Our first major stop in Ecuador was the small town of Quilotoa, located 13,000 ft. in the mountains, to see the famous crater lake, Laguna de Quilotoa

Despite being at the equator, it was cold enough to see our breath!

Our first snow-capped mountain sighting (at the equator)

We decided it was a good idea to hike down to the lake…We reconsidered or decision on the way back up

But it was beautiful at the bottom

Nothing lives in Laguna de Quilotoa, and the locals believe that its depth is limitless

During our drive through the mountains, we discovered this canyon

Maggy went on a tour to Isla de la Plata (Island of the Silver) This included riding the local bus, a crazy tuk-tuk taxi ride, and a 1.5 hour boat ride in 6 foot swells…

Even though the Galapagos were out of the question, Isla de la Plata offered a great opportunity to see plenty of unique wildlife species

Since it’s dry season, the island looked barren

The blue footed boobies nest during dry season and, at the time, the eggs were about a week away from hatching

The blue footed boobies lay 1-3 eggs depending on the surplus of food

The frigate bird chicks had hatched about 3 months ago. The mother birds take care of their babies for 2 years!

There was even great snorkeling around Isla de la Plata, although the water was a bit chilly