We saw the markets and some craft villages (woodcarvers, weavers, leather goods), picked up some gifts and clothing – love the chess set. Rose plantations spot the landscape.

Ate and drank a lot. Twice daily trips to islands to see TONS of animals up close. The ship would move once at lunch and then during the night while we were sleeping.
Only one rough night when we couldn’t sleep too well (the last). There were some broken glasses and cabinets from the rocking. Only added to the fun though.

Ate and drank a lot. Twice daily trips to islands to see TONS of animals up close. The ship would move once at lunch and then during the night while we were sleeping.
Only one rough night when we couldn’t sleep too well (the last). There were some broken glasses and cabinets from the rocking. Only added to the fun though.

Ate and drank a lot. Twice daily trips to islands to see TONS of animals up close. The ship would move once at lunch and then during the night while we were sleeping.
Only one rough night when we couldn’t sleep too well (the last). There were some broken glasses and cabinets from the rocking. Only added to the fun though.

Ate and drank a lot. Twice daily trips to islands to see TONS of animals up close. The ship would move once at lunch and then during the night while we were sleeping.
Only one rough night when we couldn’t sleep too well (the last). There were some broken glasses and cabinets from the rocking. Only added to the fun though.

Ate and drank a lot. Twice daily trips to islands to see TONS of animals up close. The ship would move once at lunch and then during the night while we were sleeping.
Only one rough night when we couldn’t sleep too well (the last). There were some broken glasses and cabinets from the rocking. Only added to the fun though.

Left Quito early in the morning and headed south on a small tour bus. Had lunch at an old hacienda and was provided with a show of horse dancing. Visited the Latacunga Indian market. Saw snow-capped volcanoes.

Riobamba to Cuenca on this converted trolley car. It’s an adventure, old tracks, construction, and if you like, you can ride on the roof. Make sure to duck for low hanging wires.

We had a peaceful visit to this Incan ruin on our way from the train to Cuenca.

Toured the shops and spent some cash—bought some plates, mugs, a wallet, and a flamingo-egg thing to sit on a bookshelf.
Went into the mountains in a tour van and saw some people making carvings from nuts. Tasted the local cuisine.

Toured the shops and spent some cash—bought some plates, mugs, a wallet, and a flamingo-egg thing to sit on a bookshelf.
Went into the mountains in a tour van and saw some people making carvings from nuts. Tasted the local cuisine.

Mostly unstructured. Visited an arts festival in the park. Did go on a tour, but it wasn’t our favorite spot for a tour.
I believe there was a transportation strike going on or threatened, but I might be thinking of a different trip.