Cuicocha Lake, Otavalo, and a visit to the Queen of Water
May 29, 2024
Last week, we went to Otavalo and other places in Northern Ecuador to see the sights, meet people, and learn more about the local culture and history. Otavalo is home to the largest craft market in Latin America, so we had to go see it.
On the way to Cuicocha —Cuy lake— we stopped to take picture at a mirador near Lake San Pablo.Cuicocha welcomed us with nice weather, until it got a bit chilly and rainy. We also took a boat trip around Cuicocha, a volcanic lake. It is believed that the water comes from the tears of volcano Cotacachi who was separated from one of her sons.Everyone was happy to hike up the Cuicocha ridge, even if rain cut it a bit short.During the boat trip, we went to the front of the bus, ehem, boat.We took more pictures before the rain made us go back.The views of the lake are amazing.And the group is affectionate and fun.It was a nice day for a boat trip.We shared the boat ride with a group of German tourists who practiced they Spanish with Kléver.After our conversation with María Virginia, she suggested a photo with the group.
Students read The Queen of Water, a novel based on Virginia Farinango’s life story. In the book—coauthored by Laura Resau— María tells how she lived in conditions of servitude and other hardships, but defined her circumstances to earn an education and overcome adversity. Her book has been a successful publication.
María Virginia kindly told us more about her story and how the book came about.The presentation included photos of her and Laura Resau, her coauthor.In Peguche, we visited Ñanda Mañachic, a music center, workshop and gift shop.There, we learned about traditional Ecuadorian music and instruments.We were serenaded by Luis a multi-instrumentalist, recording artist, instruments artisan. They also allowed us to check the Aya Huma -Two Faced Devil-Mask.We visited a textile workshop.We learned how red color comes from cochinilla, an insect that lives on cacti.
Besides the art workshops, Peguche has a natural park that features trails and waterfalls.
Taken by Pegiche waterfalls.Photos of people taking photos of people are interesting.In the Peguche trails, one can find the Tree of Fertility. It is believed that if you embrace it, you will become fertile.Thumbs up!The waterfalls in Peguche are so nice.The artisan and vegetable marke in Otavalo is world wide famous.We had dinner together in Otavalo.At the hostel, one of the managers, who is an expert on local Indigenous culture, shared her knowledge with us about celebrations, traditional dresses, and dances.
