Blogs from North, Ecuador, South America - page 10

Not the most imaginative title is it? I'll try harder next time. Well , I got here yesterday after 24 hours travelling. Totally done in. The first thing I hear on the way to the Hotel is that another earthquake has struck. I arrive in town and the streets are full with people standing nervously in groups. Although the epicentre was some way from Quito , the tremors were felt here. Not the news I wanted to hear... I later found out that this one registered 6.8 and luckily only one casualty. I say later, as nothing was keeping me from bed. I hit the pillow at 3pm local time and slept pretty well through to 6am.. After pigging out on the breakfast buffet , it was time to act like a tourist. First stop: Historic ... read more

Our next stop after the Quilatoa loop was the backpacker hangout of Banos. Unfortunately, the weather has not been kind to us in Ecuador, and that was no-more true than in Banos. A town that's famous for its spectacular views of an active volcano that looms over the town, a view that we were never able to see (although we were able to hear it's rumblings and growlings). We spent our time there trying to make the most of the weather when it cleared and getting wet when it didn't. A trip to the hot baths (banos is spanish for baths) where we wallowed in outside pools as it rained and a return to white water rafting, for Chris anyway, as it doesn't matter if it rains or not if you think you're about to drown. ... read more

Ecuador. The country's name evokes thoughts of the Galapagos with it's exotic wildlife, the Pacific coast with its pristine beaches, the Amazonian rainforest and its lush vegetation, banana exports, and this. This isn't the Ecuadorian national anthem by the way. But imagine if it was! In recent times, it has also evoked thoughts of danger and crime, particularly in Quito - where I was heading next. Another journey another overnight bus ride. I didn't sleep well again on the bus - a bumpy, winding ride, a lack of leg room and a rather large lady in the seat next to me put paid to that. Once in Quito, I took the EcoVia from the city's southern bus terminal into the city. The EcoVia is Quito's version of Lima's metro - a bus with a dedicated lane ... read more

We arrived in Otavalo exhausted by the bus ride but excited for the markets on the following day. We quickly found accomodation in supurb hotel with a stunning view of the surrounding volcanic formed mountains. After a short rest we eagerly ventured out into Otavalo eager to get a feel for this well known town. We enjoyed some outstanding mexican food, discovered where the local panderia's were. Important information as fresh bread has quickly become our favoured breakfast when on the go. We walked through the market area full of questions about exactly what these famed markets would be like. We realised the following morning that our imaginings could not possibly have prepared us for the chaotic fiesta of the market. We hesitantly ventured out into the neighbouring street to our hotel which had almost by ... read more

Having splashed the cash (after looking at a number of different options) to fly to Quito from Cusco we thought it would be a nice and simple. We were a little wrong. After getting up early, for a change, we got a taxi straight down to the airport for 5:30am. We were due to be in Quito for lunch time after a couple of hours waiting for our connection in Lima. When we checked our bags the woman casually said to us "oh, you are going to Quito, you will not make your connection as the flight is delayed. I can still get you to Quito but you will arrive at around midnight". After our stunned looks she changed her tune a little and said that we may be ok but to check with their staff ... read more