idonotwantapickle.com / People ask why "Follow the White Rabbit". Whether you take it literally or metaphorically. Following the white rabbit means, to follow an unlikely clue, an innocuous unbelievable sign, to find oneself in the midst of more or less normal to extraordinary, marvelous, amazing circumstances that challenge one's fundamental beliefs, expands one's horizons and or perception of realities, transforms one's perspective and change one's life.
Sadly the last day of the road trip. Spent 6 hours on the beach then started back to Tumbaco. This drive has taken 8 hours in the past but was 12 hours this time. All roads but one were closed due to landslides from the rain. It was a great trip from the highest peak in Ecuador to the beautiful beaches. Good times for sure.
After the sulfur springs it was time to head out. Las Tunas is a small village that I have visited many times. Very quiet with a wonderful beach. If you want it a lot louder you can head to Montinita a 30 minute drive south. It is the party town on the coast. Just 20 minutes north is Puerto Lopez a fishing town that is very busy also. Arrived in Las Tunas just in time to see the sunset and BBQ a steak on the beach.
After a small bike ride around “Agua Blanca” in the early morning headed for the National Beach Los Frailes. It was a round trip ride of 36km (22 miles). Was a great ride to a beautiful beach and the sun was out with water that is perfect this time of year. After a couple hours here back to Agua Blanca to jump in the sulfur springs.
The first night spent on the coast was in a small indigenous community called Agua Blanca. The area is rich in history. There is a small museum and a large sulfur pool to relax in after you cover your skin with mud. All is surrounded by a tropical forest. Very nice place.
After leaving Parque Cajas the rest of the day was spent driving to the coast. Went from over 4000 meters (13,,123 ft) to 500 meters (1640 ft) in Agua Blanca. The drive out of the mountains was foggy and rainy with many landslides on the road from the rain. That was to bad because you couldn’t really see anything and I bet it was beautiful. Didn’t get to Agua Blanca until after dark.
When leaving Cuenca heading to the coast within 20 minutes you enter the a national park. Parque National Cajas is a beautiful park that has over 700 lakes. Lots of trails to explore. Stopped a took a small hike around one of the more popular lakes. Very nice.
Before leaving Cuenca and hitting the road took a little bike ride along the river then into town. It was early and they were already starting the day with some good music and dancing. Very nice city
Last stop of the day was Cuenca the third largest city in Ecuador with around 300,000 people in the city. If you include the wider area over 700,00 people. It is considered the most European city in Ecuador. I really like it there and can see why it has a very large expat community.
Spent the afternoon and evening walking around downtown. Very nice city, very clean and beautiful architecture. I could spend more time here exploring the city and surrounding area.
Passing through the town of Colta you find the oldest church in Ecuador. The Primera Iglesia Catolica del Ecuador was built in 1536. The order makes a variety of products. I bought a bottle of the beer that the monks make, very good. There is also a small museum next to the church.
Heading towards Cuenca from Ingapirca you pass through the town of Biblian. There is a huge church built into the side of the mountain that was interesting to check out. It was built in the late 1800’s and has a commanding view of the town in the valley.
