I am back in Quito now to await my emergency travel documents to be sent to me from the Malaysian embassy in Chile. It is frustrating that little progress has been made in the 1.5 weeks since I first reported the loss. I am basically stuck in Ecuador until these papers come through to allow me to travel back to Malaysia to apply for a new passport. It was sad to bid farewell to the group as they left for Colombia early this morning, in particular Louisa and ...

James and I had visited Otavalo 5 years ago, when we came to Ecuador to visit the Galapagos Islands - but it was a totally transformed place on a Saturday when the entire town becomes a market, and villagers from around the region bring their goods into town for sale. The animal market (which runs from 4:30 to 9am) was a lively and colourful affair, where cows, pigs, turkeys, chicken, guinea pigs, sheep, pigs and cows were offered for sale. The other market...

Henry arragned for a couple of taxis to take the 6 of us (Louisa declined) to the Cuicocha Volcano, to hike the 14kms / 8.7 miles around the crater. Given that this was in a remote area which was not serviced by public transportation, Henry made an arrangement with the taxi drivers that he would leave the cash with the hotel reception, and they would be paid only after we were dropped back at the hotel. We agreed to the $60 fare for the 2 taxis for the return ...

We spent 2 nights at the beautifully restored Hacienda Guachala, about 15 mins away from Cayambe city. It is one of the oldest haciendas in the country - with high ceilings, a lot of outdoor living area, fireplaces in pretty much every room. We took a trip up to the Cayambe volcano, the only snow-capped volcano on the equator. The views en route, of the cultivated mountains and valleys were beautiful, with the occasional glimpses of the Cayambe volcano as ...

Based on our prior experiences of thermal baths in South America, and also based on negative reviews by a group who had just come from there, we went to Papallacta with pretty low expectations. It is amazing how expectations shape your impressions of a place. We loved the Papallacta Termas resort - the place looked relatively new, but yet the landscaping looks mature. Our cabins were very cosy with a fireplace (which we were unsuccessful in lighting), with a...