![Title image - BAI takes you to: Ecuador](/v3_assets/images/trip_images/south-america/SAEC00_title.jpg)
Ecuador Volcanoes Expedition Dispatch
November 24, 2015 – Hiking Cuicocha – Guinea Pig Lake
Today we went for hike around Guinea Pig Lake. There is an interesting history here, not only with the people, but also the environment. The caldera was created by a massive phreatic eruption (caused by magma heating the ground or surface water, causing near-instantaneous explosions of steam). There are two islands in the lake left from the eruption; the largest one is in shape of a guinea pig. This animal is a very significant part of Ecuadorian life. For the populations living higher at altitude, the guinea pig offers a perfect high protein meal.
Hiking the trails, there is a distinct style through the narrow paths and high walls. This was created by the Incas. They used the walls for protection from the wind and possible enemies.
Today’s weather offered us a mix of sun and rain which inevitably leads to the very familiar mountain trekking style of multiple clothing adjustments throughout the day. When we’d stop to adjust, we were able to take in more of the vegetation surrounding us, quite unique and different. We actually finished the trek in lush jungle terrain!
Doreen, who is a pharmacist, was very interested in all of the types of flowers and plants on the trail and their possible medicinal properties.
We also learned that once a year there is a swimming competition around the lake, about 5 km.
The team had an enjoyable day and Martial and Marie-Jo were very happy to hike with our BAI Guide Sergio again; they met on our Aconcagua 2014 expedition.
![Waking up to our beautiful Hacienda Cusin](assets/05-1-woke-up-at-beautiful-hacienda-cusin-(1).jpg)
Waking up to our beautiful Hacienda Cusin
![A dragonfly visit outside of our room](assets/05-2-dragonfly-outside-our-room-at-hacienda-cusin.jpg)
A dragonfly visit outside of our room
![A new addition to the garden](assets/05-3-new-addition-at-the-gardens-of-hacienda-cusin---a-lama.jpg)
A new addition to the garden
![The morning started with packing our lunches. Margaret and Paul slapping their sandwiches together for the day.](assets/05-4-start-our-morning-packing-our-lunch-margaret-and-paul-making-their-sandwiches.jpg)
The morning started with packing our lunches. Margaret and Paul slapping their sandwiches together for the day.
![The goal today: hike around Guinea Pig Lake](assets/05-5-our-goal-today-hike-around-guinea-pig-lake.jpg)
The goal today: hike around Guinea Pig Lake
![Marie-Jo and Martial reunited with their Aconcagua guide Sergio](assets/05-6-marie-jo-and-martial-with-sergio---their-aconcagua-guide-on-2014---good-memories.jpg)
Marie-Jo and Martial reunited with their Aconcagua guide Sergio
![Paul ready to roll at the trail head](assets/05-7-paul-at-the-trail-head.jpg)
Paul ready to roll at the trail head
![Making our way through the narrow pathways](assets/05-8-paul-looking-strong.jpg)
Making our way through the narrow pathways
![Rain isn’t stopping Doreen from exploring the unique plants](assets/05-9-dorren-amazed-with-the-plants-and-their-possible-farmaceutical-use.jpg)
Rain isn’t stopping Doreen from exploring the unique plants
![Team on the trail with the lake below](assets/05-10-team-on-the-trail-around-the-lake.jpg)
Team on the trail with the lake below
![Margaret’s turn to lead](assets/05-11-margaret-leading-the-way.jpg)
Margaret’s turn to lead
![Sam with a spectacular view in the background](assets/05-12-sam-and-beautiful-views.jpg)
Sam with a spectacular view in the background
![Terri and the team hiking through the vegetation](assets/05-13-terri.jpg)
Terri and the team hiking through the vegetation
![Beautiful flowers along the trail](assets/05-14-flowers-on-the-trail.jpg)
Beautiful flowers along the trail
![Howard at a view spot](assets/05-15-howard.jpg)
Howard at a view spot
![Pretty sure Sam is having fun!](assets/05-16-sam-couldnt-be-happier.jpg)
Pretty sure Sam is having fun!
![Our trek through the jungle](assets/05-17-finished-the-trek-on-a-jungle-vegetation.jpg)
Our trek through the jungle
![The fabulous team!](assets/05-18-the-team.jpg)
The fabulous team!