TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2015 - QUITO, COTOPAXI, & PATATE

According to the schedule we had agreed to the previous evening, we had breakfast at the hotel in Quito and then proceeded to check out at about 8 a.m.  Vivian & Humberto were waiting for us as we checked out and soon we were caught up in a serious commuter traffic jam in Quito.  However, the excellent driving skills of Humberto and his knowledge of the roads were very useful in getting us out of the city without too much delay.  Once we were on the Pan-American Highway, headed south toward Cotopaxi National Park, the traffic jams were just a memory.  Within about 1 1/2 hours of driving, our first stop was at a rose farm located near an old plantation, Hacienda La Cienega (shown below).

The terrain on which the hacienda is located was bought by landowner Don Matheo de la Escalera y Velasco in 1695. The hacienda has played host to a number of important historical, social, political and scientific events on a national and international level. 

Beautiful gardens

and chapel

This rose farm established on prime, strategically chosen agricultural land features premier roses managed by a team of world class growers at a state-of-the art facility.  A large group of these unique farms are placed in altitudes of 6,600 to 10,000 feet of elevation. Sunny days and moderate night temperatures typical of this area create an ideal climate for the cultivation of healthy and robust flowers which are exported to the USA.  (paper sack to protect the special blooms).

Below, the stems/blooms are grouped by color.

Leaving this lovely area, we continued on southward in the Andes toward Cotopaxi National Park.  Cotopaxi Mountain 19,347 ft. above sea level is shown below. Engulfed in clouds.  

 Because of these clouds that had completely covered the mountain, we chose to stop at Limpiopungo  (The Wetlands at Cotopaxi National Park, 12,600 ft) and hike around the lake. (below)  By this time even where we were it was cold and misting rain--evident in the way we are dressed.

 No matter what the weather, you’re guaranteed to see birds, small finches and wrens hopping up and down the trail itself and larger waterfowl and shore birds in the many small ponds and marshy areas. You’re also guaranteed stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains and of wild horses on the paramo. If the weather is clear, you should be fortunate enough to catch at least a glimpse of the majestic volcano, Cotopaxi, as well. The weather can change rapidly and the ever present clouds weave in and out of the mountain valleys and make each moment unique.

And, there were the mentioned wild horses in the distance...

Still inside the park we stopped at the Tambopaxi hotel for lunch.  The roads were extremely rough getting there but we finally did arrive.  The food was tasty and the drinks were unusual--Tommy had one that was made with tree tomatoes (tamarillo) and Humberto and I had s drink made with wild blackberries and a fruit called soursop.  I think throughout this trip we kept encountering this fruit, also called "graviola," in various settings especially breakfast buffets.

Back in the van, after lunch, we continued to drive south to the central section of Ecuador to the beautiful Valley of Patate (7,500 ft) on the Patate River with its' diverse agricultural production.  Leaving the valley we climbed again up the side of the mountain to Hacienda Leito Los Llanganates, our hotel for the night.

Nestled between the majestic Llanganates mountains, at the foot of the Tungurahua Volcano and the entrance to Los Llanganates National Park, lies the Hacienda Leito. Sitting on nearly 5 acres of beautiful gardens with over 200 varieties of native plants and exotic flowers, this unique property is located in one of the most beautiful and untouched corners of the earth. In addition to its breathtaking natural setting, the Hacienda also boasts an important history that dates back centuries. During Colonial times, the Hacienda served first as a Jesuit residence, and later as site of one of the country’s greatest producers of wheat, potatoes, and other agricultural products. The restoration of this original residence and the antique decor from these periods retain the Hacienda’s rich history.

The Hacienda Leito features 23 spacious guestrooms. Stunning hardwood floors, exposed wooden beams, in-room fireplaces, and large picture windows create a cozy and welcoming ambience. All rooms are equipped en suite bathrooms, private balconies, and garden or mountain views.  Our room for the night included a fireplace (with fire burning), an electric space heater, and 2 hot water bottles  for the bed, delivered to the door.  Supper was served in the restaurant inside the main lodge and we soon found that the temperatures were dropping and with our lack of sleep for the last two days, we welcomed our room heated by a nice small fireplace assisted by a small electric heater.  Also, just before we retired there was a knock at the door and a hotel employee gave us our two hot water bottles, warm and ready to be tucked deep inside the cold sheets of the bed.

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