Monday, August 10, 2009

Ecuador - Latacunga

We stayed in Latacunga for three nights using this place as a home base to take day trips. We went to crater lake, Banos, and a local market.

A wonderful meal in Quito before leaving for Latacunga about two and a half hours south.


By afternoon we are at crater lake located above 9000 feet and it is cold.


A local child.


This man is making local taffy.


This man is just about to jump from a bridge. After he jumps he will swing like a pendulum over the rushing river below.


Big pots of market food.


Anyone for a pig head?


Too cute.


Knitting with the sheep.


Guinea pigs for sale. The next day I tried one. They are part of the diet in this region.


Mandarins and bananas are every where.


On the last day the volcano showed itself.

Ecuador - Otavalo

Traveling in July was a perfect time to go. The weather was pleasant and with the cool nights it was excellent for sleeping. My friend and I started the trip in Quito and then went on to the jungle staying at Yachana Lodge (a marvelous experience), Latacunga to visit crater lake, Banos, and the local market, and the last stop was Otavalo for the art market and little did we know that we would hate leaving Casa Del Sol. Here are some pictures from the Otavalo leg.

Hard to resist buying something from them.


The Saturday market attracts people from near and far.


Packing up at the end of each day.


My first purchase, a typical shigras bag.


Casa del Sol, a wonderful B&B to stay at.