The Quilotoa Loop

The Quilotoa loop is a circular road going around the famous Laguna Quilotoa. It's a popular itinerary with hikers since the roads and trails cross picturesque indigenous villages with nice markets, some spectacular mountain scenery, and the Laguna Quilotoa with its intense blue/green colour.

In 2005, when I visited the country, I did hike the loop. However, this time, I stayed 5 days in the small village of Isinliví at a campsite. Every day, I took the motorbike for a drive on small mountain roads toward nice villages where the people speak Kichwa. I even drove up to the Quilotoa Crater with the motorbike... the laguna will be the topic of my next post.

My campsite.

It was a very enjoyable week, and obviously I took lots of pictures. Here are some of the best ones, but keep in mind that a few images don't do justice to the scenery as you experience it with your own eyes.

Market of Sigchos

The small market of Sigchos was not the most spectacular since it's located mostly inside a modern building built for that purpose. Nevertheless, it's a nice experience to be the only foreigner in the village.

I still don't understand how a person selling only brooms can buy such a vehicle (even the base 2x4 model). He/she must have another way to earn money.

The hygienic conditions are better than when I last visited over 14 years ago.

The village of Guantualo.

Market of Guantualo

The market of Guantualo is even smaller than the one in Sigchos, but it was more interesting due to the animal feria. Also, there is a strong presence of Kichwa people dressed in traditional clothes.

Once again, I was the only gringo in all the village. What a nice experience!

To be honest, I wasn't too eager to try the food from these ladies.

Pig skin is eaten in many Latino American countries.