First stop, the real equator. There is another, more touristy site, but it isn't at true 0,0,0, so we didn't waste our time with it. This site is modeled after ancient ruins they found at various places where the sun hits.
There was a guide who explained the significance of the various lines and how the sites were placed.
The girls, though, were much more interested in climbing the rocks.
Jeff and Elena found an interesting garden area off to one side.
We also used the bathrooms/fake center of the world museum.
Finally, our visit would not have been complete without a group photo on the equator.
We drove a bit farther and then stopped for coffee/chocolate and the traditional Ecuadorian bizcocho.
The place also had some llamas, so we went to visit.
Then, we got back in the bus and headed to Otavalo. Saturday is the main market day, but there was plenty to see on a Sunday too, and the prices were quite reasonable. We were encouraged to bargain, which we did, but not too aggressively. For example, we paid $2 for a magnet we had seen for $8 at the airport. They had lots of beautiful textiles.
Vivian found a sweater she loved. We got it for her, and she wore it regularly throughout the trip.
By that point, we were ready for lunch. We had reservations at a place called Cabañas del Lago. It was right on the lake with a dormant volcano behind it. This is a photo from their webpage.
While we just came for the restaurant, there were cabins you could stay in, and lots of water activities.
We enjoyed the food and the view, and they even had a kids play area which the girls had fun with.
Our final stop was the Condor Park, a rescue center for condors and other birds of prey. It was a nice way to end a busy day. We got to say hi to some of the condors.
Then, we went to watch the bird show. The arena with the backdrop of volcanoes was half the draw.
The birds were beautiful, and we were all impressed.
Our favorite was the bald eagle named Gringo who was actually from Belgium.
By then, we were pretty much all done and ready for our two hour drive back to Quito. Luckily, we had anticipated being worn out and asked the housekeeper at the AirBnb to make us dinner. She had pulled out all the stops with a beautiful dinner setting and a multicourse meal.
The appetizer was the typical Ecuadorian potato and cheese soup called locro de papa. You can add extra cheese and avocado to it as well.
The main course was garlic shrimp, rice, and a nice fresh salad.
She also made a dessert of candied figs and cheese, but by that point I was so full and the girls were so tired, that I didn't get a picture. Instead, I took the girls upstairs and got them cleaned up and in bed. The rest of us weren't far behind. We had to be at the airport bright and early the next day for our flight to the Galapagos.
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