Left at 8:00 a.m. Quito through 'la ruta Panamerica' to reach the Cotopaxi National Park,70 Kms South of Quito
On the way, I was amazed by how extended Quito is (60 kms long, can you imagine?!) but also seeing cows literally sleeping on the sidewalk of the highway!!
Weather has been quite changing: from grey when I left, through sunny during the ride, clouds when going up towards the Cotopaxi volcano, rain when arrived at the Hacienda beginning of the afternoon, and finally a mix of sun and mist in the afternoon.
The Cotopaxi (meaning 'neck of the moon' in Quichua, or called by some the 'poncho without a head') is fantastic, cuminating at 5,987 m (the highest active volcan worldwide)! Climbed up to 4,000 m (by 4*4 and walking) through the 'paramo' (very specific vegetation very small that only exists between 3,200m and 4,500 m), but as the weather was turning bad we had to go back down unfortunately. During this excursion, we saw quite a few salvage beautiful horses, colibris, and the typical indigines houses made of 'paja'.
It was then surprisingly funny to be welcomed at the Hacienda by 'un abrazo' from the receptionist!... Ecuadorians are indeed very friendly!! The Hacienda is beautiful -an ancient Inca site (I even have Inca ruins in my room!!)-, wood fire in the chemineys very comfy and the welcoming 'Canelazo' (a typical drink from here) very nice... To add to the local touch, lamas joined us in the patio!
Finished the day with a very nice cycling tour (please no comment about my look, even though I dare posting it as I am sure it'll bring you some fun :-)!) and some fun with a new Spainsh-Ecuadorian Friend.
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