Nathan's Insights

Sunday 08 December 2024
Highlights: Tahuantinsuyo Weaving Workshop, trying bizcoho and agave nectar, enjoying the views and the hot springs waters at Papallacta.

We woke to sunshine and the rain gone. Walking out of our room we breathed fresh air as we went to breakfast and returned to horses walking outside our room!

Leaving our accommodation two local women joined us to talk about some of their customs with a focus on what their outfits meant. We got a couple of local songs and had an opportunity to purchase handmade scarves.

We then arrived at the Tahuantinsuyo Weaving Workshop and got a presentation on weaving starting from the materials used, how they are dried from different plants and seeds, to how an item is created, sometimes over months.

Next up was a visit to the Bizcocho Cafeteria in Cayambe. We got a lesson in how bizcoho is made and got to try some which was very tasty. We got a lesson in local history and how sun was tracked and measured on the equator. 

This was followed by learning about the almost magical agave plant. This plant can be used for wood, for nectar (which has multiple uses) and for art materials. I tried some of the nectar used as a sweetener and also as an alcoholic drink. 

In the afternoon we arrived at our accommodation in Papallacta which is a resort. After settling in we went for a short 2.5 km hike nearer the mountains. Returning to our rooms we changed so we could enjoy the hot spring pools outside our rooms. I enjoyed floating in the hot spring waters.

Just before dinner, Angeles informed us that our tour plan had to be changed due to protests so instead of visiting Tena (the Amazon) for 2 nights and then Banos for 2 nights, the order would be reversed. That means tomorrow we will be visiting Cotopaxi National Park for a 1.5-hour hike.