The north of Quito, known as Otavalo country. This area is about a one and one half to two hour drive to the north. The small Ecuadorian towns of Peguche and Cayambe along the way. In that area is an extinct volcano {Ecuador is full of volcanoes}and a beautiful lake, perfect for an afternoon walk. In the Otavalo Market, the Otavalo Indians bring trade goods from miles around for sale or barter. It is a bustling open air market, and the Otavalo Indians are a proud and independent indigenous group from the north of Quito. Lunch was served at a an Ecuadorian hacienda near the town. Hacienda Cusin has almost three centuries of history in Ecuador to boast of.
ON TO THE GALAPAGOS AND OUR CRUISE
Once on the islands, the first amazing thing you notice is that the animals have no fear of being around you. They walk right up to you, or just ignore you and walk right past and even seem to be a little curious as to why you have come to visit their island.
The ship were on was recently refurbished: with all new deck furniture, brand new main lounge room furniture, new hairdryers in the private bathroom etc. There were 15 different countries represented on our boat, with many passengers from the US, of course. You can used the glass bottom boat one afternoon. No, you do not need to make a reservation. The snorkeling is great. One afternoon, from the sun deck, a huge black manta ray, the gigantic kind. Many saw it while snorkeling.
You can go to the beach for some snorkeling. The cool water was welcome after our hot hike. At one point, a sea lion swam by to check us out. Then a penguin on the rocky cliff next to us. A little while later the penguin must have dropped into the water.
In only four days, we saw tons of wildlife, including a pod of sharks in 2' of water. The islands are better than you can imagine. The food on board is VERY good & the service is excellent. The crew is terrific, the islands beautiful.
