Chugchilan in the Quilotoa Loop (English)

Pictures: http://picasaweb.google.es/marc.buergi/ChugchilanQuilotoa#

Since our last blog entry we made many new experiences. On the 14^th October we took a bus from Latacunga to the village of Chugchilan which is located exactly half way in the Quilotoa Loop. In the Hostal Cloud Forest (www.cloudforeshostal.com) we were warmly welcomed by Jose Juis and his wife. We felt at home very soon. Jose Luis is personally taking care of each guest to ask about the plans of the next day, to explain the routes and to organise transportations.

The first day we took a transport to the Laguna of Quilotoa which is placed in a crater of a volcano at about 4’000 meters above sea level. The view from the edge of the crater down onto the blue coloured lake is breath taking. After taking some shots with our cameras we headed off for the path along the edge of the crater. We had a five hours hike in front of us down to Chugchilan. For the road markers were all missing (but on the way everybody instantly asked if we would need a guide...) we had to find our own ways which resulted in making some extra ups and downs through the fields and along the crater. We did it the hard way and the hike was exhausting but very much worth the pain. We were pretty proud after we had made the endless seeming ascent from the bottom of the canyon up to Chugchilan in quite a sportive time. And that day we really earned our tasty dinner!

The second day we headed off by feet to explore the nearby cloud forest. After ascending for about an hour we reached the woods. We couldn’t find any clouds or fog but many orchids, a plenty green vegetation and a small river with water falls to discover. While we were making our way through the woods suddenly rain started to fall and the clouds/fog begun to rise. The trees and bushes seemed as they were being packed in cotton and now we could see why it was called a cloud forest. The very quick change was fascinating! We wouldn’t let us confuse by the fog and found our way easily back to the hostal passing some sheep and pigs along the road.

There we had Jose Luis telling us more about his village which is one of the poorest in the region. Jose Luis is a very interesting and easy going person and is full of ideas and energy. He is one of the few in the village with an university degree and one who is thinking a bit further than just until the next day. He told us about his plans on how to help the village to develop. As president of the parent’s board of the school he is looking for Volunteers as English and/or IT teachers for the school has there are seven Computers but nobody knows how to use them and for there is an English teacher which does hardly speak any English. Further he plans to better promote the products of the village to increase the villagers’ incomes. His plans very much touched our hearts and we agreed on helping him to achieve his goals. Our first task is therefore to find the necessary teachers for the village. If you are interested in such a position please read the job description in this blog or pass it on to someone who could be interested. What comes afterwards is not yet defined. But we are committed to a long term engagement in Chugchilan for we see and feel that the projects which are asked for are meaningful and can be realised and for with Jose Luis there is a person on the spot who takes care. We will keep you up to date.

Esther & Marc