Adventure Travel Ecuador: Ingapirca
June 5, 2001 - Ingapirca, Ecuador
For being so close to the equator, Ingapirca is surprisingly chilly. But the warmth of our hosts, Jose and Asoura, more than made up for the climate.
In general, the people were extremely shy and timid towards strangers. But beneath their protective shells were bundles of smiling curiosity.
Every morning we were treated to a parade of school kids and women shepherding their farm animals down the dusty road in front of our temporary home. The long road was the only access to the large co-op farm and the tiny schoolhouse.
For the second time in Ecuador I was treated to cuy for dinner. Yes, guinea pig again! And again, very tasty! We also ate a lot of choclo, a hearty and chewy form of native corn that is a staple in the area.
Most of the indigenous groups in this country can be distinguished by their distinctive hats. This region has customs that go along with their headwear. The womens’ felt bowlers come with two dangling balls; either on the front or the back. Front or back indicates marital status. I won’t tell you which is which. You’re on your own when you come to visit.
Our hosts went all out to share their customs and their countryside with us. We got tours of nearby villages as well as mountains and lakes. A lengthy expedition to a secluded lake did not yield as much fish as we had hoped but the views were spectacular.
