Ibarra
An attraction around Otavalo is the "Parque del Condor"
It is a refuge where you can see condors and other raptors. Its purpose is to protect these endangered birds of prey, as well as certain varieties of owls.
We decide to go there as it is only 10 km from our bivouac ....Once again we cannot access it ... A very steep slope prevents access!!! Too bad.
We continue our program towards the "Laguna de Cuicocha".
According to tourist guides, this lake is one of the most beautiful altitude lakes in Ecuador. It is part of the protected ecological reserve of Cotacachi-Cayapas, which covers 2,450 km2
The lagoon, located at more than 3,000 meters above sea level, is located at the bottom of a caldera formed more than 3,000 years ago. Two small islands emerge in the centre of the lake and were used as a prison for the Incas.
A 4-5 hour hike takes you around the lake. The weather is not very good and the temperature is very low, so we only hike part of the way.
We abandon our plan to stay on site and join a well-known campsite on Ibarra run by a German guy.
We stay there 3 days which allows us to update the site as well as the videos, to do the maintenance of the camper and the laundry.
At the campsite restaurant we eat: a Viennese schnitzel and an apfelstrudel with a pint of Munich beer ... orignal!!!
As in Colombia, restaurants close early .... between 7 or 8 pm.
Otavalo
Before leaving Tulcan, we visit the city’s only real tourist attraction: the cemetery.
It is one of the most beautiful and original in the country. It features several carved cypress labyrinths representing pre-Columbian bulbous totems, mythological figures, animals and geometric shapes.
A very original cemetery, which we liked.
Then we drive on a road in very good condition, which changes us from Colombia, to Otavalo.
We find that Ecuadorians drive slower than Colombians... For good reason, here the speed exceeding of 10 km/h can lead to prison ...
As we are not crazy about driving, we respect the limitations, especially since the roads so far were invaded by slow vehicles.
Once arrived at the destination, the campsite we had spotted is inaccessible and there is not much choice.
So we park in front of the police station with their permission to stay there day and night.
Otavolo, located 2,550 m, is known for its two traditional markets
The Indian market is the largest market in South America. People from all over the region come here every Saturday to sell their items. It is the ideal place to buy fabrics, ponchos, sculptures, pottery, etc.
Many tourists quickly get caught up in the game of haggling, which is mandatory in the market.
It is a profusion of colors and walking among the stalls is a treat in search of a good deal ... We buy two jackets in wool and alpaga ... the specialty of the region.
The animal market is described as a more local market with animals of all kinds. It is absolutely necessary to walk there for its atmosphere and to attend the negotiations between premises that are going well.
We go there before going to the artisanal market and we find a poultry market almost empty and without much interest ... We are very disappointed
Back in town we stock up on vegetables and fruits ... Finally a real market with a profusion of fresh and varied products.
The day of our arrival we strolled in the city colonized at first by the Incas, then by the Spanish Conquistadores.
The city is poor in tourist interest. There is only the church of San Luis built between 1676 and 1679 which was unfortunately destroyed during an earthquake in 1868, then rebuilt between 1880 and 1890 Inside is a beautiful baroque altarpiece.
We camp on the shores of Lake Pablo away from the crowds.
It is a stretch of water at the foot of the Imbabura volcano and where reeds grow that are used to make many artisanal products. The landscape is simply beautiful
Border crossing Colombia/ Ecuador
Before leaving Colombia, we visit the "Santuario de Las Lajas"
This massive neo-gothic stone church is built directly against the rocky wall of the gorge where the miraculous image appeared.
A golden painting of the Virgin, accompanied by Santo Domingo and San Francisco, was painted directly on the rocks just to make sure there was no confusion.
The first chapel was built in 1803; the present church, designed by the architect Lucindo Espinoza de Nariño, was built between 1926 and 1944.
To get there we take the cable car from our parking lot ... the descent as the ascent is done at the speed of a snail!!!
We resume our journey to the border in the pouring rain.
Our friends Corinne and Thierry having been through a few months earlier, they detailed the different stages and in 1 hour everything was finished.
Based on their experience, we are confident for this crossing.
Well ! this one doesn’t happen as fast as hoped ... It took us 3 hours 30 minutes!!!
Colombian side: immigration exit ... 45 minutes, we are behind a bus.
Colombian side: the exit of the vehicle ... 30 minutes.
On the Equatorial side: immigration entrance ... 45 minutes; you have to fill out a health questionnaire on the internet, but having no wifi we have to find a good soul to help us.
On the Equatorial side: the entrance of the vehicle ... 90 minutes. After registration of the vehicle by the customs officer, we receive an email with a number to communicate to him .... still the same problem ... no wifi, Christophe has to go to a small shop that agrees to help us.
It’s getting late and we decide to stop in Tulcan.
ROAD BOOK 127
MAVROS ODYSSEE