Feb. 8-11:
We bused down from Otavalo, through the snazzy new bus station in Quito, to Latacunga and then up to Chugchilan. The ride through the Andean hills afforded amazing views of ancient indigenous farms, including grass roofed houses and steep fields high up the hillsides. The last 20 km from Quilatoa to Chugchilan felt quite adventurous, shall we say, with many steep ledges. Sue decided that the 10 km centuries old trail back to Quilatoa, which we had already talked about doing, would be a much better way out!
We loved Chugchilan. The countryside is breathtakingly beautiful, and quiet. We hiked the roads for 20 km in the vicinity of the Hostel Cloud Forest where we were staying, seeing more pedestrians, horses, cows, sheep and pigs than vehicles (6 all day). Sounds easy? No way. The hiking up hill, even on a road, at 3000 m is tough going. We climbed two large hills, i.e. takes over an hour just going up, and enjoyed the long walks down. Along the way, we got to "share" in our first carnival experience, all because Sue winked at a couple of boys walking by with water balloons! In the week leading up to Carnival, a pre-Lent celebration, everyone knows that they are targets for water balloons and spray foam from local school kids.
After sending a young Aussie out to scope our prospective hike to Quilatoa, we headed out the next day with a terrific guide, Barnardo. He acquainted us with many local medicinal and herbal plants and was encouraging as we huffed and puffed our way up to the crater edge. The day was sunny and clear and it was a terrific experience. Thanks Barnardo! We again had stunning views of the centuries old agricultural and sierra landscape down to Latacunga.
We loved Chugchilan. The countryside is breathtakingly beautiful, and quiet. We hiked the roads for 20 km in the vicinity of the Hostel Cloud Forest where we were staying, seeing more pedestrians, horses, cows, sheep and pigs than vehicles (6 all day). Sounds easy? No way. The hiking up hill, even on a road, at 3000 m is tough going. We climbed two large hills, i.e. takes over an hour just going up, and enjoyed the long walks down. Along the way, we got to "share" in our first carnival experience, all because Sue winked at a couple of boys walking by with water balloons! In the week leading up to Carnival, a pre-Lent celebration, everyone knows that they are targets for water balloons and spray foam from local school kids.
After sending a young Aussie out to scope our prospective hike to Quilatoa, we headed out the next day with a terrific guide, Barnardo. He acquainted us with many local medicinal and herbal plants and was encouraging as we huffed and puffed our way up to the crater edge. The day was sunny and clear and it was a terrific experience. Thanks Barnardo! We again had stunning views of the centuries old agricultural and sierra landscape down to Latacunga.
Wow. Wow. That's about all I can say. It's wonderful to be (at least partially) transported into your adventure, and to imagine all of your amazing experiences. A candle was lit for you today at UFP by a young girl who misses you very much.
ReplyDeleteJulie