Otavalo, a charming town north of Quito, drew us in with its famous market offering goods from the surrounding hills and valleys. We were lucky enough to arrive when
Carnaval was beginning across all of Latin America. Although we weren´t in Rio, the inhabitants of this town were keen to show they knew how to party. It seemed every school in the state had decided to take all its kids to the
Cascada de Peguche, a waterfall in a steep/sided valley. After cycling there we dismounted and walked up the path passing hordes of kids armed to the teeth with water pistols, water bombs, powder bombs and foam spray cans. At first they kindly let us pass but, on nearing the falls, we approached a keen looking bunch of teenage boys. On spotting us they stopped dunking girls in the stream and made ready their weapons. As we passed a cascade of water fell on us -
Carnaval had arrived for these Gringoes and we were soaked.
Cycling on we headed for the nearby lake and stumbled upon a lakeside restaurant fit for Don Vito Corleone. As we dined hummingbirds frequently called in for the nectar offered to them in the feeders suspended from the ceiling. Later in the day this flying theme continued at El Parque Condor, a centre breeding and rehabilitating endangered birds of prey. A stunning range of kestrels, hawks, eagles, owls and condors were housed in fair sized cages in a perfect location on top of a small mountain. Although a shame to see such birds in captivity, it was a privilege to see them close up. The highlight had to be the free flying display of a range of birds including the awe inspiring bald eagle. Once again, eagles and condors flying together. We returned to the town suffering repeated attacks by young children much to the delight of all. Our defences were high but nothing would prepare us for the spectacle flying in from New Mexico!
Otavalo, a charming town north of Quito, drew us in with its famous market offering goods from the surrounding hills and valleys. We were lucky enough to arrive when Carnaval was beginning across all of Latin America. Although we weren´t in Rio, the inhabitants of this town were keen to show they knew how to party. It seemed every school in the state had decided to take all its kids to the Cascada de Peguche, a waterfall in a steep/sided valley. After cycling there we dismounted and walked up the path passing hordes of kids armed to the teeth with water pistols, water bombs, powder bombs and foam spray cans. At first they kindly let us pass but, on nearing the falls, we approached a keen looking bunch of teenage boys. On spotting us they stopped dunking girls in the stream and made ready their weapons. As we passed a cascade of water fell on us - Carnaval had arrived for these Gringoes and we were soaked.
Cycling on we headed for the nearby lake and stumbled upon a lakeside restaurant fit for Don Vito Corleone. As we dined hummingbirds frequently called in for the nectar offered to them in the feeders suspended from the ceiling. Later in the day this flying theme continued at El Parque Condor, a centre breeding and rehabilitating endangered birds of prey. A stunning range of kestrels, hawks, eagles, owls and condors were housed in fair sized cages in a perfect location on top of a small mountain. Although a shame to see such birds in captivity, it was a privilege to see them close up. The highlight had to be the free flying display of a range of birds including the awe inspiring bald eagle. Once again, eagles and condors flying together. We returned to the town suffering repeated attacks by young children much to the delight of all. Our defences were high but nothing would prepare us for the spectacle flying in from New Mexico!
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