Day 33 – Brrr

Early start this morning, after chilly night’s sleep, for a trip to Cotopaxi. We’d found the tour listed in the hostel and as a couple of people had signed up for it it worked out pretty cheap. In fact the tour was run by the guy on reception, Simi I think his name is.

The route out of Quito took us through the Avenue of Volcanoes and onto the South American Highway. I have to take my hat of to our driver as Quito traffic is nuts. The city itself is the largest in South America and looks like hundreds and thousands sprinkled as far as the eye can see.

Just outside the park we met our guide, Carlos, and transferred into his 4×4. Entering the park we headed up a long and very bumpy road, for about and hour, until we reached 4000m. For the first part of the drive the mountain was shrouded in cloud and we thought that we’d yet again not see anything. But at 3000m we pierced the clouds and got a good view of the cloud covered summit. The area we drove through was quite barren and other worldly.

At 4000m Carlos parked the car and we stepped out into near freezing temperatures, stinging winds and show, lots of snow. From here we climbed the steep and slippery soil and snow path to the refuge at 4800m. Once we got going the climb wasn’t too bad and I was thankful of the layers, hat and gloves I’d brought. Only once, when we stopped to wait for others in the group, did I feel out of breath.

Reaching the refuge we saw a mountain fox not far away. Inside we were treated to the best cup of hot chocolate I’ve ever had and some sandwiches. After the short break we headed back down the bumpy road to the near lagoons. Thoroughly enjoyed the trip and both our guides were full of information.

Spent the rest of the afternoon sorting out our remaining time in Ecuador. We’ve booked an 8 day land based trip to the Galapagos as it has the best itinerary and value for money. The boat ones were quite a bit more expensive and apparently the seas are a bit rougher this time of year. Our trip shall take us round several of the islands and includes several day excursions by smaller boat. Be it good or be it bad at least we’re going to see the Galapagos. For the few days before we head off we’re planning to visit the cloud forests, the old town and take some Spanish lessons.