The past three days in Ecuador have felt nonstop, but in the best way. Monday was essentially a full day dedicated to chocolate. The day started with a chocolate tasting at Yumbos, where we learned about the chocolate making process from start to finish. Here, I learned about how many different forms and flavors you can get from the cacao bean and of course we sampled so many different flavors of chocolate.
After this we headed over to find someplace to eat when we stumbled upon the same chocolate company we had been to the day before, just a different location. We bought some more chocolate and then the owners brother recommended us the restaurant next door, and I am so glad he did because it ended up being one of my favorite meals so far. I had the most delicious chicken, plantains, and a jamaica juice. While eating, a man came up to us and told us about his time in London and ended up giving me an Ecuador pin straight off his hat, which was such a random interaction but definitely memorable.
As if we hadn’t eaten enough chocolate, we headed over to the Bios factory, and I do not think I have eaten more chocolate in one day than I did this one. The owner of Bios incredibly welcoming and so passionate about what he does. He let us sample what felt like endless varieties of chocolate and even suggested different flavor combinations to try. We also got a tour of the factory itself and watched the chocolate making process. One of the coolest parts for me was being able to pour the chocolate into one of the molds for the bars. After this, we wrapped our own chcolate bars to keep and bought even more to take home. At this point in the trip my carry on is going to be 100% chocolate.
The next morning we were eagerly woken up by the sound of roosters outside our room. Then, we had breakfast which was a yummy juice, bread, and eggs I didn’t end up eating, before heading to the market in Otavalo. At first, I was feeling very confident in my bargaining skills, but after hours of negotiating prices, I slowly started to lose my energy and basically accept whatever people told me. Still, I ended up buying so many cool things like gifts for my family (which they will have to wait to see), a 100% alpaca wool scarf, a silver ring, and a bunch of other things I will put to good use in my house next year!
After a long morning at the market, we headed to lunch and then roamed around the town a little more. Somehow we ended up in a grocery store where I found plantain gummies that I am so excited to try. We then headed back to the hotel and got some rest before the owner hosted a special ceremony for us that ended up being one of my favorite experiences so far. We got to try try a traditional drink that they only make on special occasions, listen to him preform Ecuadorian music, and dance along.
Wednesday started early yet again with the same breakfast as the day before before we headed out for what ended up being one of the busiest days yet. Our first stop was a restaurant so that we could pick up packed lunches for later. Then we made our way toward Cotacachi Volcano.
When we arrived, we got to take a boat ride around the lake near the volcano, and the views there were amazing. Afterward, we hiked up a huge mountain and the altitude made breathing extremely difficult, but once we reached the top, the views made the struggle completely worth it. On the way back down, we sat by the lake and ate lunch, where I had an amazing sandwich that made the view even better.
Next, we headed to a waterfall where we explored the area and maybe spent a little time on the playground. Maddie and I definitely enjoyed the seesaw a little too much. After the seeing the waterfall, we drove to Parque Cóndor. The drive there was slightly terrifying at times, but I am so glad we went because seeing all of the birds up close was incredible.
Now I am back at the hostel writing this before we head out to dinner, where I am very excited to try their Cayambe burger. These past few days have been exhausting but in a good way, and every day here keeps getting better.