After living in Mexico for the past five months, we can't help but make some comparisons between Lake Chapala and Ecuador, specifically Cotacachi (65km north of Quito, near Otavalo). ELEVATION: Lake Chapala is around 5,000 feet; Cotacachi is about 8,000 feet. You pick your climate in Ecuador according to the temperature you want! Want warmer, go lower. Want cooler, go higher. Simple! The days here so far in July have been about 74-degrees, down to mid 40s at night. Great for me, a little cool for Jack. CITY STREETS. Sooooo much better than Ajijic (or San Miguel). Flagstones instead of cobblestones; sidewalks in good repair. CARS VS. BIKES: Most people don't have cars here. Because of the good streets, it's easy to ride bikes. Because of the lack of cars, it's also safer! BUSES: Buses are
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