Angela Drake

Military Kids' Life Magazine wanted interviews with veterans and servicemembers that helped explain to military kids why people chose to join the military. I interviewed several active duty and veterans before settling on these six stories. I intentionally reached out to women and people of color, to officers and enlisted, to make sure that this piece truly reflected today's United States Armed Forces.

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Quito is home to several impressive buildings in the heart of its historic center. The churches and government structures on this list just scratch the surface of architectural beauties that line the cobblestoned streets. A stroll to visit these locations also means seeing many of the smaller gems tucked here and there.

Guayaquil, Ecuador has museums for every taste, from modern art lovers to history buffs. Many of the museums hold a little of everything while others have honed their collections to a single topic or artist. Budgets are tight and curators have few resources to creating dynamic displays but every museum listed has definite treasures in their collection.

The Galapagos Islands are only one of many beautiful national parks in Ecuador. Some parks are so large that they have multiple entrances and require four-wheel drive vehicles and plenty of time to travel. Others have few or no roads at all, and tourists will only experience a tiny fraction of the whole. But most have at least a couple of accessible hiking trails, visitors centers, and viewpoints from which to admire the distinct beauty of this small but incredibly diverse country. In fact, it is possible to explore each of the three main geographic regions—the Sierra, the Coast, and the Amazo

Yes, the Galapagos are great – but the best-kept secret in Ecuador is the mainland‘s wide variety of adventure destinations. Rich natural resources here range from fast moving rivers for excellent kayaking, to windy shores for perfect kitesurfing. If you love getting active outdoors, check out our list of adventure hotspots.

Guayaquil is a relatively undiscovered city when it comes to world travelers, but it has so much to offer those looking for adventure. Whether you like to delve into food culture, wild places, or big city living, there is a unique experience waiting for you in this underrated Ecuadorian city.

Guayaquil is not only the largest city in Ecuador, but it is also where the majority of international companies come to do business. It has pockets of modernity and quaint stories of old-time smugglers just trying to make a living in the big city. The city is also home to turn-of-the-century buildings in the neoclassical style, green spaces shared with heat-loving land iguanas, and plazas where locals sit and enjoy the early evening drop in temperatures.

There are lots of reasons to visit Guayaquil instead of Quito, especially when you consider that this largest city in Ecuador has an international airport with direct flights to the Galapagos Islands. When compared side-by-side, several factors might sway you towards this port city full of its own unique culture, history and architecture.

Quito is much more than a stunning colonial historic center – its many neighborhoods each have a vibe and culture all their own. Whether you’re looking for a place to stay or just a cool area to spend a few hours, one of these great places should fit the bill.

The city of Guayaquil strikes a balance between preserving its long history with successful growth into a modern future. That means protecting old historic buildings while constructing new features that will become tourist destinations of the future. Here are a few places, both old and new, that Guayaquileños can be proud of.

Cotopaxi National Park is only a short distance outside of Quito, making it a perfect day trip. But if you’re looking for those stunning early morning and late afternoon views of the volcano, consider staying overnight in one of the several lodges in the region. The best time of year for clear views of the Cotopaxi Volcano is mid-July until early October during the dry, windy season.

With lots of outdoor spaces to enjoy the warm climate as well as places to escape the heat, like historic churches, museums of modern art and ancient artifacts, and cafés both modern and traditional, Guayaquil makes for an excellent introduction to the rich culture of Ecuador. This list just scratches the surface.

The most beautiful neighborhoods in the port city of Guayaquil stand out for the historic architecture, the well-designed green spaces, and gorgeous views. While some of these areas include many of the classic tourist destinations of this big city, others are hidden gems that the average visitor rarely sees.