Quilotoa and Chuccilan

It's been a few days since our last update, so happy belated fourth of July! Today is Day three of our main trek near Quilotoa lagoon. On Day one, we hiked from the town of Zumbahua, up over the crater, and then stayed at a campsite a few minutes from the ridge of the crater. Yesterday, we went to the observatory over the lagoon. It was absolutely beautiful, and it inspired us for the days to come! We then hiked around the crater for about five hours to the village of Quilotoa, where we stayed at the Crater Lake Lodge for the night. In Quilotoa village, we experienced a nearby artisan market, where many of us bought alpaca sweaters, hats, and other souvenirs for loved ones back home! Today, a few of us who were feeling a bit under the weather rode a truck to the next campsite site, where the whole team later decided to stay in the hostel for tonight. We're all thankful for warm beds and a nice meal or two! The rest of the team arrived later in the afternoon. Tomorrow is our last day near Quilotoa, and the next day we will be going back to El Chaupi, from where we will be going to Ruminaui volcano for our one-day trek. After that will be another travel day during which we will descend from the Andes to the Amazon, starting in Tena with white-water rafting. You'll hear from us soon! Hope everyone is enjoying their time at home!

-Marielle and Kelleigh