With just a week left in Ecuador I have started to feel sad about leaving Canoa.
I spent so much time in Cuenca and my trip my nearly over.
I planned a (in my mind) hectic schedule of going to Otavalo for two days and then Quito for two days before flying out. I could have handled this but something was weighing on my mind.
I don’t really know Canoa.
It’s been amazing to meet up with other travellers and finally have people to hang out with but it was at the expense of how I like to travel.
I didn’t make the same effort to befriend locals or discover Ecuadorian food or life here. I wasn’t out looking for the coastal version of Ecuadorian cuy.
I don’t want to complain as new friends came to Canoa to meet and we had a great time. But…
But Canoa feels empty.
On the surface it seems like every other beach town I have visited. I don’t understand why you would come here over any other generic surf/fisherman’s village.
But I know there is a reason and so I have moved my flight and I’m staying an extra week alone to discover it.
Oh! it seems really a magic place!!
It is really so special.
I love how you’re always moving your flights! That means you’re following your heart. Questions though, do you not incur fees when you move your flights?
I do incur fees but they aren’t so bad. Plus staying in Ecuador I spend far less money than in Toronto so I figure it all works out in the end.
I love little beach/fishing towns, I can’t blame you for wanting to stay!
I have the same question as Andi above me. I tried moving a flight around once, and it was a nightmare. I ended up just leaving it as is…
Would booking an “open” flight if you’re unsure of your itinerary be much easier?
Enjoy yourself! Now I really wish I’d gone there. It sounds more chilled out than Montanita and will sure as hell be better than my experience of Puerto Lopez! 🙂
What a beautiful & gorgeous blog! Bacon is truly magic indeed. Fortune must favor the BOLD!
What they say about one door closes & another opens…must be true.
Keep up the great work!
Interesting, I’ve never been – Will have to go 🙂
I am very likely to go to Ecuador for three months later this year or early next year. I can’t wait to check Canoa out. Looks like such a sleepy little place.
Love it, and am interested in what you come up with – LOL. We stayed about 2 1/2 months, was so chill, so relaxing, made friends with locals, etc.
Was in the major ‘expats wanting to make $ and get other tourists there’ mode, that has it’s pros and cons but there were definitely some cool expats. Would love to know what it is like now!
Follow your heart. Conquer each an every Canoa corner because i will waiting for more information and discoveries.
I studied for a semester in Bogota, Colombia — in 1974, virtually neolithic times, insisted on a honeymoon in Peru in 1982 and had a chance to visit some of Argentina and Chile in 2009. Reading your blog and others, is convincing me that I need to visit Ecuador. I’d like to visit the Galapagos (like everyone and their mother), but since I speak decent Spanish, I’d like to visit Cuenca. Maybe I’ll add Canoa to the list of places to visit in Ecuador once I see what you think of your extra week there. Write on!
that graffiti is stunning. really great.
It’s great to travel/meet-up with friends, but I often find that I get to know a place “the best” on my own. This like a great little town. Like somewhat else said…fab mural! I’ve thought of visiting Ecuador, so I’ll be back to read more of your posts.
This is my second time here and it has a really special place in my heart.
Found your blog through vagablogging and saw your posts about Canoa. I visited it last year and felt the exact same way. The moment I arrived and was walking down the dirt roads looking for a hostel I knew I would love it. I ended up going back 3 times during my stay in Ecuador, and like you, had plans of going to other places before my flight home and ended up right back in Canoa! Thanks for the post and the awesome video! I even recognized some of the local guys! Can’t wait until I get to visit again.