El LecheroEast of town between Otavalo and Laguna de San Pablo, at the top of a steep hill in a grassy clearing there lives an old tree called "El Lechero". Legend says that if you approach the tree with sincerity and give it a hug and a kiss, the tree will grant a wish. In addition to giving out wishes, the tree also provides a "buena vista" of the surrounding area, including the lovely Lago San Pablo below. When I climbed up to the tree with Carol, Tracy and Sophie I think we took a somewhat unconventional (steep and muddy) route to the top, but I've seen others deposited at the top by taxi. I think it's a better adventure to search on foot and if we could do it, anyone can.(Photos)
Parque Condor
Carol and I continued on foot to Parque Condor after visiting El Lechero. Parque Condor is run by a foundation dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of birds of prey native to the Andes. We arrived just before 11 AM for a walk around the park, which turned out to be perfect timing. After a stroll through the gounds looking at all the captive giant birds, we arrived at the condors. The enormous pair of birds was enthusiastically chasing each other around the huge enclosure, affording us some great photo opportunities. We were in the amphitheater by 11:30, in time for the flight demonstration led by a pair of guides. We learned about and watched half-dozen different birds of prey flying over the valley and back to the guides... an awesome spectacle well worth the trip. Sure, it was a little depressing to see all the caged birds (I feel the same about al zoos.) However, the guides explained that all these birds were rescued from injury in the wild or abandonment by prior owners. If they can be re-introduced to the wild, they are. They all certainly seemed well-kept. The $3 donation seemed like a fair price for such an experience. Open Tuesday through Sunday and public holidays. (Link to Parque Condor)Laguna de San Pablo y La Cascada de Peguche
A short bus-ride from town is the lovely Laguna de San Pablo, which we used as a starting point for a lovely walk along the river to la Cascada de Peguche. I was very fortunate to have a local guide and friend, Edwin, show me the trail. Along the way I heard many stories about his childhood and family from the area, and he pointed out many hidden treasures that I could never have found on my own, such as natural springs bubbling mysteriously out of little caves or grassy mounds near the waterfalls. At the waterfall, be sure to climb the stairs at the right side of the falls and crawl through the little man-made cave at the top of the steps. Kick off your shoes, roll up your jeans and hop into the stream at the top and continue upstream around a bend in the rock... and you'll encounter another wonderful waterfall out of sight to the right. It's well worth getting your feet wet! On a prior trip to Peguche with Zoe, we stopped before returning to town at a little tienda (shop/bar) for a beer and great sunset view of the city, surrounded by mountains and birds and purple-orange clouds. It was delightful. Thanks to both Zoe and Edwin for making Peguche so memorable!(Photos)
La Cruz y Socavan
To the east of town you'll see a hill with a giant cross.
In the late afternoon, it's well worth a short walk up the hill to sit at the base of the cross and watch the city unwind. On a clear day the view is amazing, surrounded by volcanoes with the city spread below. (For those familiar with Otavalo... you'll undoubtedly hear the garbage truck somewhere below.) Just below and slightly to the north of the giant cross is another religious icon of the town that's worth a visit. Tucked into the hillside near the piscinas (pools) of Barrio San Francisco is a little cave with a shrine in a pool of water behind an old metal gate. I tossed a coin through the gate into the pool (as instructed) and hope my wish comes true.
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