Salinas de Guaranda
Salinas is a superb village very popular with travellers and locals alike. In addition to being picturesque, Salinas could be described as a small gastronomic village. Some local businesses produce cheese, salamis, and even chocolate; believe me, everything is delicious.
Salinas is located on the Trans-Ecuadorian Trail that most cyclists follow to cross the country from north to south, or vice versa. There, I met many cyclists.
It's a small world you say... all so true!
Catherine, a cyclist friend from Quebec, mentioned to Sara and Scott that I was in Ecuador with a motorbike. Thus, when we started talking, they asked me where I was from and I also told them I was travelling with a motorbike. Then right away, to my great surprise, the next question from Sara was to ask me if I was Jocelyn. Wow! She talked to me about Catherine, and I understood why she knew who I was.
![line-separator](/download/images/line-separator.png)
The mirador
A small hike leads to a mirador with magnificent views on the village and the surroundings.
![line-separator](/download/images/line-separator.png)
The salt mine
When Salinas was founded in 1884, the salt mine was the principal income for the village. It was a tough and seasonal endeavour since during the rainy season, the salt was too diluted.
On the adjacent photo, the mouth of the stream can be seen next to a statue of the Virgen. Nowadays, the mine produces very little salt since the source seems to have mostly dried up, and the village has also diversified its economy.
![line-separator](/download/images/line-separator.png)