Cloud Forest, and on to the Coast to~ Canoa - Manta - Pto. Lopez, Pto. Cayo, Salinas, GYE - Cajas National Park - Cuenca - Loja & Vilcabamaba.: http://www.ecuadorexpatjourneys.com/crash-course-tour

 I have lived and worked full time in EC for the past 10 yrs, (an Atlanta, GA native, arrived at 45 yrs old, now 55 yrs old) and am a dual EC / US Citizen based out of the Eastern Quito Suburb of Cumbaya to be near the UIO INT Airport, and I do custom fitted introductory tours throughout the country.

I would be glad to talk with you and help plan your EEJ / CC Group exploratory trip or a private 1 on 1 or small group / family trip to where you want to go directly to the locations that are of most interest you, and be able to custom fit your time while in EC.

Driving here and or being an innocent by stander passenger in EC is not like you could imagine from NA or any other 1 st world nations: “Every day on Ecuador's Road System 13 people are killed and 152 injured- 15 JAN 2015-Journeyman Jack in Ecuador- http://journeymanjackinecuador.blogspot.com/2015/01/every-day-on-ecuadors-road-system-13.html

The content in my web site, blog & videos on my You Tube Channel: "Journeyman Jack In Ecuador" & http://journeymanjack.com/ 
are provided for informational purposes only. Use the information found in these formats as a starting point for conducting your own research and conduct your own due diligence BEFORE making any significant Relocation or Investing decisions.
"Journeyman Jack In Ecuador" & http://journeymanjack.com/ assumes all information to be truthful and reliable; however, I cannot and do not warrant or guarantee the accuracy of this information, things change in EC on a weekly and sometimes daily basis.
Thank You,
'JJinEc'

Boo:) -"13 Spooky South American Haunts"- SUN 01 OCT 2017

by Lorraine Caputo

--"Halloween is just around the corner – and it’s time for the creepy and the scary.

In Latin America, this time of the year is also when the veil between the world of the living and that of the dead becomes so thin, that the living and the departed may communicate with each other. The holiday – celebrated on November 1, All Saint’s Day, and November 2, All Souls Day – is collectively known as El Día de los Muertos or El Día de los Difuntos.

But Latin American traditions, with pre-Hispanic roots, are much different than those the Northern Hemisphere celebrates. Especially in areas with large indigenous populations (Guatemala, southern Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and northern Chile and Argentina), families gather in the cemeteries to clean and repaint their family graves, and decorate them with flowers. On November 2, they will gather at the tomb with the dearly departed’s favorite food and drink, and perhaps even a bit of live music. It is a wonderful cultural experience to witness. 

Still, if you are in the mood for creepy and scary thrills during this time of the year, here are some places to add to your South American itinerary. There are witches, vampires, demons and other creatures, as well as many tortured souls. Many of these sites are tied with horrid chapters of the region’s history, and carry potent vibes of those who suffered. Others are infused with legends of mythical beings and mysterious events. Most of these places you can also visit in the off-season, and still have quite a riveting experience....

5. Quito, Ecuador

Quito has many haunted places – not surprising for a city as ancient as it is, predating the Spanish conquest.

But when I asked a close friend about places he would suggest I include in this article, he stated, “The Eloy Alfaro monument in El Ejido, where he and his compadres were bludgeoned to death. Walking past that always gives me shivers up the spine.”

Over the years, I had heard about the death of then-President Eloy Alfaro, who served 1895-1901 and again 1906-1911. According to the tales, he was drawn and quartered, then burned on 28 January 1912. But searching online provided few details about what precisely happened. I decided to ask don Marco, a native-born Quiteño historian, born and raised in the Centro Histórico. What he recounted to me, much of it told to him by his older relatives who witnessed the event, is worthy of a Hallowe’en terror movie.

Shortly before he was arrested, a woman read Alfaro’s tarot cards. She warned him not to return to Quito. He said he must fulfill his destiny. In Guayaquil, he was detained by those who opposed his plan to increase property taxes (by a mere one-one-thousandth of a percent). He and six of his supporters were sent by train to Quito. Upon arriving at the Chimbacalle station at 9 a.m., they were transported to the García Moreno prison (on Calle Rocafuerte near the San Roque Market) where they were killed. At 10 a.m., Alfaro was shot in the chest and in the throat (to prevent him from screaming) and fell to Rocafuerte Street below. Still a cry could be heard – and residents of that barrio say that on the anniversary, you can hear it at that hour.

Three horses then were tied to his limbs to tear his body apart. But the one holding his hands suddenly, mysteriously died. The other two horses dragged Alfaro’s body and the third horse to Plaza Santo Domingo. At Bolívar and Guayaquil streets, La Pájara – a woman believed by locals to be a witch – cut off Alfaro’s testicles and penis and hung then from the portico on that corner.

The entourage of Alfaro enemies continued the procession, dragging the bodies of Alfaro and the six others to El Ejido Park. But something strange happened along the way: Alfaro’s body disappeared – just disappeared. To this day, no-one knows what happened to it, or where it may be hidden.

The other six were burned approximately in the vicinity of where the Eloy Alfaro Monument now stands in El Ejido Park. I asked don Marco why, then does my friend always gets shivers up his spine when he walks past it. He is feeling the anguish of the common people, he said.

Address- Center of Parque El Ejido (between Av 10 de Agosto and 6 de Diciembre, and between Av Tarqui and Av Patria), Quito, Hours- Daily dawn-dusk

6. Cueva de los Tayos, Morona Santiago Province, Ecuador

 

 

Deep in the virgin jungles of eastern Ecuador is Cueva de los Tayos, a cave named for the oilbirds (Steatornis caripensis) that live in it. From the nearest town, it is reached by boat, then by hiking or horseback.

Getting to this cave is not the only adventure you may have. Once you descend into the 63-meter (207-foot) deep Chiminea, a narrow chute, you emerge into a world of large galleries connected by tunnels, all carved by subterranean waters. Stalactites and stalagmites decorate the inner realms. These caves have been sacred to indigenous nations for over 3,000 years and archaeological remains, including burials, have been found.

But the Cueva de los Tayos has a mystery. In his 1973 book The Gold of the Gods, Erich von Däniken claimed that Argentinian-Hungarian entrepreneur Juan Moricz discovered gold artifacts, tablets, sculptures and other objects in a chamber even deeper in this cave. Some say these were part of the lost treasure of Atahualpa, the last Inca emperor.

In 1976, an expedition of Ecuadorian and British military personnel, professional cavers and astronaut Neil Armstrong, extensively explored this cave. Archaeological artifacts were found, but nothing fitting von Däniken’s descriptions.

Some say, though, that much of the gold was stolen by Father Crespi, a Salesian priest who worked in the region in the 1920s, and that helicopters were sent in to retrieve much more wealth. The findings were displayed in the Museo Privado de Carlos Crespi Croci in Cuenca. After a fire in 1962, everything disappeared. The archdiocese of Cuenca denies it has it in its possession – though Shuar guides to the cave claim that much of the gold in Cuenca’s cathedral came from here.

Cueva de los Tayos may be visited only with permission from the Federación Interprovincial de Centros Shuar (FICSH), whose offices are in the town of Sucúa. A native guide will be assigned to accompany you. Will you be able to discover Atahualpa’s long-missing wealth?

Address- Cantón Limón Indanza, Morona Santiago Province, Hours-Daily dawn-dusk

Website- www.limonindanza.gob.ec/limonindanza/index.php/307-visita-la-cueva-de-los-tayos

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 Lorraine Caputo is a travel writer, poet and translator. She has authored nine guidebooks for South America. Her literary works appear in over 100 journals in Canada, the US, Latin America, Europe, Asia, Australia and Africa; twelve anthologies and nine chapbooks – including the collection of travel poetry, Caribbean Nights (Red Bird Chapbooks, 2014). For the past decade, she has been traveling through Latin America, listening to the voices of the pueblos and Earth. Follow her travels at: www.facebook.com/lorrainecaputo.wanderer.