Quilotoa volcano

 Today we went on a 12 hour excursion (0730 to 1930 hrs) with a small group tour company. 

Pick up went  smoothly and soon we were driving the long length of Quito before entering the countryside southbound on the Pan American highway. We were fortunate to see Cotopaxi volcano in the distance and it is continuing an eruption that began four months ago. We couldn't get a decent photo from the bus however tomorrow we are going past it again. Fingers crossed.

Once we got off the main highway we switch-backed UPPP into the mountains,eventually arriving at a very high plateau. 

I am not exaggerating when I say this drive through the highlands is one of the best drives we have ever been on. Simply breathtaking! Every corner we went around had amazing scenery. We were about 14000 feet and there were villages along the way and fields that stretched all the way up some of the mountains. So many photographic locations.

When we were getting close to the volcano the driver stopped at a very small tourist store ("Come on in and buy some souvenirs"). The guide brought out small samples of a local moonshine product called "Canelazo". It was pretty good.

We were in a double decker bus and this time the guide told us that whoever wanted to ride up top could do so so I quickly added a layer of clothing and up Caro and I went (with just about all 14 tour guests coming up as well).

It took me 10 seconds of driving to realize I was greatly underdressed!   BRRRR

Ten minutes later we were at another stop so I layered up more and put my tuque on.

It is a bit hard to tell in this photo but in the middle is a gorge cut through the lava and pyroclastic flow from the volcano's last eruption 1800 years ago.

The lake in the caldera of this volcano is stunning. The photo don't do it justice at all.

It is five kilometers wide and has a trail down to the bottom. Unfortunately there are also horses to bring people back because at this altitude (12,746 feet down to the lake at 11542 feet) some people cant get back  on their own (and the cost for the horse ride is $10 so it isn't a big problem for tourists).

We walked down a little ways before turning back because there was getting to be more horse poop. Of course there was a photo op with an alpaca, Too beautiful to pass up that!

Upon returning to the top Caro bought some street food which she had wanted too before so she didn't pass up the opportunity this time.

This is a white corn roasted over charcoal and smothered in cheese and mayo.

I had a taste and enjoyed it too.

Later we ate at the restaurant the guide took us to and we each had Ecuadorian food  and fruit juice.

We had to wait a long time as part of the trip includes sufficient time for those who wish to walk to the lake snd back (2 1/2 hours).

The fog came over the lake about 2 P.M. but that didn't impact us. Our three hour drive back was foggy and rainy pretty much all the way.

Another wonderful day

Below are three close up photos of some flowers I liked. They are not that big (an inch or or so),