{"id":1937,"date":"2016-08-10T13:29:57","date_gmt":"2016-08-10T17:29:57","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/adventurousretirement.com\/blog\/?p=1937"},"modified":"2019-01-05T11:52:04","modified_gmt":"2019-01-05T16:52:04","slug":"andean-highlands-cotacachi-papallacta-atahualpa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/adventurousretirement.com\/blog\/andean-highlands-cotacachi-papallacta-atahualpa\/","title":{"rendered":"Ecuador’s Andean Highlands Part 2 – Cotacachi, Papallacta, Atahualpa"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ecuador’s Andean Highlands – Part 2 –\u00a0Cotacachi, Papallacta, Atahualpa<\/h1>\n
\"snow-capped-volcano-antisana-papallacta-2-Cotacachi, <\/a> <\/div>
\"Cotacachi <\/a> <\/div>
\"Lake <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
\"water-fall-cascada-2- <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>\n

Not only do Cotacachi, Papallacta, Atahualpa offer exquisite views, local culture, and outdoor activities – both up close and at a distance – but there\u00a0are also a series of micro climates that enable different types of farming at different altitudes. The micro climates enable production of everything from roses to cheese, potatoes, and unusual but delicious fruits. Cotacachi, Papallacta, Atahualpa offer hot springs from the volcanoes, organic farming, high quality leather goods, and crafts, in addition to the scenery, hiking and other outdoor sports.<\/p>\n

Andean Highlands Ecuador- Cotacachi<\/h2>\n

Cotacachi <\/a>is a small city that has drawn expats and retirees, with its green \"Mural<\/a>valley\u00a0countryside, colonial charm, indigenous culture, and great weather – between 70-80 degrees F year round during the day and 50-60 degrees F at night. The fresh organic fruits and vegetables are a draw for expats, and the local people are very friendly.<\/p>\n

Cotacachi is known as the ‘Leather Capital of Ecuador.’ <\/a>I have heard that the Italians come to Cotacachi to buy their leather goods. It is considered an artisan city. Head to Calle 10 de Agusto, known as\u00a0Leather Street, where you can shop for leather jackets, shoes, boots, handbags, wallets, and everything made of leather. Plan to go for a Sunday Market day when more local artisans have outdoor stalls.<\/p>\n

We met and became friends with a couple from Virginia who moved to Cotacachi – Bill and Carolyn. We even found pizza in Cotacacchi – the expat influence.<\/p>\n

Laguna de Cuicocha<\/a><\/h3>\n
\"View <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Lake <\/a> <\/div>
\"mountain-lake-cuicocha-tom-wendy-Cotacachi, <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
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\"Orchid <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>\n

Laguna de Cuicocha and Volcan Cotacacachi<\/h2>\n

Take a detour to the Laguna de Cuicocha <\/a>and Volcan Cotacachi, about a 15-minute drive from Cotacachi. You can hike around the crater lake, called ‘Lago del Cuy’ in Kichwa, the local language, which means Guinea Pig Lagoon. The lake has forested islands in the middle, and a trail around the perimeter for hiking.<\/p>\n

On your hike, stop to find the tiny orchids growing wild. Take in the vistas, and more importantly – breathe – as you will be at an altitude over 10,000 feet on your hike. We acclimated prior to all of our trips\u00a0in Quito which was our home base for 2 months. Cuicocha is at the southern end of the Cotacachi Cayapas Ecological Reserve<\/a>, which is partly rain forest. Cotacachi Cayapas Ecological Reserve is a protected area and has a mix of biological zones\u00a0with average temperatures spanning to subtropical temperatures. It’s gorgeous, so make it a ‘must-see.’<\/p>\n

\"Church<\/a><\/p>\n

South American Towns<\/h2>\n

In South America, you will find a town square in every town, including Cotacachi, Papallacta, Atahualpa. They are lovely, with trees and flowers, sculptures, and benches. Usually there is a Church on the square. It’s a great meeting place and a terrific spot for people watching.<\/p>\n

Cotacachi, Papallacta, Atahualpa are worth the trip. These parts are not generally included in your typical tours and we found them gorgeous, interesting, and well worth the time.<\/p>\n

Northern Andes Ecuador – Papallacta<\/h2>\n

Papallacta is a small village in the\u00a0Napo Province<\/a>\u00a0of\u00a0Ecuador<\/a>. It is at 10,800 feet\u00a0in the Andes<\/a>\u00a0on the road from Quito<\/a> which leads into the Amazon<\/a> jungle. The drive is scenic from Quito to Papallacta if you do it in the daylight, which we did on our return trip only. The road\u00a0takes you through\u00a0towns and small villages and then over\u00a0a peak of more than 13,000 feet. At this point you can see\u00a0mountains and glaciers. As you head down\u00a0from the peak to Papallacta, the environment\u00a0goes from from alpine to tropical jungle.<\/p>\n

\"snow-capped-volcano-antisana-papallacta-2-Cotacachi, <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Snowcapped <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>\n

If you are driving it, know that there are no lights as you climb higher into the mountains. Papallacta is at almost 11,000 feet in the Andes. The roads were under construction when we were there in January of 2016, and we\u00a0couldn’t tell if we were on the road or headed off a cliff. If you drive yourself in the dark, know that it can be very hard to navigate the road.<\/p>\n

A local family who we spent a few days with picked us up by car and took us to Papallacta, where the volcanoes create hot springs. After going to Banos, I was a bit wary about the cleanliness. I have to say Papallacta was\u00a0gorgeous, clean, with great scenery. We went to Termas de Papallacta, a resort that the public can pay to use for a fee. It is well worth the $22 per\u00a0adult for access to the gorgeous pools. They also offer spa services.<\/p>\n

Papallacta Hot Springs<\/h2>\n

\"papallacta-thermal-baths<\/a>Several hot springs and spas are located in Papallacta. Many of the local restaurants are known for their steamed trout. For lodging, there are several hotels and a resort.<\/p>\n

Papallacta is a short trip from Quito and you can go by bus, or drive if you have a car. \u00a0 We were picked up at 4 AM so we would arrive by 6 AM when the pools open. While it seemed a bit early, we were happy to be the first ones in the pools, and arrive before the bus loads\u00a0of people came at 10 AM. We took our breakfast and ate after our dip in the pools.<\/p>\n

\"fishing-pesca-san-isidro-cotacachi, <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
\"dining-trout-san-isidro <\/a> <\/div>
\"Wendy <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>\n

We left Termas de Papallacta at 10 AM as the buses were unloading and headed back towards Quito, aiming to stop in a small town for a special lunch experience. We went to a place called ‘Pesca San Isidro,’ east of Quito, to catch our trout for lunch and enjoy the outdoors. It was hard to find, and the family knew the owners, so we were well taken care of. They also have horses for riding and other animals and amusements – a great place for kids too.<\/p>\n

Andean Highlands Ecuador –\u00a0Atahualpa and surrounding highlands<\/h2>\n

Atahualpa<\/a>\u00a0is a province located in the north central part of both the province of Pichincha and the Metropolitan District of Quito, about \u00a050 miles from Ecu\"Atahualpa_potatoes-<\/a>ador’s capital city of Quito.\u00a0 Known for its 3 climates,\u00a0Atahualpa is subtropical, temperate and cold, which enables the growing of various fruits and vegetables, as well as cultivation of other products like dairy products and roses.<\/p>\n

We visited a family hacienda to take in the views, and way of life. This elder Ecuadorian couple had spent their working years in New York City, and retired to their homeland, Ecuador, for a quiet peaceful life in touch with the land and nature.<\/p>\n

\"Hacienda-atahualpa-mountains-valley-view-Cotacachi, <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Hacienda <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Hacienda <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Atahualpa-Hacienda-mountains-valley-view-3- <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Hacienda <\/a> <\/div>
\"Passionflower <\/a> <\/div>
\"flower-unusual <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>\n

They are happy to host people, especially given the opportunity to practice their English and socialize, since their company is their farm animals. If you want stay with them, we can arrange it. There are also times that they look for house sitters for their estate.<\/p>\n

\"Cheese-Making-Near <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Cheese-Making-Near <\/a> <\/div>
\"Cheese <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>\n

Micro cheese and yogurt production businesses are a focus for some families who live in the highlands. They awaken to milk the cows and throughout the day process the milk into cheese and yogurt. Both are delicious. We had a full demo of cheese production. Their products are sold in the big grocery stores in the cities. Family members also farm, and we bought sacks of potatoes for $1 and 6 avocados for $1.<\/p>\n

Other fruits and vegetables are farmed throughout the area. They make wines and liquors from some of the fruits.<\/p>\n

While in the town square, we visited a local home where they raise exotic chickens and orchids. An interesting place – and very different from anything we might imagine in the US. The family all helps in raising the flowers and animals, and are very proud.<\/p>\n

<\/a>In town, we were entertained as if we were celebrating a local fiesta, with local foods and local entertainment – music and costumes worn by the local men. It felt very tribal. They played their music as they walked in a circle in the middle of the room. They got us up to follow them, making a large circle, and joining in on the festivities.\"Topiary-campo-santo-<\/a><\/p>\n

Apparently Topiary Garden Cemeteries<\/a> are not uncommon in Ecuador. We had a lively jaunt around one of them. It is different!<\/p>\n

As we descended the higher altitudes, a very special stop was at a rose grower. We were there in January before Valentine’s Day and learned that Ecuador is the largest provider of roses to the US on Valentine’s Day, and also the largest provider of roses to Russia.<\/p>\n

\"Atahualpa <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Rose <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>\n

Some purchased 18 very long stem roses for $1.50. As we left they gave each of us a rose as a souvenir. I ended up with 3 roses, and they were still alive 2 weeks later when we left Ecuador.<\/p>\n

Cotacachi, Papallacta, Atahualpa<\/h2>\n
\"orchid_Cotacachi, <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Orchid-Cotacachi, <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Cotacachi, <\/a> <\/div> <\/div>
\"Cotacachi, <\/a> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div> <\/div>\n

Atahualpa,\u00a0Cotacachi, and Papallacta provide a different view of Ecuador, and a view fewer\u00a0tourists experience. Have a look for yourself, and be sure\u00a0to view the hundreds of orchid species all over Ecuador. And don’t forget, if you want to stay in the family hacienda, let me know and we\u00a0will arrange it.<\/p>\n

For more info on Ecuador see our other posts …<\/p>\n