The Best of Ecuador - Baños and Quilotoa Crater

We set off early Friday morning to head to Baños where we would hike the Quilotoa Crater at 12,841 feet above sea level. Luckily no one got altitude sickness, but we did all feel the effects of the higher elevation on our stamina. I premedicated with ibuprofen and we chewed on some coca leaves just in case. 

Leaving Quito

Passed through the highlands - Ecuadorians living here live in these huts made of the tall grasses

Llamas - Pronounced Yamas (double L)

Baby Jameson at one of the bano stops

Just walking uphill to the bathroom (bano) was super hard

Hiking down was a breeze. We were able to rent kayaks to explore the crater lake.

Kacey and Daniel

Just a normal day at 12,000 feet herding sheep

You could rent a mule, but we were determined

We just had to rest every 10 feet to recoup the oxygen lacking from the thin air

Celebratory helados (ice cream)

Before we knew it, we were back on the bus and headed to Hotel Alisamay where we would stay before heading to Tena to mountain bike in the Llanganates National Park early in the morning. But first, some amazing views of the Tungurahua Volcano and El Vuelo del Cóndor (The Flight of the Condor).

Tungurahua Volcano

El Vuelo del Cóndor starring Maggie and Me (take note of her graceful dismount at the end)

View from our room at Hotel Alisamay

The Best of Ecuador - Quito City

Maggie and I, and a group of 7 other adventurous souls from the US, traveled to Ecuador for "The Best of Ecuador" Ecuador PureLife tour. It was the best vacation I've ever experienced.

We arrived in Quito around 10:30 pm and took the 30 minute taxi ride to our accommodations at Hotel Boutique Portal de Cantuña. The owner, Sonia, was the most hospitable hostess. 

Ceiling made by Sonia's son - Wrought iron instead of stained glass

View of La Virgen de el Panicello from the outdoor breakfast nook

Day one of our trip began with a day in Quito, Ecuador before meeting up with our group. We toured the 9,350 foot above sea level city by foot and used the 408 stairs to the Parque Itchimbia and 394 to La Basilica del Voto Nacional towers as training for the next days trekking.

Santo Domingo Church and Square

Santo Domingo

Statue in a central park

View from halfway up stairs to Parque Itchimbia

View of La Virgen de el Panicello from Parque Itchimbia

408 steps later we arrived at Parque Itchimbia

Many stray dogs around the city - these two have the best seat in the house

La Basilica del Voto Nacional

Walking the plank to the tower stairs

After seeing many museums and casas de saints, we arrived at our next accommodation, Anahi Hotel. It surpassed all our expectations for lodging in Ecuador. We had the Bambu Room.

We met our group in the evening and had a solid rest for the next days travel to Baños where we would trek the Quilotoa Crater at 12,841 feet.