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Laguna Quilotoa
 
On the way to the Quilotoa Loop.
 
The volcanic lake of Quilotoa is one of the most famous and probably also one of the most impressive sites in the Ecuadorian Andes.
 
Located in an area far from the Eastern Cordillera, only accessible today by roads in rather good condition, this region offers splendid landscapes and Indian villages still authentic.
 
This loop allows us to admire the peaks of snow-capped volcanoes, the green and fertile inter-Andean valleys and the crops on their steep slopes.
 
We land at the Quilotoa lagoon where we meet Anne-Ségolène, Antony and the children.
 
This beautiful lagoon, with a spectacular turquoise-green colour, lies at an altitude of 3,800 metres at the bottom of an ancient volcanic crater. It has a diameter of 3.15 km
 
This crater formed in the 18th century, when it erupted. Over the years, an emerald green lagoon filled the depths of the crater. Local legend claims that it is connected to the ocean and that, for this reason, the water is salty and acidic.
 
It is possible to hike around the crater ... In 5 or 6 hours, which we do not do, we settle for a short hike to a viewpoint.
 
Early evening around a beer ; then the coldness pushes us into our motorhomes.
 
The next day, after our short hike, we continue our tour of the lagoon through beautiful landscapes to rest at "Sigchos" in a hotel that accepts campers
 
We can benefit from the facilities of the establishment : the heated pool,  the hammam, the sauna and  the jacuzzi!!!
 
Bath for everyone in the company of our friends who joined us ... a real treat.
 
We decide to stay one more day. The environment is bucolic and hiking trails leave the hotel.
 
The one we chose allows us to reach a viewpoint in order to admire the volcanoes around.
 
The rest of the day is dedicated to our site
Cotopaxi
 
To get to the car park and go hiking, we have to take a guide.
 
Our departure is scheduled for 8:30 with Maria.
 
We take the same road as yesterday but in 4x4 in a thick fog to climb to 4 600 m.
 
We start our ascent to the foot of the glacier which is at 5,000 m ... A very tough track ... At this altitude the air gets rarer and we lose our breath.
 
We make many stops in a thick fog . According to our guide, it is not uncommon for fog and clouds not to disappear during the day.
 
After 1 h 45 of climb, you arrive at the foot of the glacier at the same time as the volcano appears under a blue sky ... What a view ... We are breathless but what a reward after these painful efforts ... In 1 minute we forgot our suffering.
 
What an unforgettable spectacle ... More images engraved in our memories.
 
We go down to the refuge where we order a chocolate and a chocolatine ... A comfort before the descent to the parking lot ... We take the path "Rompe  corazones" or "Hearts breaker" which bears his name (A very steep slope).
 
Our guide drops us off at the camper, then we take the road to the Latacunga, a city without interest but big enough for us to buy a thicker duvet.
 
Yes, the nights are very cool at more than 3,000 m... The temperature in the early morning is 6° outside and 12° inside!!!
 
From our bivouac we can admire the volcano and its sream cloud which rises very high.
Cotopaxi
 
With our friends we decided yesterday to meet at the campsite to share a coffee.
 
When we wake up, the fog is very, very thick and visibility almost non-existent.
 
We leave early but we do not find them ; in fact they landed in another campsite near the north entrance ... Too bad
 
We decide to see the volcano closer and climb to the "Laguna de Limpiopung" which is located on a plateau at 3,800 m.
 
Luckily when we arrived the fog disappeared and the sun appeared.
 
We stay in the parking lot, waiting for the volcano to  eventually reveal itself.
 
From our post we have a beautiful view and have a warm lunch inside the motorhome.
 
And once again we’re lucky ... In the early afternoon our waiting is rewarded ... Mr. "Cotopaxi" deigns to show himself ... The images we have in mind become reality ... It is a superb "Show".
 
Before going down to our bivouac, we hike around the lake, admiring the flora and some birds.
 
The night promises to be cool or icy!!!
Cotopaxi
 
Yesterday when we left the garage, and after a 15-minute drive, we feel that the brakes are heating up.
Is that normal? We call the garage and they ask us to come back. It’s an hour’s drive and it’s traffic jam time.
 
We’d rather go back the next day.
 
Here we are again at the mechanic, who immediately finds the problem ... the hand brake was too tight ... phew !
 
We head to the Cotopaxi volcano.
 
This giant of nature is considered the jewel of the Volcano Alley. It is one of the most famous volcanoes in South America.
 
It is still activ, which makes it very dangerous. Its eruptions are extremely deadly because of its explosive type and glacial ridges. During an eruption, the lava that mixes with the snow has the effect of a bomb. Today, Cotopaxi is one of the most monitored volcanoes in Ecuador.
 
We enter the national park through the south entrance, easier access for our fellow traveler. In total, the park covers an area of almost 334 square kilometres.
 
Several solutions are available to visit the park.
 
* climb the volcano in 2-3 days *** extremely physical and difficult.
* hike around Limpiopungo Lake
* trek from the car park to the refuge.
 
We park in the parking lot of the information center at 3,400 m, it is cold but we do not see the volcano.
 
We are in contact with Anne-Ségolène and Antony who precede us and inform us that the climb with the motorhome will be very difficult if not impossible.
 
We ask the national guards who confirm the impossible access to the parking lot but the easy one to the lake.
 
We stay right here.
ROAD BOOK 133
MAVROS ODYSSEE