Ecuador Volcanoes Expedition Dispatch
March 21, 2017 – 18-Kilometer Acclimatization Hike
We just finished the hike, finished the tour of Cotacachi, we are doing great, we had an awesome acclimatization, 18 kilometers hike. It was awesome and absolutely beautiful!
Listen to Kristine's call
Kristine and Michael at the trailhead. The goal for today is to hike around the "Guinea Pig Lake"; a wide crater lake in the caldera at the foot of Cotacachi Volcano. The caldera was created by a massive eruption about 3100 years ago.
View from the highpoint, 14,832ft (4,939m) where they stopped for lunch.
Kristine trying a local fruit
View of Guinea Pig Island. The lake’s name comes from the Kichwa indigenous language and means 'Lago del Cuy', or 'Guinea Pig Lake' in English. It was given this name due to the guinea pig shape of this Island. Guinea pigs play a significant part in the everyday life of Ecuadorians. They reproduce rapidly and need a minimum of food and care to survive. They are an important protein, especially for populations living in high altitude.
Kristine – always happy!
Beautiful region
Quick stop in downtown Cotacachi after the hike. Cotacachi is an artisan town, just 20 minutes northwest of Otavalo; famous for its leather.