Lima to Quito

We spent the weekend in Lima after Machu Picchu and were able to have dinner with Laura and Joe. Her parents generously babysitting Tomas. We had dinner at Madam Tusan's restaurant. http://www.madamtusan.pe 

The meal was excellent, the company perfect. Makes me realize how much I miss my old friends.

We spent Sunday buying trinkets from Peru.

Monday arrived and we made our way to the Cruz del Sur bus terminal to embark on our 28 hour trip to Guayaquil (85 U.S. dollars). It was easy to book our tickets online and our seats as well. Unfortunately we were late in purchasing them so we did not get the deluxe seats. The bus has 2 levels with the bottom level being spacious and each seat containing its own screen and movie options. The top provides seats that are a little closer together but still plenty of room to lie down (160 degree recline). The bus was pretty empty so we spread out and actually slept the night. The bus also provides meals during the trip catered by Roky's Chicken http://www.rokys.com and stops enough for extras: water and a real bathroom. It did not feel like a 28 hour journey.

The company stopped at the border and waited for us to exit Peru and enter Ecuador. The process was simple but took about an hour to go through the lines. Several people cut in front of us for unknown reasons while others cut back in lines after refilling out their paperwork. 

It was nice to have both offices under the same roof. One sign says exit Peru while the other says enter Ecuador. When we were done and waiting for the others on the bus to finish we popped into the Information room to use the free Internet with computers opposed to a wifi connection. 

We continued on our way and were dropped off at the bus terminal in Guayaquil. This is a very large terminal that had restaurants, shops, and numerous other bus lines. We asked the info desk where to grab a taxi and the approximate cost. She was very helpful and gave us correct info.

We hopped into a taxi (5 US dollars) and were dropped off at the Palace Hotel, an extremely comfortable hotel. It was perfect after weeks in hostels with limited hot water, hard beds, and bread for breakfast. We used the gym, enjoyed fab breakfasts of pancakes, French toast and omelettes, had room service, and watched season one of Senses 8. Yes we also wandered around the city.

Parque Simon Bolivar was beautiful containing statues and a picturesque church. My primary reason for visiting was the land iguanas which are visible in the park. I went over board on pics, sorry.

They blend well into their environment.

This little guy was speedy! Although you cannot tell.

Just wait if I took this many pics in a park what I will take in the Galapagos!

There is not much else to do here so off to Ayampe. We stayed at a place recommended by a friend from PASB. We went for long walks on the beach, explored the towns of Ayampe and Puerto Lopez, and read a book. We also went to the Isla de la Plata (another post). The sun did not cooperate so off we go to a new location.

I was not ready for another lengthy bus, 10 hours, to Quito so we boarded the TAME plane (100 U.S. dollars) that took 35 minutes. We flew out of Manta about 1.5 hours from Ayampe.

We decided to stay in the historical district and we were rewarded with beautiful views of volcanoes and architecture. 

Observatory in Almeida Parque

Climbed the hill in order to climb the tower of the Basilicia del Voto Nacional, the largest Neo-gothic basilica in the Americas.

The Egyptian Embassy bringing back fond memories.

Numerous designs combined to make a stunning view.

Bright colors.

Tile work.

City views

Graffiti

We explored several markets, neighborhoods and parks. People watching is always fun too.

This guy is balancing the mixings for lunch on a tray with one hand in his pocket. No head beanie thing either.

On Tuesday we went to Otovalo market and saw several other sites along the way. We were 2 out of 4 people on the tour with a very large ride. Tourism has decreased due to several issues, one being the "eruption" of Cotopaxi.

We first stopped at the middle of the world. You can see Mike's phone denoting that we are at 0 degrees. Also 8,950 feet high. 

The site was built by the Quitsato organization.http://www.quitsato.org to educate people on other perspectives.

They believe that we hold the globe incorrectly and that north should not be up but left as the word Norte means in the Sanscrit language. When he explained this and tilted the globe to show the difference it made sense to me!

Our dude was very informative.

Next stop was a small town that specializes in busconces. A salty pastry. We sampled some for breakfast that you dip in Carmel de leche. We saw how they were made with flour,  salt, butter, etc...

We stopped at a stand on the side of the road that sold Panama hats. We heard the story of why they were called Panama hats which basically was that the canal used many Ecuadorian men to help build the canal and they wore their local hats to protect from the sun and rain. Teddy Roosevelt went to check out the process and was given a hat. A photograph took his picture and named it the famous Panama hat. They re still made today in the same 3 towns. We drove through 2 of the 3 towns. They sell anywhere from $US10 - $35,000 dollars. He showed us how you can roll them up, store them in your back pocket and then unfold them and they have no wrinkles and look like new. 

Next stop was the Otovalo market the reason for the trip. We were both disappointed with the size and variety of items to purchase. This is supposed to be the best market, Not only in Ecuador, but South America. It was a town block of stalls a few stalls of jewelry but the rest were textiles. I guess we are spoiled with the Khan Khalili in Egypt and Chatachuck in Bangkok. We still managed to buy a few trinkets.

Took a boat ride around an active crater.

We stopped in Leather Town for lunch and more shopping. I cannot believe how many stores selling the same merchandise and can survive on the same street.

2 hour drive and we were back in Quito. 

Wednesday we are off to Mindo, a cloud forest with 100s of bird varieties.