The "Hard Reset": 2026 Updates from the Avenue of Volcanoes

The life-altering floods of Hurricane Helene in late 2024 forced a total lifestyle change, but I have turned that reality into a new beginning here in the high Andes. I have executed a "Hard Reset" - relocating to the Avenue of Volcanoes to live frugally, paddle hard, and embrace the chaos of Ecuadorian culture. From the devil dancers of Píllaro to gravity-fueled street racing, here is how I am ringing in the New Year on a budget.

Witnessing the famous "Devil Dance" in Píllaro doesn't require a tour guide. I break down how to navigate this massive cultural event using local transport and street smarts, proving you can experience world-class folklore on a guide-level budget.

Learn more about Diablada Pillareña | Ecuador's Devil Dance on a Frugal Budget.

The "Años Viejos" tradition in Ecuador is unlike anything in the States. From burning effigies to the community "Minga" spirit, here is how I celebrated the arrival of 2026 in the Andes without breaking the bank.

The Rio Verde is the training ground for the next generation of Ecuadorian kayakers. This coverage of the 2025 Youth International Pathway shows the technical skills being developed right here in our backyard.

Authentic adventure is affordable if you do the legwork yourself. I take you through the Plaza 5 de Junio market to show the ground reality of food prices and how I source healthy meals for a fraction of US costs.

Adrenaline runs deep in this town. The "Carrera de Coches" is a high-speed gravity fueled race that rivals the intensity of the Green River Narrows. No motors, just gravity and guts.

Learn more about the "Carrera de Coches" high-speed gravity fueled race.

• Relocation to Central Sierra: Banos de Agua Santa and Adventures
• Ecuador Resilience: Otavalo Markets, Peguche & Minga after Helene