Unfortunately, due to the setup of the transport network I needed to go back south to Quito before heading north to Otavalo! There are no direct buses between the two. The buses also leave from different bus stations, so I needed to grab a taxi between the two as well.
I arrived in Otavalo and checked into my accommodation where I met up with Gina- from Arizona. She was actually on both buses with me from Mindo- and now we were neighbours. We went to grab some dinner and decided to go out dancing that night. I was super keen as I have had an urge for dancing for a while now. We went out at around 9pm to hunt a place down. It took a while- at first there was nothing – then we walked in the opposite direction and found the night club district. The first one was a disappointment – so Gina grabbed a Corona, finished it and we tried another locale. We had seen more people in the club originally. It’s hard to tell though as most keep their music loud and doors closed- so you don’t know how busy it is inside!
This club was much better and we stayed there for the night. The DJ was handing out free beers to those doing a good job of working the crowd and pulling moves…and I got one!! Hahahaha- shock horror- I know! As I don’t drink beer though, Gina had it. I had a tough time convincing Gina to stay until midnight…even though we both had an afternoon nap, so we left a few minutes before. It was interesting to see how everyone got dressed though- there were business men and women in their attire, youngsters in jeans etc- casual, then there were several ladies who were in traditional attire. These are beautifully embroided white blouses, golden beaded necklaces and long skirts. A real mix!
The next morning was Otavalo’s main event- a huge market that sprawls across Ponchos Plaza and all the streets leading to it. The Saturday market is super large and important for locals and tourists alike.
There is a huge variety of items for sale and we spend some time shopping, looking and being offered every item imaginable to buy.
That night I go out to the same club again- but alone this time as young Gina was all tired out. The club area was just 4 blocks away from where we were staying, so that was handy! The night was good and I was invited to join a few of the local groups of friends as we danced through the night. I had to leave a t a reasonable time though as I was off to hike early the next morning.
I wake up at 5am on Sunday due to noise, not impressed as I needed some more sleep. I headed off to the bus stop to catch a bus to Cotacachi from where I would catch a taxi to Laguna Cuicocha to hike around the circumference of the caldera. Upon arriving in Cotacachi I started raining… more and more. So I figured I would try and wait it out. I did so by some shops near the terminal; where a guy decided that propositioning me at 07h30 was appropriate and having a beer at this time was a good plan. I just laughed it off and eventually left when he didn’t give up. Mind you; I have never heard as bad a pickup lines as this fella tried to use (in very bad and patchy English). I found a great coffee shop though and had two cappuccinos in peace while I was giving up on the idea of actually hiking.
The weather actually improved though and the sun came out for a little while, so I grabbed a taxi and went off to the lake. I asked the driver to come back and pick me up in 5 hours- the expected duration of the walk.
I’m glad that I decided to do the walk as it was really great scenery and the weather improved –until the end when it started drizzling again. The walk is pretty and pretty tough. Mainly due to the altitude, stairs and many up hills. It is at an altitude of 3,400m and 3,700m. There are great views into the caldera, of the two islands inside and then farmlands on the outside of the volcano. The caldera was created 800 years ago and has been filling up with water since then. The path is also lined with wonderful wild flowers and orchids.
I was pleasantly surprised to actually have the taxi driver pick me up a little earlier than planned- and where we said. (It is about 20minutes drive to the closest village where one can catch the bus.)
After that walk I grabbed the bus back to Otavalo, went to my hostel, grabbed my bags and went back to the bus station to grab a bus to Quito. The queue for the tickets was at least 150 people long (it was Mother’s day and hence the busyness). It took a while to get a ticket but at least the bus company seemed to have an endless supply of busses and drivers and they left as they were filled!
I had arranged a pickup with the nice Uber lady from the bus terminal to city center – which was good as it was dark when I got it.
I spent the next couple of days in Quito mainly catching up on blogging and figuring out what I will do next.
