Sunday, February 13, 2011

Lake Quilotoa

Lake Quilotoa is a crater filled lake, formed about 800 years ago when the volcano erupted and collapsed in on itself.  It is the northern-most of Equador's Andean volcanoes, and filled with minerals, giving it its beautiful color.  You can hike around the rim, about a 6-7 hour hike, or down to the bottom, which is about 3 hours.  There's camping and boats, and a small town of the same name with nothing more than a hostal or two and very small basic indigenous family homes.  Not yet a well known site, you get most of this town and place to yourself and the locals.  One word.........surreal.
Lake Quilatoa from the rim

indigenous children on a field trip





the young indigenous girls in velvet skirts, high stockings, and heels.....hiking.  amazing






hanging with the family

Friday, January 21, 2011

Weekend in Mindo

riding in the cable car above the Cloud Forest
Our couchsurfing residence.....awesome!



final waterfall :)


Mariposaria (Butterfly conservatory)







picked up this man and his rooster on the chiva back home.......only in Ecuador

Monday, January 17, 2011

Papallacta Day Trip

Papallacta is about an hour outside of Quito, known primarily for its natural Thermal baths.  Although we chose to forego them for the hiking, waterfalls, and breathtaking views!








rule in Ecuador......when you hear a dog barking, look to the roof first.  most likely place he will be


this dog led us all the way to the thermals, quite the tour guide

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Llamas!!

Puerto Lago Llamas, who we thought would be much friendlier........

Monday, January 3, 2011

Bringing in 2011

Walking down Amazonas Ave around 7pm NYE
Happy New Year!
Why is a baby emerging from the computer screen?


cheery cough syrup flavored. ugh


New Years (aka Halloween)

mmm our dinner

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Christmas and Christmas Eve

Celebrating Christmas Eve in Africa (aka the African Bar)






Hiking, and handstanding, on the way up Pinchincha

as far as we got up the mountain