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On Saturday we had an early start as we had to drive out to Cuicoha Lagoon which was formed after the eruption of the Coicoha Volcano over 3000 years ago. It's 3 km (1.84 miles) across and about 656 feet deep. There is really nothing living in this lake as it is highly alkaline. There are two islands in the lake and one is the inspiration for the name of the lake. In Kichwa, the main indigenous language in the Otavalen Valley, Cuichoa meas Guinea pig or Lago del Cuy. The two islands are reallly made up of four lava domes, but this volcano is extinct. But the lake is at the base of the Cotacachi Volcano, which is dormant, meaning it can become active again. When in many parts fo the Andean Ecuador, volcanoes are part of life.
Going into the hike, we both knew this was going to be a long day. A 7.7 mile hike is always a good one, but one that begins at around 10,011 feet, goes up to 11,341 feet at its highest elevation in the first two miles, but continues the ups and downs for a total elevation gain of 2,038...well that was going to be a challenging day. While walking around in Otavalo hasn't been taxing, (8,307 ft), you can feel the difference when you get to over 10,000 ft, at least I can. We decided slow and steady would get us around and that was the name of the game.
Early in the hike, we came across a solar calendar, a lunar calendar, a place to make offerings, and a ritual bathing spot. During this time of year is the Inti Raymi (festival of the sun) to honor the sun god Inti, this is an Incan tradition still celebrated by the indigenous people of the region. So, there were women in their Quechua clothing and they were preparing for some rituals that would take place during the day, we were just a bit early. The celebrations for this holiday take place throughout June and into July, so Otavalo has been full of music, dancing, and fireworks.
With plenty of wildflowers and amazing views, there were plenty of stops for photos, waters, and just breathing a bit. I have never been a speed hiker and we were both okay with that. The trail was very well marked and maintained, with us both wondering who comes up here and works on these?????? With Ecuadorians being of shorter stature, we wondered why the steps were so high. We passed through different ecological zones on the hike, had lunch with a bunch of internet provider folks who were on a work hike, and saw several types of birds I'd never seen before. We saw the weather change, looked out at four other volcanoes (word is you can see all the way to Coatapoxi on a super clear day, and laughed a lot. The last mile was the toughest as we were tired and just wanted some really cold water.
Once we got to that heavenly place of the agua frio, we met two women who work for a non-profit that does work world wide. I got to talk with the Ecuadorian person who works in the region and we will be making some connections for READ. They focus on education and emotional heath and we'll see what we can do together, maybe. It's such a small world.
So today, Sunday, we've done some resting and changed hotels. We loved our first hotel, Hostel Rivera Sucre, but we are now where I usually stay, Donna Esther. It's just block away, but we've just enjoyed this place over the years. I would recommend both if you ever get this way. Posting some photos of our first hotel below.
Lori went to mass, we walked around Otavalo and made our way to Plaza de Ponchos, where the market is. We did make some very nice purchases for READ, then changed hotels and walked down to the local supermarket to see if we could find good Ecuadorian chocolate (we did not) but I did grab some Ecuadorian coffee. Gladys, the head librariean for READ has now joined us with her brother and our trip will take a different focus for a few days, meeting with the artesian we've come to know and doing some buying. These first five days have flown by and with a change of gears, we'll still find time to do more exploring!
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