Ecuador Trip Update #1
The group just got back to Hotel Los Alpes after an action packed first three days in Ecuador.
On Saturday acquainted ourselves and got to know the architecture and history of Quito´s world famous colonial center before lunch and a visit to the city´s Botanical Gardens and one of the world´s largest collection of orchids. Ecuador is the world´s most biodiverse country and we learned about its major ecological systems through our guided tour.
Sunday brought a chilly morning and stunning Andean views as we descended the slope of Cotopaxi (the world´s highest active Volcano at 5987 meters) on mountain bikes from an altitude of 4500 meters (14,850 feet..see photo!) After lunch, we continued our ride along dirt roads and single track, rolling through a high alpine landscape with views of six different volcanoes.
After a cozy night in a refurbished colonial era hotel we woke early today and drove to our “put in” spot for a day of rafting on the Rio Toachi and Rio Blanco. The so-called ¨”Long Run” is one of the longest and most consistent stretches of class 2/3 rapids in the country and gave the group just the right balance between adrenaline and security as we spent the day gliding through sub-tropical cloud forest, stopping to swim and eat burritos, and screaming our heads off as we ran the rapids. A great day by all accounts.
Now that we´ve enjoyed a few days of orientation and adventure, tomorrow marks the start of the Service part of the trip. We will arrive to Yunguilla for lunch, a tour of town and it´s community economic development projects, and to meet our host families!
Spirits are high and everyone seems excited to emmerse themselves culturally and work in solidarity with the people of this beautiful cloud forest community.
Yours, Pete
Update #2:
We just completed our third day in the community of Yunguilla and everyone is in good health and spirits.
We have been working on the construction of a retaining wall for the community´s tourism office and building graded steps for a foot path that leads to the community´s micro enterprise projects that produce cheese, jellies and ceramics. Everone is also getting the chance to work alongside community members in the cheese and jelly factories.
Afternoons have been spent hanging out with local teenagers and playing soccer! The weather has been nice and the stunning mountainscape draped in cloud forest inspirational (see attached photo).
We will work one more day (Friday) before having a going away party and saying farewell to our homestay families and new friends before heading to the world famous market in Otavalo on Saturday.
Hi Parents,
We are heading out the door to have a final dinner overlooking the historic center of Quito. We just finished up three beautiful days in the rural mountain community of Peribuela (see photo) where we hiked in ancient, primary forest, swam in volcanic hot springs, danced and played futbol, and helped with the development of the town´s cultural tourism project.
Everyone is in good spirits and ready to return home tomorrow to reunite and share their experiences with friends and family. Yours, Pete