The Rambler

Culture Insights, Travel Tips, and Inspirational Journeys with Not Your Average American

Hey Reader!

Where does time go? March is already here, and we’re gearing up for some exciting travels!

First stop: Tuscon, Arizona for TravelCon. If you're a fellow travel creator heading there, let us know—we’d love to meet up!

Second stop: Ecuador in April! We’ll spend two weeks visiting friends and clients in the Amazon (Tena, Yachana, Sumaco, Rio Quijos), reconnecting with the people and places that inspire our work. After that, we’ll head to Quito for Holy Week, experiencing the powerful blend of Indigenous traditions and Catholic faith that make Semana Santa in the Andes so unique. We'll end the trip at Tambo Condor, working with Vladimir to highlight their fundraising campaign.

Third stop: Portland, Oregon, for a May Staycation. After back-to-back trips, we'll want to slow down and embrace travel at home. Portland has no shortage of local favorites, from urban hikes and farmers' markets to world-class coffee and bookstores. Engaging locally reminds us that adventure doesn’t always mean crossing borders; it’s also about seeing familiar places with fresh eyes.

Recent articles

Image: A man paddles a canoe on a blackwater stream

Remembering Randy Borman: A Conservation Legacy

The Amazon lost a champion. Randy Borman, the son of missionaries who became a lifelong advocate for the Cofán people and their fight to protect the rainforest, has passed away. His impact on conservation and Indigenous rights in Ecuador was profound, and his story continues to inspire.

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Image: A mama bear with one cub draped on her shoulders, the other standing in the background.

Inspiring Story: In Search of the Andean Spectactled Bear

What’s it like to track one of South America’s most elusive creatures? Join us as we search for the Andean Spectacled Bear in the Ecuadorian highlands, a journey that deepened our appreciation for this incredible species and fueled our support for the new Tambo Condor Interpretive Center. This initiative will help Ecuadorian children learn more about the bears and the delicate ecosystem they call home.

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Image: Scott purchasing a ticket for Quito's Metro system.

Travel Tip: Riding Quito's Metro

Quito’s long-awaited metro system is up and running! If you’re visiting the city, this is a game-changer for getting around—but it comes with its own set of unspoken rules. Our guide breaks down everything you need to know to ride like a pro (and not stand out as a clueless tourist!).

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Image: A specialty collection of Pacari Chocolate

Chocolate Lovers, Rejoice!

Two-for-one chocolate articles! Ecuador is famous for its world-class cacao, and we’ve got two sweet experiences to share:

🔹 The Pacari Chocolate Experience—A deep dive into Ecuador’s award-winning organic chocolate, including tasting notes, behind-the-scenes insights, and how to order Pacari in the U.S.

🔹 Chocolate Tasting in Cuenca—A guest post by Victoria Wilson of Nomad No Problem on the Cacao Museum’s rich, hands-on experience in one of Ecuador’s most charming cities.

Looking Ahead: Are You Up for an August Adventure?

We’re planning our first-ever trip to Chachapoyas, Peru, in August! This off-the-beaten-path destination is home to Kuelap, the “Machu Picchu of the North,” misty cloud forests, hidden waterfalls, and pre-Incan mysteries waiting to be explored. If you’re game for an adventure with flexible plans and shared costs, let’s connect!

We hope this edition of The Rambler sparks your curiosity and inspires you to visit our website. Stay curious, travel responsibly, and embrace the adventure!

Until next time, happy travels!

Warm regards,