1/11/18
Another early morning came too quick as we left the Hacienda around 4:30 am. We were on our way to Quilotoa. Quilotoa is a collapsed volcano (caldera). Thousands of years ago, it experienced an eruption so powerful that the volcano actually collapsed on itself. Today, it is a lake.
When we arrived, we were greeted by several stray dogs and friendly locals. One woman had a small puppy and a shop in front of her house. She charged us to use her bathroom. The woman then asked if we'd like to ride her donkeys back up the volcano once we reached the lake. Greg, Laurel, and I quickly accepted her offer. We began our hike down by feeding some dogs who were very hungry. We decided to call the one "Gringo". Gringo and his friends followed us all the way down to the lake. Everyone fed them their sandwiches along the hike.
By the time we reached the lake, we had about 6 dogs in tow. Some people wanted to rent kayaks at the bottom, but unfortunately, no one ever came to give us the paddles. So we spent our time exploring and taking in the beautiful morning. Soon after, some mules came down to carry us up to the top of the volcano again. I was very thankful for that, as the hike was very steep. Everyone else got a head start to the top. We would soon pass them and reach the top in about half the time.
At the top, we enjoyed cheese empanadas. They were huge and delicious and covered in cheese. The best part was they were only 50 cents. Once everyone reached the top, we said goodbye to our new puppy friends (which was probably my least favorite part of the trip) and continued on to Cotopaxi.
We took a small break from driving at Hacienda La Cienega, where we enjoyed wonderful food and a traditional Ecuadorian band. They sang to us while we ate. It was a really great time here and a beautiful property with rich history. Leaving Hacienda La Cienega, we were full and happy.
Plans changed a bit again when we reached Cotopaxi. Originally, the plan was to drive up the mountain a bit and then hike up a short distance. However, some people weren't feeling well; we decided to walk around the park at the bottom, take pictures, and just take in the view instead of risking more illness. Cotopaxi is located near the capital city, Quito. It is an active volcano, and yet plenty of people choose to live nearby.
During our walk, we met some Canadians who needed help finding their way to a camp site. We offered them a ride in the bus since it had started to rain. Then, we drove into the city and checked into our hotel. This was when I began to feel nervous. Cities always make me nervous. Everyone decided to meet in the lobby of the hotel to go find dinner that night. It was a scary walk and we definitely stood out. Every store or restaurant we passed had a pushy sales person trying to get you to come inside. Everyone wanted you to come into their bar and dance and drink. Tait investigated several options, but it came down to an American style place in the main square. We ate what they interpreted as American food and sang American music. We sort of felt at home.
After dinner, a small group of people wanted to go out dancing. I decided to turn in. Quite frankly, I was feeling uncomfortable there. So the rest of us walked back to the hotel. I was ready for bed after that experience.
When we arrived, we were greeted by several stray dogs and friendly locals. One woman had a small puppy and a shop in front of her house. She charged us to use her bathroom. The woman then asked if we'd like to ride her donkeys back up the volcano once we reached the lake. Greg, Laurel, and I quickly accepted her offer. We began our hike down by feeding some dogs who were very hungry. We decided to call the one "Gringo". Gringo and his friends followed us all the way down to the lake. Everyone fed them their sandwiches along the hike.
By the time we reached the lake, we had about 6 dogs in tow. Some people wanted to rent kayaks at the bottom, but unfortunately, no one ever came to give us the paddles. So we spent our time exploring and taking in the beautiful morning. Soon after, some mules came down to carry us up to the top of the volcano again. I was very thankful for that, as the hike was very steep. Everyone else got a head start to the top. We would soon pass them and reach the top in about half the time.
At the top, we enjoyed cheese empanadas. They were huge and delicious and covered in cheese. The best part was they were only 50 cents. Once everyone reached the top, we said goodbye to our new puppy friends (which was probably my least favorite part of the trip) and continued on to Cotopaxi.
We took a small break from driving at Hacienda La Cienega, where we enjoyed wonderful food and a traditional Ecuadorian band. They sang to us while we ate. It was a really great time here and a beautiful property with rich history. Leaving Hacienda La Cienega, we were full and happy.
Plans changed a bit again when we reached Cotopaxi. Originally, the plan was to drive up the mountain a bit and then hike up a short distance. However, some people weren't feeling well; we decided to walk around the park at the bottom, take pictures, and just take in the view instead of risking more illness. Cotopaxi is located near the capital city, Quito. It is an active volcano, and yet plenty of people choose to live nearby.
During our walk, we met some Canadians who needed help finding their way to a camp site. We offered them a ride in the bus since it had started to rain. Then, we drove into the city and checked into our hotel. This was when I began to feel nervous. Cities always make me nervous. Everyone decided to meet in the lobby of the hotel to go find dinner that night. It was a scary walk and we definitely stood out. Every store or restaurant we passed had a pushy sales person trying to get you to come inside. Everyone wanted you to come into their bar and dance and drink. Tait investigated several options, but it came down to an American style place in the main square. We ate what they interpreted as American food and sang American music. We sort of felt at home.
After dinner, a small group of people wanted to go out dancing. I decided to turn in. Quite frankly, I was feeling uncomfortable there. So the rest of us walked back to the hotel. I was ready for bed after that experience.
Photo used under Creative Commons from mlcastle