Way to Lagos- Ecuador

As the bus moved and we pulled away from the city, the landscape delighted with a fantastic sky clear, very broad fields, grazing animals, smiling and salaried workers, it seemed that everything will light ...
The bus made ​​a quick stop at a gas station, for those who wanted to use the toilet urgently ... Soon resumed the march.
We arrived at what looked like a valley (so warm), so I figured it was close, and anxious, came down, begging for matching ... At that moment I remembered the time I met Puerto Hondo; at that time did not know where to get off, and I went with some miles ... This time occurs almost equally, therefore, away from the road, I started walking towards Cotacachi, thinking it was "just there" (close). Again .. just in case, I went to an elderly gentleman who was passing by the road, slowly, leading a donkey loaded with firewood; I asked if he knew ... Turning Pinsaquí said a farm, a few meters from where I was; after all this time I had not too far ...


The estate manager offered to show: Building with classic colonial features and obvious, aroma and crackling of wood in their rooms, gave the whole environment a cozy feeling of warmth inviting stay. In its very broad indoor gardens, grazed some lovely examples of tame and friendly horses. I lay on the grass, watching the midday sun, while the few lazy clouds slid ... Maybe that's why I fell into a light slumber, absorbed by all he had seen before. Soon I felt something approaching ... As though the thing, half opened his eyes ... it was a horse, which, curious, had approached ...
I did not lack desire to make a tour around the neighboring mountain Imbabura, but this would have required a few hours, and had just begun my journey ...

I went out to the road to wait out a bus that would bring me to one of the Cabins / Lodges Lake San Pablo; after a while it was on its way; thought precisely in Las Cabañas del Lago, but I took the bus took me to Puerto Lago ... the bus left me almost at the door, I only had to walk a few meters, and there it was, at the foot of one of the many lakes in the region. The cold began to intensify, the sky began to turn dark, but that did not stop to enjoy this landscape, the silence and peace of the place, it was just the initial reason I went to that place.
I rejoiced with the landscape, and I thought it did not blow at all miss the hustle and bustle of the city ...
I went to the restaurant of the lodge in time, as it began to rain in torrents, to the point that I thought I should spend the night there, which would have delighted me.


While waiting for the storm passed, I took for lunch (though it was late afternoon) ... there's nothing like a good typical food calientita, steaming, with its own canelazo ... Outside, it was raining. It was raining so hard that it seemed that, at any time, the rays would go through the roof; fugases drew drops pinpricks on the surface of the lagoon; mist settled, giving the whole picture a dark moments one aspect that kept impress ... Finally, the rain stopped. The musty smell filled the orb; everywhere, the colors seemed to take life slowly, as the sky cleared again and again could see the surrounding mountains.

I resumed the march ... and came across the effects of rain that had fallen: The road was thickly muddy; I thought that the best way to avoid smearing was walking through the center of the path ... bad choice, after a few steps I was almost caught, feet sunk in the mud, without being able to take off; locals that they dwarfed the water had entered their homes, poking, prying, their heads at the scene, while giving me a fit of laughter, which corresponded; every step I sank lower, in fact in a section of the boots remained stagnant ... what a way to become one with the earth, right? I finally got out, and got a bus which was about to leave, it left me on the road ... Once there, and after having recovered his breath somewhat, I started walking toward a gas station. The night began to fall, and cold, to sink. We gave up a hose to wash the boots ... While I was at that task, the roundness of the bright moon caught my attention; Today, when I remember that one moon in particular comes to my mind when, after, as he went canoeing on a river in the jungle of our country, I mistook the moon ... with ... Venus and Mars ... that night was so clear, entire constellations that could be distinguished by the naked eye ... my eyes could not believe what I saw ... the next time I could see was a sky so near Chimborazo, in what was a train station , where I spent an interesting weekend; so when the moon amazed at its best, the look, hoping that regale me wonder, once again ...
He was absorbed in thought of lived that day, so I almost passed a bus that could take me back to the capital. I was right where I started this morning. As I walked back to the hostel, laughing to myself ... I was happy ...

Reserva Bellavista - Ecuador

 
That morning, a bit cold but clear - cloudy and rainy considering what had been the day before - we now heading north, whose paths to that time were more or less free ... The city seemed to yawn and slowly waking up to normal working day. That was precisely one of the reasons why we left early.
The morning wore when we passed the Equator Town and marvel remembering astronomical studies both Quitus as the Geodesic Mission, and how scientific legacy that has lasted until today. We stopped for a few moments on the lookout Pululahua volcano. Unusually clear, the volcano gave us a great view of the remains and surrounding crops.

BELLAVISTA - main house by Domo Bellavista cloud forest reserve Mindo Nambillo

We continue to the peaceful and neat Calacalí population, where we made another brief stop, after which we return to the main road. The hilly landscape with its colorful crops, gradually began to change through a dense forest and high; ads by dining and tourist stops were seen occasionally. One who realized the "spectacled bear" caught my attention: It was rare to see them crossing the road, let alone in the forest where he lives; not in vain as Bellavista reservations directly contribute to preserving and maintaining their habitat.
"Here begins the" bad road "are 12Km to reach the reserve ..."; It was a way of second order, irregular, somewhat "difficult" in a few sections (especially for those who like to go biking, so rocky and steep), which would take us to our destination. The forest stood before us, imposing, green, with a few clouds. We passed some cabins where recently installed an impressive cable car that allows viewing from pools of trout streams and fishing, to reach a peak; a view and spectacular route, I guess ...

We made our way, until finally we reached the entrance to the reserve of Bellavista (2200 m). Our guide was already waiting, binoculars in hand. The impressive central dome, and the incessant buzzing of curious and colorful hummingbirds welcomed us. Neatness and order are the predominant factor throughout the room, where the successful use of environmentally friendly materials and designs for the care of the environment is emphasized. After giving all necessary paths and plastic boots calzarnos indications, and "armed" very exciting, we went out to do a guided walk through one of the paths available to the Reserve; all these have been well marked and conditioned to respect the surrounding environment and providing tourists a refreshing and unique ride through the primary and secondary cloud forests; surprised, pleasantly, that in just 10 years (since that one area that became Reserve) forest that has regenerated, allowing many species of plants, birds and mammals re-inhabit the area.


At the start of the walk, we saw in this Book care about sorting organic waste from inorganic, where they are used to enrich the soil first, and second, suitably arranged, are referred to the Capital; later, a small workshop, where workers Reserve made ​​everything for the Lodge. The trail led us through intricate ups and downs in the forest, where towering trees "fighting" each other for you reach the sunlight; countless times we stopped, attentive to the whisper of the wind, the slightest movement of the leaves, to try to capture some of the many birds singing everywhere; we will have seen at least a dozen, including hummingbirds, sparrows and toucans, more plants and a dozen varieties of orchids and insects; even found hidden among the branches, a tiny bird's nest ... The orange "Dragon's Blood" leaves were everywhere, and the branches of the thicket forced us, as we went to pay reverence deserved gratitude and admiration to this natural wonder. The mist was, at times, a little more dense, we could almost touch it, while it ragged landscape, topped by the insistent chirping of birds. A slight shortness of breath showed in our ascent we were "slightly above" the average height at which the Lodge is located. Each trail has its level of difficulty and adventure, may be combined with hiking horseback riding (there are about 5 in the Reserve available to tourists), but prevails in all contact with nature and its wonders.



Satisfied the tour, we started back to the dome, it was "cut" by a restless hummingbird made ​​front and surrounded us while looking at us, attracted perhaps by the color of our clothes, then disappear rapidly, leaving absorbed.
On the way to the dome there are several containers of sugar water whose scent attracts hummingbirds, and these are constantly vying for a sip surrounding and between incessant buzzing and fluttering; you can see them from so close, there are no words to describe the grace of his movements, the vividness of colors and varieties, you can almost count how fast to eat the nectar; there are from the tiniest up of considerable size, with long forked tails that sometimes resemble a phoenix in miniature.

After leaving the boots on the respective winery, they called lunch, and began to return other groups of travelers who had also gone for a walk early, all excited of course and animatedly discussing what they saw. Great food, great, healthy (no red meat consumed, but white, trout, vegetables and fruit salads), with that special touch that always invites a relaxing nap while the fog came and went, announcing rain, not coming. After dinner Walter, owner and manager of the Reserve, who was kind enough to welcome reiterarnos came and listened, pleased, excited our story about what we had just seen. Is to be commended not only tourism but the preservation work carried out in Bellavista. All necessary facilities are given, the only requirement being love and commitment to nature, plus a convenient report of allergies and health problems (for the altitude change that can be experienced, or the degree of difficulty of the trail chosen) necessary to provide the care necessary to the smooth tour.

Later, our guide took us to see the facilities, starting with comfortable dome: They come with private bathroom and shared, all spotless, and its particularity its curious configuration that allows a wide view of the surroundings. Maintaining both ceilings and floors done regularly due, mainly, to the predominantly rainy weather, which ensures the proper state of the infrastructure.
With a capacity to accommodate more than 60 people, Bellavista has a Research and Interpretation Center, where groups of foreign students of Biology, Ecology, Ornithology and Quiropterología come regularly to perform investigative and monitoring work. There are also groups of volunteers who contribute to the construction of more infrastructure for the Reserve ...
The rain had become more intense at that time, but it did not let the excitement of another group of tourists, that while, went out into another path, accompanied by another guide.
It was time to begin our return to Quito; along the way recalled in peace I experienced, and how delighted I was to the whole environment of the care received, and the friendliness of who made brief that unforgettable visit, I hope, soon, a chance to share not only through this story, but also to all those who so desire.

Ecuador, land of volcanoes

"Bundle up good, beyond good cold makes"; so I recommended last evening ... and there were plenty of reasons for this. That day dawned very cloudy, a sign that probably to reach my destination would find a foggy, wet, green landscape ...
Our journey began with a steep descent 600 meters down the road to enter the Valley for a few miles later resume Pan, also called "Volcanoes" by the guides, then, on a clear day, one can marvel at one of the most amazing scenery of snow-capped mountains and volcanoes ...
Cotopaxi Ecuador El Porvenir hacienda land volcanescaballos Ruminahui

Ecuador is indeed a "land of volcanoes", so those prominent geographical features, such as the warmth of its people, their drive, their colors ...

The journey was not without interesting ... immense agricultural land, a row of cows fed barley obedient, the capricious fog that was determined to hide the distant peaks ... remembering that those same snow-white mountains, each therefore "desperezan ", giving us a real show, the very manifestation of nature that shelters us ...

Leaving Machachi population, and the main road, we entered the "belly of the Andes", intricate paths, some dirt, some paved, all irregular; a few farms, very old, but beautiful, vast ... lazy "dragorugas" (tractors) sought to maintain the level ground, or starting tasks of plowing, while "black-face" revolaban, waiting for some bug poke his head .. . trail eucalyptus and cedar ...
After one hour 45 minutes or so of down and up, we went from 2800 (in Quito) at 3600 meters above sea level (at the Hacienda El Porvenir, in the foothills of the snow-capped volcano Rumiñahui of 4712 meters ... ).

A happiness I can not describe came over me, the unmistakable aroma of the field, cast the icy breath of the wind, welcomed us ... shortly after I realized that this "aroma" so special was guano, boil ... Then a "fulsome" hosting a couple of great Danes meek ​​... "


"The Future" is a farm with an area of ​​5000 hectares incredible; after going to stay, they invited me to see the facilities ... the warmth of home inviting shelter near the fire ... a rich generous canelazo (with a touch of "tip" or pure drink) together calientitas a mini-empanadas and delicious with cheese, available to the body for anything.
The villa is built in the style of the region with thick adobe walls and wood, thatch, and countless typical, rustic details, the creaking of the boards ... all loved it, so much that I promised myself return one day to spend the night ... It was interesting to note that the rooms are named as some of the native animals of the moor (pumas, deer, birds ...), nomenclature is followed by the word "machay" meaning "refuge" ...
Then the stables: funny cows, the fourth of the frames, the milking area (done twice a day, that is the old way, manually-and you can participate ...).
For riding, I was offered a "overcoat" sheepskin, and a thick and warm "poncho" with what looked like a "chagra" (peasant); In fact, that's the idea, to make visitors experience the mountain life in a natural way ... I was assigned to "Rocinante" (as Quixote ... ironic fate!), friendly and calm horse "criollo "adult, sure-footed ...
We started the climb following a path, we passed the crops, the area where every year counts of livestock (event takes a lot of work, but it is also an attraction for those who like appreciate the skill and dexterity of "chagra" it also runs rodeos are usually performed, in which the whole community participates generally ...).
A few minutes later, we reached an area where we could gallop ... I must admit I felt some misgivings herding "Rocinante" only "guided" and let it go to his pace, although at times the guide harangued, and I left it "fired" and obsequiándome bliss feel free ...
Meters ahead, find bulls; other horses, impressive, gallant, "greeted" nodding and shaking his locks ... as the Great Danes were still running around ...

We came to a huge canyon ... from there, it was only uphill slopes of the volcano to reach their icy summit ... tesito ideal for a moment and rejoice with the landscape, while a very light drizzle struggled unsuccessfully by dent poncho and coat ...
After just over two hours of various emotions, pure air, very vast landscapes, to live for a moment calm, breath of nature, we started the slow return to the ranch ...


"Get out if you can!" Said my guide ... and indeed, scarcely felt my legs ... then a slight stretch for "reacomodarme" ... once I returned to Quito and started making notes I started feeling pain in the lower back, and so was for a couple of days later ... for the first time (that I remember) riding, I think it's an experience.
As I took off my gear, a respective glass with refreshing lemonade subsided my "carburetor", so I set out to enter the room, it was time for lunch ... quinoa soup, a spectacular honey chicken with salad sauteed vegetables, strawberries and cream, and a pleasant desktop on various anecdotes of Cotopaxi ...
I found that what royal hacienda produces is consumed in the same (milk, crops ...), nothing like the freshness of nature ...!

Satisfied, we got on the road again, this time for "Santa Rita" "sister" "El Porvenir" while we were followed by the same cold and intermittent rain ... Through the paths that lead to "Santa Rita" and "El Porvenir" can be practiced interesting bike rides, or walks, of varying intensity and duration ...
And for those who like giddiness and excitement, here's a surprise: Imagine putting a harness, hanging from a wire, and do a quick tour that ranges from 100 to 500 meters, about 50 meters from the ground, through the leafy trees, creeks and streams, while an interesting variety of birds make their own; you can also climb and "rapeling" by rocky and challenging vertical walls of the slopes of the Pita River and environs, and its wide and dizzying cascade; there are also areas where you can camp safely ...

But all is adrenaline; there are those who care about the community; Foundation's why "Páramo" offers social services and assistance to schools in the sector; frequently made ​​waves of foreign donations and volunteering to help children; a task worthy of praise, and support.

Our return was another way where I could see ancient lava formed passages whimsical cracks and broken ... to these heights, certain drowsiness wanted to play me one pass while going over in my head every single detail in order to describe , which photograph of words ...
Despite being plain, I did not particularly affect the height (maybe only when I returned, a very slight headache would appear, nothing that an aspirin a nice warm shower and a good "conversation with the pillow" can not solve .. . part ...), I rather enjoyed it all, because although it was somewhat cloudy, and cold drops of rain that caught us peering into the semi-hidden summit of the volcano, the poncho kept me dry and warm, and the I was offered tea ...
In short, a nice experience, in a friendly hacienda, excellent service, beautiful places ... "Ecuador has everything!" ...

Volcán Guagua Pichincha

That day we got to the town of Lloa and follow a path which gradually led us ascending the slopes of the mountain, always accompanied by great weather, sunny and clear, that, as we ascended, we gave a fantastic panoramic view of some of the various, and towering volcanoes of the region (the so-called "Avenue of the volcanoes"): the Taita Imbabura, Cayambe, Antisana, Pasochoa, Cotopaxi, Rumiñahui Iliniza and Tioniza, Atacazo, and even, at least one end of Chimborazo, way in the back, over course Rucu Pichincha, the Padre Encantado, Cruz Loma, where the modern cable car, the newest attraction rises ...


maxima summit Guagua Pichincha volcano 4791 meters above the sea

The crops, the few simple peasant villages, grazing animals, the contrast of warm and green colors with a flawless blue sky, just spotted by a puff bold, impressive both cusps Rucu as the Guagua ... is impossible not to get excited at this picture, to which must be added, of course, the incredible view of the city of Quito ... I can not imagine the thrill and bustle that must have felt in the mid-99 when the Guagua "woke up", with huge column of smoke and ash came out of the crater and covered much of the city. And if we add the fact that Mama Tungurahua also began, almost immediately afterwards, an eruptive process that continues, and as a chain effect, began to awaken other giants of our mountains, gives reason to believe we are in a real "Ring of Fire" ... No wonder it is said: "When the child (Guagua) awakens the mother (Tungurahua) answered".


Nearly half hour after we left, we arrived at Refugio del Guagua Pichincha, at 4550 meters altitude, and we prepare (gloves, boots, and comfortable and warm clothes) to undertake climbing the mountain, its rocky side, with imposing and jagged edges. The stones seemed to have intricate steps at every step, sometimes strong, sometimes a bit slippery ... had to stretch as much as possible to keep ascending and overcome every obstacle, looking for the way in those walls. Best not to look down to avoid the inevitable vertigo. The feeling of clinging to the rocks, to experience that one "free mountain" as I call it, just subject with hands and feet to the rocks, adrenaline and desire to reach the top, which seemed eternal to achieve ... all this mixed emotions, actually impossible to describe, accompanied each step, faltering times, to safer times, and drove to continue, with better pace, until no more, we reach the first of two summits over 4781 meters.


The strong wind raged, and stopped just a few minutes to catch her breath, after which continue through narrow channels and a small but winding cliff, and a last ditch effort (10 meters of height, not distance) to reach the second summit, 4791 meters, and with it the joy of the landscape of the crater, fumaroles, scaling the walls had moments before, the path, the Avenue of the Volcanoes in all its splendor, the south of the city Quito, and, beyond, the beginning of the Cloud Forest (Mindo), and imagine, after that, the Ecuadorian Coast ... Moment of photographs and congratulations rigor ...

Who knew that shortly after that, others would be grateful for the "training" that gave me that escalation, it would make a trip to Quilotoa, which include not only down to the volcanic lake for camping, but back up with the entire team and then go all the profile of the mountain peak by peak, going through rocky passages, cultivated fields, and vast beaches, with constant winds kicked up dust storms that sometimes made ​​it difficult to walk, which took a total of six hours over hour and a half it took up the lagoon in the first instance to the parking ...

The decrease of Guagua (25 minutes approximately) what we make for a more sandy part, which more than once led to a slip a few meters below, but that really was quite fun and less complicated than the ascent, which took just over 45 minutes from the Shelter to the 2nd summit. When we returned to the vehicle, at the Lodge, we were with scratches, stones and sand everywhere, tired but happy and others happy from this experience so amazing well worth it, especially for those who like the mountains, adventure, risk (there were parts that had to be balanced a bit to reach the next corner), and the incredible scenery of the mountainous region of our country.

Exploring the lagoon Sucus

That morning promised to be interesting: We were going to explore the lagoon Sucus, in the land of bears.

It has always struck me the spectacled bear, even more since it came a group of foreign reporters looking for places in our country where possible sighting and human encroachment on their habitat becomes apparent to raise awareness about their survival and create mechanisms preservation and coexistence.
 
Exploring the lagoon Sucus - Raiders of the spectacled bear - Ecuador Travel Plus
 
An acquaintance of mine participated in this expedition and told me their experiences, which subsequently saw the DVD reporters sent him thanks and where you can see their findings, combined with the beautiful Andean cloud landscapes of our country.

The path leading to the aforementioned lagoon is, as the song says, the side of the road just after passing the La Virgen. From this point begins the ascent of the moor, to delve into some of that huge lake complex, where you can see how the Andean desert, as it is also called the moor, is a huge sponge that stores water.

A few meters further, and came to a natural balcony with a fantastic view. It was curious to recall, at that time, the name of it, Sucus means slurp. This is because, when he came down to get a bit closer to the lagoon, were a number of fibrous bromeliads, ripped to expose her juicy interior, as desired by the bears appear. It was obvious I cut produced by its powerful claws, and their bites. I started scanning the cloudy landscape, imagining that they must be out there somewhere, hidden among the vegetation, straining his senses by the presence of visitors.
 

Transparent sheet of water that is haunted, too, elusive rabbits, deer and fast disappeared in a flash, literally. The landscape, just awesome ...

I returned to the vehicle, with a huge sense of peace and joy, which only encourages and inspires memories.

We continue to Papallacta for a relaxing dip in the warm pools, good food, accompanied by a pitcher of medicinal guayusa (shrub native to our Amazon) ... the perfect recipe for an optimal rest, but above all, for a day of nature and comfort .

La Estelita – Ibarra - Ecuador

looking to spend a quiet weekend away, and go ... I found in San Miguel de Ibarra, the White City, which always returns ... and rightly so ...

You get to "La Estelita" was not difficult, the precise instructions given were sufficient.

Conveniently secluded from the city, the inn welcomes visitors with an environment where you can breathe peace, surrounded by nature and with an incomparable view both to Yahuarcocha as Ibarra and several of the surrounding volcanoes, thanks to the 2700 m where the inn is located. 

It is impossible not sobrecogerse with the vast valley where this thriving city of just over 132,000 inhabitants sits ...

Attendance at "La Estelita" was always friendly, efficient and friendly. The room and facilities in general, highly maintained and clean, the latter point being something I want to stress especially. Enough hot water at all times, detail, considering the location of the inn, itself already speaks of a very special care in their construction and maintenance. The food, regal and promptly served. The breakfast buffet was rightly disposed.
Night view of Ibarra from La Estelita
Just get to the room and enjoy the fantastic view of the lake, the city and the Imbabura volcano, thanks to a large window with chairs arranged invite just to rest, wallow in its beauty.

Similarly, both the endless pool and restaurant, given away a beautiful view of the volcano and the valley where the city, where the low houses with tiles, drawing a sunset that was all magic is based. I literally spent hours reveling sunset.

Although the morning was slightly overcast, did not stop to enjoy a magnificent view of the city from the nearby viewpoint of the Archangel Michael, and then a funny pedal boat around Yahuarcocha.

Looking for a different, quiet place very well attended and a nice location, and where to get away from the daily turmoil and filled with peace and good spirits, "La Estelita" is the place..