We noticed a big change in the environment going from Peru to Ecuador. There were more parks in the cities, the roads better maintained, hardly any litter.
It was interesting to make these observations and then learn that there has been massive reform in Ecuador in recent years. A young new President in 2008 brought in such things as free Medicare, enhanced education, and social assistance from the revenue of booming oil and gas companies. The poverty rate dropped dramatically and as outsiders looking in, we noticed a place that felt friendly, hospitable, and safe.
Quilotoa Loop
We completed another interesting and beautiful trek in the heart of Ecuador's Central Highlands. For trekkers and climbers, this area is a paradise. We hiked the Quilotoa Loop which started at the breathtaking volcano crater lake of Laguna Quilotoa and then traversed about 30 kilometres between several mountain ranges and numerous Andean villages.
The most difficult part was trying to constantly figure out if we were going the right way. The trail instructions were almost comical, sorta like poorly translated Chinese manufacturing assembly instructions. Between all of us, (and the occasional red spray painted rock markers) we were able to work our way through.
One of our biggest challenges was keeping up with the young sheep herders who were clambering up the hillsides wearing only flip flops; that was embarrassing.
The scenery was amongst my favourite. Green lush rolling hills and mountains scattered with the occasional home and crop.
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