Tiputini Biodiversity Station::Amazon Rain Forest

My experience of going into the Amazon Rain Forest this past weekend was one of the most amazing things I have ever done in my life. A group of us went to the Tiputini biodiversity station which is situated close to the Ecuadorian and Colombian border. This biodiveristy station was made through the USFQ and Boston College. It is truly amazing. Researchers live there for months and years on end to conduct all sorts of research. I saw things that I never thought existed and learned so much more about what is going on in the world and ways to help. I would love to go back again and spend more time there....

Cabins that we were staying in

Above the tree top canopy

Mini frog

Sunset on the Tiputini river

Just arriving to the TIputini river

Sunrise above the jungle

Carnival and Pinchincha..

So it has been a while since I have posted anything, I apologize. I have been so busy!
A few weeks ago I went to Ambato with a couple of friends to celebrate Carnival, it was a long 5 day weekend that marks the beginning of lent (just like Mardi Gras). I had an absolutely wonderful time. We spent most of the time celebrating and we also went to a parade that was made entirely out of fruits and flowers, it was magnificent.

We also took a day trip to a place called Baños, about 1 hour away from Ambato to do some outdoor activities. All three of us went zip lining, I am going to return when my parents visit and possibly go bungie jumping, AKA puenting....we will see. 

The next weekend I took a trip to La mitad del Mundo (the middle of the world) with my brother and his friend, who were in town for a few days and my friend Sophia as well. We ran into the guitarist from a famous Latin American band, Maná. It was pretty exciting!

This past weekend I hiked Pinchincha with a few friends. This active volcano is situated in the West of Quito. We hiked up to about 16,000 feet! It was a little bit of stress on the lungs and there were definitely some difficult parts but it was so much fun. The hike took about 6 hours in total and had some breathtaking views.

I have been having such an amazing time here that I am thinking about extending my plane ticket a few weeks so I can travel a little bit more...guess we will see what happens!