Quick fire update of Ecuador

Laguna Quilotoa is a beautiful crater lake in the central highlands. This lake reputedly can be seven different colours depending on the time of day and weather. We saw it change from a dark blue to a light green while we were there. Part of the fun is just getting there- the drive through the hills was beautiful.

The town of Banos is a kind of geothermal resort town. The town is also famous for a type of taffy called "melcocha" made by hand in doorways of numerous sweet shops. We also saw a very cute kitten.

We really enjoyed the town of Cuenca in southern Ecuador. We stayed with couchsurfer Oswaldo, who was a great host and showed us around town. We also caught up with family friend Ivan who took us out for some great comida tipica (local food). We saw our first South American ruins, the important Inca centre of Pumapungo.

Cuenca also produces "Panama hats", which should actually be called Ecuador hats as this is where they were invented, and where they are still mass produced by hand. We visited a really interesting factory where we saw the whole process. You can see some of the steps below:

Finally Vilcabamba or "Gringobamba" is a pleasant town in the far south. Lots of foreigners come to work and retire here. Was still worth a visit for the hiking.