After an amazing first day in Ecuador, the second and third were just as good. We started Day 2 with a trip to Jet Fresh Flowers, a greenhouse and production plant for flowers, mainly roses. As soon as we got off the bus, we were instantly greeted by three cute dogs, llamas, and the loudest two geese ever. I already knew we were gonna have so much fun on the rose tour! After walking through their facility, I realized I have never seen more beautiful flowers. Learning about how stems are mixed to produce different breeds, seeing all the intense colors, and just really soaking it all in, made me so enlightened to the process and beauty Ecuador flowers hold. I just want to bring all those flowers back to New Jersey with me!
Next stop on our adventure was at the Hacienda San Agustín de Callo, built on Incan land. It was so amazing to see cultural architecture and the intricate designs. The views were incredible as well, as we were looking at the mountains and greenery. I have to say, one of my favorite parts was definitely feeding the llamas and playing with the little dog, Maxy. I even fed a llama a carrot from my mouth! The animals here in Ecuador have been amazing. On our third day, we went to a hummingbird reserve and the colors and sounds they make are incredible. The people hosting and giving us tours have been so sweet and enriching; it makes me so happy to be able to learn from them and talk with them as well.
On Day 2, we also went to the Bios Chocolate factory, tasting more types, and taking a look at the actual production of chocolate from seed to it’s final product. Towards the end we got to wrap the chocolates we made and I became so focused, wrapping more than everyone (I think. It definitely looked liked it!). It was such a cool thing to do and really be interactive with all the steps and workers.
Sadly, it was time to leave Quito. Although, not entirely sad since we’re just going to another cool place! We stopped for a quick walk and took some group photos. I love the jumping one! We then stopped at some hot springs, which was such a great way to relax after some time on a bus. The water was so warm and the group had a lot of fun talking together. It was not the most comfortable to have wet hair on the bus, but the experience was definitely worth it!
One of our last stops on Day 3 was a walk in the Cloud Forest. Our whole day was spent at such high altitudes, it took a lot of time to adjust. The views were astonishing. We were walking through clouds overlooking the trees. Sure, my shoes got pretty muddy, but it was 100% worth it! We shortly after reached the Iyarina Lodge. We finally got to sleep, but there was a frog in our room! Of course, we freaked out initially, but then we decided that hey, if it isn’t bothering us, we won’t bother it! This trip has been great so far and I can’t wait for the following days to come.