El Cafecito Travel Talks

Tony Lloyd

El Cafecito Travel Talks is a travel and cultural podcast hosted by Tony Lloyd, a travel planner, hostel owner, and community builder who has spent more than 25 years living and working in Latin America. Each episode features real conversations with travellers, expats, backpackers, cultural explorers, community leaders, and people who have chosen to step outside their comfort zone and explore the world in their own way. From short adventures to life-changing moves abroad, these stories highlight the experiences, challenges, connections, and discoveries that come from seeing the world through different eyes. Along the way, we’ll explore travel, culture, community, identity, and the unexpected moments that connect people across borders. Many conversations focus on Latin America, including the stories, experiences, and contributions of Afro-descendant communities throughout the Americas, but the lessons and connections are universal. Whether you’re an experienced traveller, dreaming of living abroad, planning your next adventure, or simply curious about the people and places that make our world interesting, there’s a seat for you at the table. Grab a cafecito or a tea and join us for the journey. Travel. Culture. Connection.

  1. #51 Behind the Hotel Desk

    hace 2 días

    #51 Behind the Hotel Desk

    What really goes on behind the scenes of a hotel? In this episode of El Cafecito Travel Talks, Tony sits down with Pierce Lowney, an Irish hospitality professional who started working in a local pub at just 14 years old before building a career in luxury hotels. Now backpacking across South America, Peirce shares the stories, lessons, and unforgettable moments he’s experienced from both sides of the reception desk. From hilarious “Fawlty Towers” moments and unforgettable guests to bizarre online reviews and practical booking advice, this episode offers a fascinating look at the world of hospitality through the eyes of someone who’s lived it. Whether you’re a frequent traveller, a hotel lover, or simply curious about what happens after you check in, you’ll come away with a new appreciation for the people working behind the scenes. In this episode: Starting a hospitality career at just 14 years oldFunny hotel mistakes and unforgettable guest storiesBehind-the-scenes secrets of running a hotelThe strangest online reviews guests have leftCultural differences between travelersHotel vs. hostel vs. AirbnbHow to choose the right place to stayWhy hospitality is really about peopleGuest: Pierce Lowney, Irish hospitality professional Host: Tony Lloyd Travel • Culture • Connection Support the show Connect info: Questions, comments, guest suggestions, or story ideas:  email: cafecitotraveltalks@gmail.com El Cafecito Hostel - Cuenca Ecuador email: admincafecito@gmail.com Travel Advisor - Latin America: WhatsApp: +593 99 99 39 550 LinkedIn: Tony Lloyd Wilkinson Support the Podcast: PayPal Donation Link If you have any problem with the PayPal link, please contact:  WhatsApp: +593 99 99 39 550 New episodes are released every Tuesday. Thank you for sharing a cafecito or a tea with us...

    24 min
  2. #50  Medellín to Ushuaia – A Motorcycle Journey Across South America

    hace 4 días

    #50 Medellín to Ushuaia – A Motorcycle Journey Across South America

    In this episode of El Cafecito Travel Talks, Tony sits down with Gregorio Cárdenas from Medellín, Colombia, who set out on the adventure of a lifetime: riding his motorcycle from Colombia to Ushuaia, Argentina—the southernmost city in the world. What started as a dream became a journey through Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina. Along the way, Gregorio balanced life as a digital nomad, crossed deserts, navigated some of South America’s most challenging roads, battled freezing temperatures, and discovered that travelling alone doesn’t necessarily mean being lonely. From Bolivia’s infamous Death Road to the windswept “73 Malditos” in Patagonia, Gregorio shares stories of unexpected kindness, perseverance, and what happens when you finally stop waiting for the perfect moment and simply go. In This Episode Why Gregorio left Medellín to travel South AmericaChoosing a motorcycle as the ultimate travel companionThe realities of being a digital nomad on the roadRiding from Colombia to UshuaiaCrossing the Siloli Desert in BoliviaSurviving freezing nights and challenging road conditionsDeath Road and other unforgettable adventuresThe people who helped along the wayWhy solo travellers are rarely truly alonePursuing dreams instead of waiting for the perfect timeWhat “home” means after a life-changing journeyMemorable Quote “If you have a dream, you have to pursue it. You’re the only person responsible for making it happen.” Guest: Gregorio Cárdenas (Medellín, Colombia) Host: Tony Lloyd El Cafecito Travel Talks is where travel, culture, and connection come together through conversations with travellers, expats, adventurers, and locals from around the world.  Stay • Explore • Listen • Connect Support the podcast by sharing this episode with a fellow traveller or dreamer. Support the show Connect info: Questions, comments, guest suggestions, or story ideas:  email: cafecitotraveltalks@gmail.com El Cafecito Hostel - Cuenca Ecuador email: admincafecito@gmail.com Travel Advisor - Latin America: WhatsApp: +593 99 99 39 550 LinkedIn: Tony Lloyd Wilkinson Support the Podcast: PayPal Donation Link If you have any problem with the PayPal link, please contact:  WhatsApp: +593 99 99 39 550 New episodes are released every Tuesday. Thank you for sharing a cafecito or a tea with us...

    17 min
  3. #49 Moving to Ecuador with a Dog: What Nobody Tells You.

    21 jun

    #49 Moving to Ecuador with a Dog: What Nobody Tells You.

    In this episode of El Cafecito Travel Talks, Tony sits down with Troy, who recently relocated from the United States to Cuenca, Ecuador — along with his dog, Cosmo. Troy shares the real process of moving internationally with a pet, including paperwork, airline restrictions, unexpected costs, and why he eventually used a pet transport service with a pet nanny. He also talks about the extra complications of travelling with a flat-faced dog, finding pet-friendly housing in Cuenca, and how Cosmo adjusted to life in a new country. This conversation is especially useful for anyone thinking about relocating to Ecuador with a dog or another pet. In this episode, we talk about: Why Troy decided to move from the U.S. to CuencaWhy leaving Cosmo behind was never really an optionWhat a pet nanny doesAirline restrictions for flat-faced dogsPaperwork, vaccines, microchips, and travel certificatesThe cost of international pet relocationWhat it felt like to travel separately from his dogReuniting with Cosmo in EcuadorAdjusting to Cuenca’s altitude, stairs, smells, and new surroundingsFinding dog-friendly housing in CuencaWhy local connections can make relocation easierAdvice for anyone planning to move abroad with a petHost: Tony Lloyd Guest: Troy Dog: Cosmo, a three-and-a-half-year-old Boston Terrier Memorable Quote: “I go where the dog goes.” Support the Podcast: If you enjoy these stories, please consider sharing the episode or supporting the podcast. Support the show Connect info: Questions, comments, guest suggestions, or story ideas:  email: cafecitotraveltalks@gmail.com El Cafecito Hostel - Cuenca Ecuador email: admincafecito@gmail.com Travel Advisor - Latin America: WhatsApp: +593 99 99 39 550 LinkedIn: Tony Lloyd Wilkinson Support the Podcast: PayPal Donation Link If you have any problem with the PayPal link, please contact:  WhatsApp: +593 99 99 39 550 New episodes are released every Tuesday. Thank you for sharing a cafecito or a tea with us...

    24 min
  4. #48 What Ecuador Taught a 12-Year-Old Traveller

    16 jun

    #48 What Ecuador Taught a 12-Year-Old Traveller

    What is it like to move to another country at age 10, learn a new language, attend school in a different culture, and build a new life from scratch? In this episode of El Cafecito Travel Talks, Tony Lloyd sits down with Karmarri and his mother, artist Iyahdae Rose, as they reflect on two years living in Cuenca, Ecuador, before returning to the United States. Karmarri shares his experiences learning Spanish, adapting to school, making friends, discovering Ecuadorian food, and what surprised him most about life in Ecuador. Iyahdae discusses her decision to leave the United States, the importance of peace and quality of life, and what she believes families can gain from living abroad. Together, they explore how travel and cultural immersion can shape a young person’s perspective on the world. Topics discussed: • Living in Cuenca, Ecuador, as a family • Learning Spanish through immersion • School life in Ecuador • Ecuadorian food and culture • Raising children abroad • Independence and personal growth • Travel through a child’s eyes • Returning to the United States after living abroad Guests: Karmarri and Mom Iyahdae Rose (iyahdae.art) Host: Tony Lloyd Travel • Culture • Connection If you’d like to support El Cafecito Travel Talks and help keep these conversations going, you’ll find a contribution link in the podcast notes. Interested in meaningful travel experiences in Central or South America?  Tony Lloyd also provides independent travel advisory services focused on cultural connection and authentic local experiences. Thanks for sharing a cafecito or tea with us. Support the show Connect info: Questions, comments, guest suggestions, or story ideas:  email: cafecitotraveltalks@gmail.com El Cafecito Hostel - Cuenca Ecuador email: admincafecito@gmail.com Travel Advisor - Latin America: WhatsApp: +593 99 99 39 550 LinkedIn: Tony Lloyd Wilkinson Support the Podcast: PayPal Donation Link If you have any problem with the PayPal link, please contact:  WhatsApp: +593 99 99 39 550 New episodes are released every Tuesday. Thank you for sharing a cafecito or a tea with us...

    18 min
  5. #47 Sailing to Latin America

    9 jun

    #47 Sailing to Latin America

    What would make someone from Switzerland trade a plane ticket for a sailboat? In this episode of El Cafecito Travel Talks, Tony Lloyd sits down with Tobias, a young traveller who chose the slow route to the Americas. Instead of flying across the Atlantic, he spent 26 days at sea, sailing from Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands to Martinique in the Caribbean. Tobias shares what life was really like on board: night watches, endless ocean horizons, dolphins swimming alongside the boat, rough weather, and the surprising challenge of returning to society after weeks at sea. The conversation continues through his travels in the Caribbean, Colombia, and Ecuador, where he reflects on cultural differences, learning Spanish, trusting his instincts, and the freedom that long-term travel can bring. In this episode: Why Tobias chose a sailboat instead of a planeHow do travellers find boats crossing the AtlanticLife aboard a sailing vessel for 26 daysDolphins, storms, and midnight sail changesArriving in the Caribbean after weeks at seaTravelling through Colombia and EcuadorLessons learned from slow travelThe importance of trusting your intuitionWhat freedom really means while travelling Guest: Tobias (Switzerland) Host: Tony Lloyd Travel • Culture • Connection If you enjoyed this episode, please consider following, sharing, or leaving a review. Support the Podcast If you’d like to help keep these conversations going, you’ll find a contribution link in the podcast notes. Travel Advisory Services Tony Lloyd helps independent travellers create meaningful journeys throughout Central and South America, including cultural and community-based experiences. Support the show Connect info: Questions, comments, guest suggestions, or story ideas:  email: cafecitotraveltalks@gmail.com El Cafecito Hostel - Cuenca Ecuador email: admincafecito@gmail.com Travel Advisor - Latin America: WhatsApp: +593 99 99 39 550 LinkedIn: Tony Lloyd Wilkinson Support the Podcast: PayPal Donation Link If you have any problem with the PayPal link, please contact:  WhatsApp: +593 99 99 39 550 New episodes are released every Tuesday. Thank you for sharing a cafecito or a tea with us...

    22 min
  6. #45 Welcome Back – The Relaunch of El Cafecito Travel Talks

    1 jun

    #45 Welcome Back – The Relaunch of El Cafecito Travel Talks

    After several years away from the microphone, El Cafecito Travel Talks is back. In this special relaunch episode, the tables are turned as Skye Jewel interviews host Tony Lloyd about his journey, life in Latin America, travel, community building, and the experiences that have shaped his perspective over more than 25 years living in Latin America. In this episode, we discuss: • Growing up as a Third Culture Kid (TCK) and living in multiple countries • Life as a hostel owner in Ecuador and Colombia • Helping travellers explore Central and South America • Why Latin America continues to feel like home after more than 25 years • Building connections across cultures and communities • Afro-descendant communities throughout the Americas • The lessons travel teaches us about belonging, identity, and human connection • Why El Cafecito Travel Talks is returning and what listeners can expect in future episodes Whether you’re an experienced traveller, dreaming about living abroad, interested in Latin America, or simply curious about the stories that connect us, this episode is the perfect place to start. Hosted by: Tony Lloyd. Special thanks to Skye Jewel for joining us for this relaunch episode and stepping behind the microphone as interviewer. As this is the relaunch episode, thanks for your patience with a few audio imperfections. The conversations are back, and we’re excited to share many more stories in the months ahead. Support the show Connect info: Questions, comments, guest suggestions, or story ideas:  email: cafecitotraveltalks@gmail.com El Cafecito Hostel - Cuenca Ecuador email: admincafecito@gmail.com Travel Advisor - Latin America: WhatsApp: +593 99 99 39 550 LinkedIn: Tony Lloyd Wilkinson Support the Podcast: PayPal Donation Link If you have any problem with the PayPal link, please contact:  WhatsApp: +593 99 99 39 550 New episodes are released every Tuesday. Thank you for sharing a cafecito or a tea with us...

    23 min

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El Cafecito Travel Talks is a travel and cultural podcast hosted by Tony Lloyd, a travel planner, hostel owner, and community builder who has spent more than 25 years living and working in Latin America. Each episode features real conversations with travellers, expats, backpackers, cultural explorers, community leaders, and people who have chosen to step outside their comfort zone and explore the world in their own way. From short adventures to life-changing moves abroad, these stories highlight the experiences, challenges, connections, and discoveries that come from seeing the world through different eyes. Along the way, we’ll explore travel, culture, community, identity, and the unexpected moments that connect people across borders. Many conversations focus on Latin America, including the stories, experiences, and contributions of Afro-descendant communities throughout the Americas, but the lessons and connections are universal. Whether you’re an experienced traveller, dreaming of living abroad, planning your next adventure, or simply curious about the people and places that make our world interesting, there’s a seat for you at the table. Grab a cafecito or a tea and join us for the journey. Travel. Culture. Connection.