March 4, 2015

We left Quito today and boarded the bus for Antisana. Antisana is one of the highest peaks in Ecuador! It’s a snow capped active volcano! Today we got to see llamas and hiked the peaks surrounding the volcano. We experienced the severe altitude difference as we climbed but the top was the most beautiful view I have ever experienced. Later that afternoon we were able to see the Andean Condor and learn lots about the indigenous plants indigenous to Ecuador. The Andean Condors lays one egg every other year and their wing span can be as long as 9-12 inches! The Condor is hunted to for their hollow bones which are good for making musical instruments and sold in the market places. It is also an extinct animal. You need 50+ Condors to breed a population but Colombia only has 50 and Ecuador has approximately 75. Also viewed were the Black Chested Eagle is a hawk as large as an eagle and the common black bird, Caracara. We observed several plants as well. A more common plant, Mint is edible everywhere in Ecuador and smelled amazing. There was also a plant called Datura and is a hallucinogenic plant that is said to make you lose your will if made into powder or inhaled. My favorite plant was a pretty purple flower called Lupine. There is a white bean inside that is very high in nutrition. Sanche is a poisonous plant. Inca earring is said to use for medical uses as well as the fragrant wood, Palo Santo. The most unique plant, the Calceolaria is like a Venus Fly trap but has oil in it and tramps insects but doesn't kill them. After boarding back onto the bus we eventually stopped again to view the Continental Water Division. The Continental water division has side that dumps water into the Pacific Ocean and other side goes to Atlantic Ocean. During lunch we discussed the Pagan ritual of inversion. Taking a tree and lights that are supposed to be outside and putting them inside. This is Christmas tree history which was an interesting side note. Lastly, I noticed there were speed bumps along the roads we were traveling. I was a little surprised. We arrived at the most amazing hot springs hotel in Papallacta. It felt great to get into the hot water.