There are many Ecuador wonders such as…

these shoes that tell a tale of…

mystical Lake Quicocha… mist shrouded and serene… a place where the shamans go and…

so do our Ecuador shamanic minga tours for…

purifying shamanic ceremonies.   They begin on the shore and then…

off with the shoes and…

into the lake where…

with this shaman we…

bury our intentions, sharing them… with the water and the earth… creating positive frequencies.

Learn more about our March 19-20, 2010 Cotacachi Shamanic Minga Tour

Thoughts of Ecuador wonders began last week when our grandson uncovered this right handed shell in our back yard.

The conch shell is revered by wise men all over the world because it unfolds on the golden mean which is a 1 to 1.6 ratio.  This is ratio at which nature, in its healthy state, unfolds… a fundamental measure that permeates almost everywhere, including crops, flowers and the growth of shells.

The actual golden ratio is about 1.618033988749894848204586834365638117720309180.

Some believe the golden ratio is the unique ratio that symbolically links each new generation to its ancestors, preserving the continuity of relationship as the means for retracing its lineage.

This was discovered by Fibonacci and the ratios appear in the ratio of the number of spiral arms in daisies, in the chronology of rabbit populations, in the sequence of leaf patterns as they twist around a branch, and a myriad of places in nature where self-generating patterns are in effect.

Leonardo da Vinci used the Golden Ratio in his painting of The Last Supper in both the overall composition (three vertical Golden Rectangles, and a decagon (which contains the golden ratio) for alignment of the central figure of Jesus.

Shamans in Ecuador begin ceremonies blowing a conch trumpet because they know that the frequency emitted is created by this Golden Mean, 1 to 1.6 expression of nature… the rate at which nature expands.   Hearing this frequency helps integrate the brain, body mind and soul.  The frequency balances all living things.

This belief is not unique to Ecuador.

Wise people from around the world blow conch trumpets at ceremonies. Here is a picture of a Fijian blowing a conch.

Here is a young Buddhist priest with a carved conch and these…

Hindu pundits began their Puja blowing the conch.

Here is a Mexican shaman in full regalia blowing a conch.

That’s a wonder in Ecuador and around the world.  You can hear the sound of a conch trumpet at Wikepedia.

So…

We were really excited when our grandson found this shell buried in our back yard.

Conch shells have deep significance and are used in a variety of ways from culture to culture- worship, instruments of war, containers, and in many types of jewelry.  The overwhelming majority of  shells have spirals opening on the left side when observed with the face in front and crown pointed down.   This is the spiral normally seen in nature.

The right-handed conch which opens on the left, is known as the “Sri Lakshmi Conch”, is extra special and is believed in the Hindu culture to bring abundant blessings on the possessor.  These special conch shells call Sri Lakshmi and help generate intelligence, success, and worldly freedom.  According to tradition, opening on the right (or Dakshinavarti) side, is an extremely low-probability genetic variation; this number has been reported within oral tradition as a rarity of 1 in 100,000,000.

So we were impressed until we realized this is a right handed Lightening Whelk.  That spin though rare overall is common with the shell in our back yard. Most spiraling shells open to the right with the rare specimen opening to the left.  Not the Lightning Whelk. Its Latin name, Busycon contrarium, indicates its contrary nature. The Lightning Whelk scientific name is Busycon sinistrum. Sinistrum is Latin for left.

So this shell was not such a wonder after all… though still rare because Lightening Whelks normally grow about one foot in length though 15 inches has been recorded.  This shell in our back yard is 16 inches… so maybe it’s a rare wonder.

Whether it is or not, the shell sparked some thoughts on rare wonders.

Perhaps this was because our son just sent a note about  a rare wonder in Mexico.

Mexico’s Cave of Crystals stunned geologists when it was first discovered in 2000. The underground chamber contains some of the largest natural crystals ever found – some of the selenite structures have grown to more than 10m long. Professor Iain Stewart got a rare glimpse of the subterranean spectacle while filming for the new BBC series How the Earth Made Us.  See a glimpse of a Mexican rare wonder the cave of crystals

Ecuador Rare Wonders.

Some of Ecuador’s rare wonders include the Galapagos.

Our friend Kjetil Haugan’s company offers two of the most luxurious cruises in the Galapagos.

For more details contacts Kjetil Haugan at kjetil@haugancruises.com

The Amazon.

For ecotourism in the Amazon rainforest read on about friendly La Selva Jungle Lodge.

Carman Martin chief of La Selva operations welcomes subscribers.

What makes this rustic lodge special  is a contract the lodge created with the indigenous community of Pilche. La Selva pays them each month in exchange for the use of 15,000 acres that borders La Selva and is held in trust to protect the land and wildlife.  This leaves the land pristine yet  La Selva guests may walk through the land leaving it in its natural state  except for a trail.  See more on la Selva Lodge here.

For more details contact Eric Swartz at lscentral1@cs.com

Because we do not ask for or accept commissions on tours, cruises, travel or lodges that we write about… we can help make visits to the Galapagos or Amazon special for our Ecuador Living subscribers. 

For example Ecuador Living subscribers receive a 15% discount beyond the special offers on Kjetil’s February and March tours

You can learn numerous special benefits you can gain in the Amazon as an Ecuador Living subscriber.

See how to subscribe here.

Some Ecuador caves are also a wonder. Cueva de los Tayos (Spanish, “Cave of the Oilbirds”) is a natural cave located in the Amazon.

They run almost three miles and are  largest of three entrances is a 65 meter deep shaft leading to 4.6 kilometers of spacious passages and a chamber measuring 90 meters by 240 meters. The cave has a vertical range of 201 meters with its lowest point.

The sacred LLanganatis valley is a wonder. Legend says Atahualpa’s treasures are stored there.

Here is Merri and me, with a friend, hiking in the LLanganatis.

There is a wonderous sacred grotto near Cotacachi where the water flows out the color of…

a golden sunrise.  Our shamanic mingas have…

purifying ceremonies here.

One of our delegates at the sacred grotto.

There are the Santa Cruz lava tubes mentioned in a message about a Galapagos farm for sale.

To me however the really great wonder in Ecuador are the people.

Ecuador may have…

good times, or…

bad. But I hope…

that these pictures I have shot of…

people in Ecuador, reflect…

the gentle nature of the Ecuador’s people because…

in the end the…

reaction to events in any country is determined by…

the nature of the people.   Here’s a photo I took of President Correa.  The fact I could get so close in a crowd to El Presidente is a statement about Ecuador in itself. He may turn out to be a good leader or not but…

the fate of…

Ecuador… is in the…

nature of the people.  Merri and…

I have enormous respect for the…

connection that Ecuador’s people have with…

the wonder of…

this land called…

Ecuador.

I hope you find your weekend filled with wonder.

Gary

Join us for the March Florida Ecuador split session. Learn about the wonders of the mind and Spanish in Florida… then travel to Ecuador and practice as you view Ecuador real estate across the country and join our Ecuador shamanic minga tour.

March 11-14     Super Thinking + Spanish Course, Mt. Dora, Fl.

March 15    Travel to Quito

March 16 Travel Quito Cotacachi

March 17-18  North Andes, Imbabura & Cotacachi Real Estate Tour

March 19-20    Cotacachi Shamanic Minga Tour

March 21  Travel Cotacachi to Manta

March 22-23   Manta & Mid Coast Real Estate Tour

March 24 Travel Manta to Cuenca

March 25-26 Cuenca Real Estate Tour

March 27  Travel Cuenca to Salinas

Mar. 28-29   Salinas & South Coast Real Estate Tour

Or join Merri and me and our webmaster this February  at a seminar and share ways to invest, do business and live that protect wealth as they bring joy, satisfaction and better health.

Join us with our investment advisors and tax attorney February 11-14  at Quantum Wealth -International Investing & Business Made EZ, Mt. Dora, Fl.

You can also come on with us to Ecuador.

February 15-16 Travel to Quito and tour Quito

February 17     Travel Quito to Manta

February 18-19  Manta & Mid Coast Real Estate Tour

February 20 Travel Manta to Cotacachi

February 21-22 North Andes, Imbabura & Cotacachi Real Estate Tour

February 23-24  Quito & Mindo Real Estate Tour

February 25 Travel Quito Cuenca

February 26-27  Cuenca Real Estate Tour

This advertisement has been submitted by a reader for Galapagos real estate for sale… a wonderful Galapagos farming opportunity.

Villamil Beach Galapagos

I was really impressed by this ad because Galapagos is a pristine area where tourists and even residents are regulated but this farm is in a part of the Galapagos where even the tourists cannot go.

Here is what Mike Van Pelt wrote about the farm he has for sale.

“Galapagos”  What other word conjures up so many varied wild imaginations of fearless animals, peace and solitude, turquoise oceans with pristine island beaches, lava spouting volcanoes, and yes, Darwin?

This is a very rare opportunity to own your piece of Galapagos Paradise.

We are offering a 10 acre farm in the highlands of Isabela at a really rock bottom price.

Isabela is by far the largest of the islands in the Galapagos Archipelago, formed by the uniting of 5 volcanoes to create an island that equals a bit more than 50% of the land mass of all of the islands, 2850 square miles in total.  Its seahorse shape only adds to the charm of this enchanting island.  The population of 2,500 islanders encompasses a mix of Ecuadorians, Galapaginos, and Ex-Pats from the USA, UK, and various European countries. Its Southeastern coastal city of Puerto Villamil is a sleepy town that still has the quaint charm of all sand streets.  Puerto Villamil has begun to upgrade its appearance in the past 2 years.  There has been an addition of an embarcadero for the passenger boats.

There is now sawn-lava side walks and a public square with shaded gazebo areas (which at this moment has free wifi).

and an addition to the public hospital… where medical care is free.

Villamil medical clinic and hospital.

Villamil Plaza-Church.

I checked this out. Isabela Island is bigger than all the other Galapagos islands combined. It is about 75 miles long and 50 miles at its widest. The total land area is 1771 square miles—bigger than Rhode Island.  These mountains that form this island were probably separate at one time and then fused in to a single mass. The most recent eruption was Cerro Azul in 1999. So the island is still rising, and Wolf Volcano is the highest point in the islands—an elevation of 5,600 feet.

Here is a Galapagos map. You can see how large Isabela is compared to rest of the islands.

Mike continues.

This finca (farm) is about a 15 minute drive from town toward Sierra Negra Volcano National Park, in an $8 per hour taxi.  It is situated at the corner of the Sierra Negra road and the Santo Tomas road.  Electricity is present on the property (The island’s electricity plant now powered by diesel generators, is scheduled to be replaced by a solar plant that powers the entire island by 2010).

Electricity to the property. See the rich volcanic earth.

A beautiful ocean view can be seen from the property.  The Sierra Negra road is in the process of being paved, constituting the only paved road on the island.

This is the beach on our island.

The island of Isabela is accessible by 4 daily flights to (and from) the island of Santa Cruz.  From Puerto Ayora board an island-hopper for a 2.5 hour boat ride to Isabela and its port city of Villamil where you will surely be greeted by one of the numerous lethargic sea lions who have claimed stake to a fisherman’s boat for the afternoon.  Although the boat ride may soon be alleviated, as a commercial airport has been started, but is awaiting additional governmental funding for its completion.  It is also possible to take a 6-passenger plane directly from Baltra airport to Isabela.

This is the Villamil Port Area.

The Academy Bay and…

Pointe Ayora are on Santa Cruz Island.

Since you must go to Santa Cruz to get to Isabela you see these views on the journey.

This aerial was taken when we flew from Isabela directly to the airport on Baltra.

The activities available on Isabela are sure to please every palate with beach activities including snorkeling either from beach or from boat (as long as you don’t mind penguins, sea lions or turtles as your companions), swimming, scuba diving, and volleyball; boat/land trips around the Bay and the Tintoreras Islets off of the shore of Villamil from which much wildlife can be seen and photographed including the Galapagos Penguins, Blue Footed Boobies, Sea Lions too numerous to count, Eagle Rays, and Green Sea Turtles.

Snorkeling with Sea Lions.

Colonies of sea lions continue on their daily activities seemingly unaware that we are in their presence.

Don’t forget to look up and see the ever-soaring Frigate Birds with their red throats.  I am told that this is a birding paradise.   This is not my strong area, but if you are a birder you will know.

Blue Footed Boobie.

For the land-lovers, and nature lovers, a hike to the Sierra Negra Volcano and Volcan Chico is an absolute must, either partially by horseback or totally on your own hoof.  Either way the views, especially on a clear day, are more than breathtaking.  Then there is the geology – multi-colored lava, Pele’s tears, lava tubes, sulfur vents, and the endless black flow that is absorbed into the sea.

Los-Tuneles.

On a different day plan to take in one of the lava tube caves, you will not be disappointed.  For the strong at heart, multiple-day hiking/camping trips to various remote locations can be arranged for hiking Sierra Azul or wildlife viewing in areas not accessible by the 2 roads on the island.

Back in Puerto Villamil, the main town do not miss the Poza Salinas, or brackish ponds, which sport several Flamingos sifting the salt-water for food.

Villamil Albermarle Hotel.

Meals are really inexpensive.   In the restaurants the Plate of the Day lunch runs $2.50-$3 and dinner:  $3-$4.

Main street restaurant.

Local transportation.

Since the US dollar is the official currency there are no conversion costs or forex concerns.

If you are not staying at the farm, there are nice, new accommodations with A/C for as little as $15 a day… though you can spend
-up to $100/night for on-the-beach luxury.

Here…

Villamil beach shots and…

the police station and…

Post office.

Walk  along the beach and the beach paths from town to the Rearing Center for the Giant Tortoises where several species of endangered Galapagos Tortoises are raised from incubation and released back into the wild at the age of 5.  Note:  They are always looking for volunteers, should you feel the desire to help an endangered species hands-on.

There are also several boardwalks for viewing other natural water flora and fauna of the coastal marshy areas.

Lagoon Conche Perle.

This finca is busting at the property lines with bananas in various varieties, papaya, guava, mature avocado (2 crops per year) and mango trees, various types of citrus, and passion fruit.

Papaya & Mango.

Octoi & Banana.

Citrus.

Bananas.

Farmhouse seen from the road.

Cruises leave from Puerto Ayora, ranging from Single Day-Cruises to luxury 9-Day Cruises.

Cruise Boats are NOT allowed access to Isabela.   This helps preserve the pristine qualities of the island.

This is a farm and land of…

true beauty… sunrise to…

sunset.

I have Ecuador beach lots as well as this farm and would like to use the farm but never find the time to stay on the island long enough to get a Cedula (residency) card.  The Islands only allow 3 months per year visits with possible extensions of 3 each in one month periods so I will sell this for $109,000 or would consider a trade for a Cotacachi area property or other highland area or more Ecuador beach property.

For more details contact me, Mike Van Pelt at mike1athome@hotmail.com

This is a paid advertisement I am not involved so please direct your inquiries to Mike.

Gary

Nov. 9-10 Imbabura Real Estate Tour

Nov. 11-14 Ecuador Coastal Real Estate Tour

December 6-8 Blane Watson’s Beyond Logic & Shamanic Tour

December 9-10 Imbabura Real Estate Tour

December 11-13 Ecuador Coastal Real Estate Tour

Join us in the mountains and at the sea.  Attend more than one seminar and tour and save even more plus get the three emailed courses free.

Attend any two Ecuador seminar or tours in a calendar month…$949 for one.  $1,349 for two.

Attend any three Ecuador courses or tours in a calendar month…$1,199 for one.  $1,799