Two days ago, after more celebrations in the afternoon we hopped in the cars with Caye's family to head for the cloud forest. This drive was unlike anything Morgan and I have ever experienced. Driving from Zuleta it starts as cobblestone roads with lots of curves and beautiful views of the valley and surrounding mountains. Within an hour we came to the city of Ibarra and then went up into the mountains of the Cotocachi Cayapas Ecological Reserve. Instead of passing through on the designated road we opted for the free one which led us to great views of Laguna de Cuicocha which is a beautiful crater lake surrounded by the mountains Cotacachi to the left and Cayambe in the distance to the right. We stopped at the lake for photos and food. Morgan and I were able to try the Ecuadorian ceviche, uncooked seafood in lime juice with onions and tomatoes, for the first time and it was excellent. The rest of the drive we were winding on curvy dirt roads through beautiful green valleys of the mountain range.
Once we arrived to our home in the cloud forest for the evening, we were welcomed by the host, Osvaldo, and his family. His wife cooked us a delicious dinner of quinoa patties, yucca, veggies, and chicken. Afterwards it was time for bed and once 8:45am rolled around it was time for us to eat again. For breakfast we had bread with queso and strawberry jam, fried yucca, lots of fruit, juego de naranjia, and scrambled eggs. After breakfast we all went on two hikes through the subtropical jungle. Osvaldo came along and showed us lots of plants, giant bugs, and birds from the area. After more delicious food for lunch yesterday, we headed back on the breathtaking winding roads through small towns, pot holes, and even a giant waterfall until returning to the hacienda just as the sun set.
