Cotacachi and the surrounding area are unlike any place we have ever been. It's like merging the green pastures, eucalyptus trees and rain forests of Waimea on the Big Island and plunking it down at the foot of the Rockies. Only in this case the mountains are the massive Andean volcanoes and the pastures and farm lands are dotted with quaint villages filled with gentle Indeginas people. The first phota is of the town square with the local cathedral in the background. Second is Cotacachi volcano, which is to the west of town, taken early in the morning from the roof terrace of our hostel. Third is Imbabura volcano, which is on the east side of the valley created by the two volcanoes. Fourth is several local Indeginas school girls walking in a parade. And the last one is a roof top view of the cathedral.
Cotacachi is a beautiful village of about 5,000. It is much cleaner and orderly than the other places we have been so far. They have adopted the tilte of the "Eco city" of Ecuador. The village is surrounded by agricultural land so there is an abundance of fresh produce. Cotacachi is known for it's leather works and the streets are filled with shops selling everything from belts to jackets to boots, purses and vests. And if you can't find what you want, they will custom make it for you.
The weather has been fantastic, high 50's to low 70, with scattered clouds. We start the day with a light jacket and by late morning are down to our t-shirts until late afternoon when it cools off. Pace of life is very relaxed and no one seems to be in hurry. We have met several expats here who have made us feel welcome and are very willing to share information about the surrounding area. We met a couple today who moved here from NY 2 years ago, both high powered business people about our age. They gave us a tour of their home, adjacent 5 star resort and the development they are living in (gated community). They had heard from another fellow we had met that we were visiting and wanted to meet us and show us around. We have found the expat community to be very open and welcoming, I think they just enjoy seeing new faces and exchanging life stories.
The next post will be about the hike we took yesterday and photos of the awesome scenery.
Chow!
1 comment:
Hola Compadres!
Just wanted to say "hi" and tell you that your pictures are wonderful. I had my Bridal Shower this past Sat. and Sierra was there. It was a huge success, but we did miss you Pam.
Anyways, continue the adventure and see you at your blog soon!
Mahalo, Lauren Hallonquist
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