Blog Archives

Wrapping Up a Wonderful Adventure

4/17/2015

Yesterday we went on the most beautiful hike in a cloud forest.

Ecuador has 16 percent of the world's birds on only 0.02 percent of the world's land surface. 169 species can be found where we are staying.

We headed back for a soak in the hot springs - Wonderful.

Today we are off to the market in Otavalo, then back to Quito for our flight home. We say Adios to a wonderful trip.

Sorry no pictures - my camera's card crashed. For real! Phil says that he may be able to salvage them when we get home.

By Mikey Santens

Valley of the Volcanos

4/16/2015

Today we visited Cotopaxi National Park. It is a massive nature preserve and very popular in Ecuador. There are 4 volcanoes within the park which were worshipped until 1534 when one erupted, all the natives scattered with fear.

Mt. Cotopaxi is the highest in Ecuador, it stands at 19,348. We parked at 14,800 ft and a few hardy souls hiked a ways up.

Lobby at Termas (Hot Springs) De Papallacta

Interesting fact:
Bull fighting is not practiced in the big towns, only the small towns.
It has become more of a drinking party. Money is put in a basket on the bull's back, the Matador gets drunk and tries to get the money. It is quite a party.

Devil's Nose Train

4/16/2015

We traveled south from Quito to the Devils Nose Train. Along the way we passed through many communities all wearing their native dress, which is still worn as daily wear.

Some interesting facts about Guinea Pigs.

Besides being raised for food they have other uses.
The G.P. will do a squealing noise if your visitor emits a bad vibe.
Another use is, the Charma ( Medicine Dr) will hold the G.P. over all parts of your body. Your illness will be transmitted into the G.P. The G.P. dies and you live. This is practiced in some hospitals as a last resort, and has been successful in a lot of cases!

The DEVIL'S NOSE TRAIN goes from Quito to Guayaquil, it was built over a century ago. (Picture of track below) It took 3000 Jamaicans and 1000 Puerto Ricans to worked on it. 2000 died in the making. It was an engineering marvel.

On the way to our Hacienda we visited the 1st church in Ecuador (Catholic of course); built in 1534. Dick and Janet were thinking of renewing their vows.

In the distance is Mt. Chimborazo with the height of over 20,000 ft.

Another beautiful Hacienda; Abraspyngo was waiting for us.

Ecuador Highlands Post-Trip

4/15/2015

by Mikey Santens

After saying goodbye to our fellow travelers; Janet, Dick, Roger, Phil and Mikey headed for the Ecuadorian Highlands, a portion of the Andes that range Southward through Chile.

Our tour picked us up in Quito and we drove south on the Pan American Highway. South Quito is less congested with farming of garlic, onions, and fava beans.

We passed by the Ave of the Volcanoes, with the tallest 19,000 ft. There are 20 active volcanoes. We will be exploring this valley on our return to Quito.

We arrived at Quilotoa Lagoon in Cotopaxi, Ecuador. It is the most western volcano in the Andes. The Caldera was formed 800 years ago and the resulting lake is 2 miles wide and 820 ft deep. The greenish color is dissolved minerals. We hiked down to the lake and back, which was around 2 miles, with an elevation change of over 1600 ft. The rim was at 12,840 ft.

After a late lunch, we were ready to retire to the beautiful Hacienda La Cienega for the rest of the evening, a massive Spanish structure, built in the 17th Century. We spent the few hours left, exploring the structure, with its own Chapel, gardens and fountains, before retiring.

Buenas Noches Amigos

The Galapagos Islands

4/12/2015

by Lyn Whaley

Sea lion

Male frigate bird trying to attract a mate

We are back in Quito tonight having spent the last 4 nights on board the catamaran Galaxy II, our traveling home around the islands. Our guide Javier had us on a brisk pace of 2-3 activities a day. The weather was hot and humid, but we managed the walks/hikes and swimming/ snorkeling with a sense of adventure. I can even boast that I snorkeled with a hammerhead shark nearby!

Six of us will be returning home tonight. Mikey, Phil, Roger, Janet and Dick will continue on a post trip.
----
Thank you Lyn for keeping us informed while you were in South America. Mikey Santens will continue the chronicle as the six of them continue on their Ecuador Highlands post-trip.