Quilotoa Lake

One of the most beautiful sites in the world. A 3km wide lake inside a collapsed volcanic crater at 3600 mtrs above sea-level. Still active and bubbling. We hiked down an hour past sheep and goat, rode out to the center of the lake, all to ourselves, and rode back up on horse. 

Andean People - Quilotoa

Traveling deep into the Andean mountain region, we came across many colorful Kichwa speaking Indian people. It was amazing to interact and talk with the locals, even driving one of the couples back to their local village. 

Plane Crash

The fog is so intense here. Surely a factor in a plane crash, 500 meters from my house. My heart goes out to the victims. This is the 5th plane crash in the neighborhood since the 90's!!

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/03/19/world/main4878091.shtml

Lazy Sunday Drive

My mind a blur from the usual Sunday morning hang-over, I decided to take-off for a drive with no particular destination in mind. I just wanted to get a taste of the indigenous cultures and get off the beaten path. 

First stop was San Pablo de Lago. Rather than view the lake from a distance, I entered "downtown" through a muddy unpaved road. Locals were struggling to keep their homes from flooding. I strolled around in the rain in downtown San Pablo del Lago (1st photo above) feeling clearly out of place, but enjoying it. 

Next stop was Otavalo where I had been before but only to the markets. The town was charming. Check-out the head shot of the Incan General Rumiñahui juxtaposed against the backdrop of a church. I am intrigued by the culture of Otavalenos. The women proudly wear traditional clothes layered with gold jewelry. Apparently, this is the closest to the original Incan fashion - based on my quick research.

Last stop, La Cascada de Pechuga - gorgeous waterfall and some Incan ruins. (Thanks to Satya for the tip)