Ecuador (Quito, Otovalo, Quilotoa Loop, Baños)

We arrived in Ecuador the last week of October and spent a few days in Quito before we went to the farm to volunteer. During November we visited a few place in the north but mainly hung out at he farm. We are spending the month of December exploring the rest of Ecuador.  So far we have travled through the highlands starting in Quito then the Ecuator, Otovalo, The Quilotoa Loop, and Baños.

Crossing the border from Colombia to Ecuador!

We made it to the equator!! Kissing in 2 different hemispheres!

This is the Basílica del Voto Nacional in Quito. It's a very sweet old church and you are allowed to climb to the top of the three tallest points.

The view from the top of the Basílica del Voto Nacional.

We visited the Otovalo market during the week when it was calm but here were still lots vendors. On the weekend this is the 2nd biggest market in South America.

 While in Otovalo we went to the Peguche water fall. Here we are with our friends Amanda, Adam and Ricardo.

This is the begining of the Quilotoa loop. We hiked around 35 k. for the whole loop, it has been one of the highlights of Ecuador.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Colleen and I on the first leg of the loop.

A fresh baby lamb that we saw on the loop. The woman who owned the farm tried to charge me $2 for taking this picture but I told her I didn't understand her and hurried away as she was tugging on my arm.

Colleen and I at the top of Laguna Quilotoa.

This is the view of the lake from our campsite at the bottom of the crater. We camped at the lake for 2 nights. Every evening the clouds would spill over the craters edge making for a beautiful view.

 

Setting up camp!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We hiked on the rim of the volcano around the lake. Great views, amazing weather, and some steep cliffs!

Here I am Standing on the rim trail.

Adam and I enjoying the view!

The sunrise from our campsite.

This is a bridge outside Baños that I did a pendulum swing from! It's 400' to the river below but the swing was only 100'. Standing on the edge preparing to jump....

Head first!

The swing was amazing!

One of the days in Baños we rented bikes and did a 40k ride, passing lots of waterfalls.

These water falls are called Manta De La Novia. Very Beautiful.

We hitched a ride back to town in a truck so we didn't have to endure the uphill.

This is a tree swing at the base of Volcan Tungurahua. It's called the swing of life.

Wooooo!!!!

We have had a great time so far in the mountains of Ecuador! Next is Jungle Time and Beaches!