The middle of the world

Our day trip to Otavalo starts at 7am and we take to the Pan-American highway north. Our first stop is at the equator in Cayambe for the obligatory cheesy photos. The area is famous for bizcochos, a flaky biscuit that is twice baked. We try them with dulce de leche and a local cheese. The owner also explained how they harvest the sap from the agave plant to produce syrup. When the plant reaches 20 years old and just before it flowers a hole is drilled in the core. Each day for 2 months the sap is extracted (up to 100 litres in total) before the plant dies.

On the way the mountain scenery is spectacular and we pass Mt Cayambe, the third highest volcano in Ecuador. We also pass hillsides covered with polytunnels where they grow roses for export worldwide. We visit Lake San Paulo near Mt Imbabura and then on to Cascada de Peguche.

A quick stop at the home of a local musician, Nanda Manachi, who plays a variety of different instruments for us. On to Otavalo for the indigenous market which is like most other markets - full of stalls selling the same stuff. We had hoped to visit on one of the days they have local food and vegetable produce but it didn't fit in with the days we're here.