Otavalo and Papallacta

We got back from the jungle on Friday the 21st and Saturday morning we got up early to go to Otavalo, the largest artesenal market in Ecuador.  It was spectacular.  The first row of tables was filled with traditional Ecuadorian food including these two pigs which smelled delicious.  Mateo and I ate a LOT of food but didn't partake in the pigs.

The array of colors and sounds and smells is amazing.  Any accessory or article of clothing you could ever want to buy is hiding in some corner of the market.

Overall I was very impressed with the produce in Ecuador.  I've been told it's even better in Chile.  I've been introduced to so many new types of fruit in Ecuador and I love them all.  Tomate de arbol, pitahaya, taxo, dragonfruit...all so delicious.  They make juice out of all of them and it's served with every meal.

This was my favorite spot in the market.  It was hidden in the back section and it was so peaceful.  There was a light breeze and all these tapestries reminded me of the fall in Minnesota.  So peaceful.

I love the elderly population of Ecuador.  They seem so happy to just...be.  They take pleasure in the small things, like this conversation.  They were just chatting but they seemed to be enjoying life.

After the market we went to a very nearby waterfall that is visited by thousands, maybe tens of thousands, of Ecuadorians each year.  This was NOT the 90 minute hike we had in Mindo.  The path was paved and the water is re-routed in troughs.  The waterfall is said to have spiritual powers and a shaman will come to perform rituals in January and February for huge crowds.  It was very beautiful.

Above the main waterfall is this smaller one.  In front of the row of rocks at the bottom of this picture is where the shaman performs the ritual.

There was some cave climbing and walking through water involved in getting here so Laura and I were the only ones that made the trek.  I told Laura to look triumphant.

She had me do the same.

On Sunday I went with Mateo and Michelle (another student staying with Rosa) to Papallacta, a magma-heated hot springs swimming spot.  Rosa and her friend hiked around the area while we were swimming.  It was incredible.  Hot water, cool air, and unbelievable scenery.  They mix the hot water with the river water (on the right here) to get different temperatures.

Imagine the best shower you've ever taken.  This was better.  A strong steady stream of water and it never got cold.

There were about 10 pools varying in temperature.  This was my favorite one, it was the hottest.  The contrast with the cold air felt great.

The water came out of these little rock shoots after it was mixed with the river water, so you could sit in different spots in the pool based on how hot you wanted the water to be.

Here I am with Mateo with the volcano in the background.  So beautiful.

After the hot springs we went to a restaurant next to a fish farm.  We had great fish.  Pesca Deportiva means sport fishing.  I need to talk about fishing in Ecuador because it's a little different.  The fish are contained in a pond and they aren't fed, so they're famished.  You drop a line in and they all go for the bait.  It's almost not fair.

The drive home was incredible.  We stopped 4 times to take pictures of the sky.  I have probably 50 pictures of the sunset.  The rays filtering through the clouds were incredible.

God's spotlight

The sunset was ridiculous.  It set right on the peak or a mountain so it looked like a volcano erupting.  Incredible.

I've enjoyed every moment in Ecuador.  This day was just the icing on the cake.  I loved spending time with my host family and the beauty of Ecuador.  I'm excited for my coming adventure in Chile as well.  I'm going to do a post or two capstoning my experience here, but then we'll be in Chile from here on out!  Thanks for following me through Ecuador!