Question of the day: Is it possible for Ecuador to rely on eco-tourism without harming the environment?
Quote of the day: “To waste, to destroy our natural resources, to skin and exhaust the land instead of using it to increase its usefulness, will result in undermining in the days of our children the very prosperity which we ought by right to hand down to them amplified and developed.” -Theodore Roosevelt
Today we reached 5,300 Meters (about 17,388 feet) above sea level, which is higher than any point in the continental United States. We started off our day with our normal breakfast at La Estancia where Ana, the amazing owner, served us eggs, bread, ham, and Ecuadorian cheese. Then we were off to Chimborazo for our fun day. The volcano Chimborazo, measured from the center of the Earth, is higher than Mount Everest. We reached the highest point we have ever been in Ecuador and probably the highest point anyone has ever been.
We made three stops on our way to the refuge at Chimborazo called Hermanos Carrel. At the first two stops, our speaker named Carlos, who was accompanied by his three daughters and two nieces, explained that Ecuador is very diverse in the biomes it holds. At both viewpoint stops, all three biomes could be seen. The lower the altitude, the more agriculture we saw. Towards the top, we started to see more dirt covered fields with native grass that is accustomed to live there. We also saw an animal called vicuñas, and a flower called Orejas de Conejo, Bunny Ears, that is protected from the cold temperatures by a cotton layer on the outside of it.
When we reached about 5,000 Meters, our guide Olgita explained that we needed to perform a ritual in Kichwa for Chimborazo to allow us to step on him and breathe his air. After the ritual, we sang a song in Kichwa as well to beg for forgiveness if Chimborazo was mad. There was a statue that is dedicated to Simón Bolívar in the refuge that we visited, and on our way to the statue, we saw a cemetery of the people who have lost their lives on Chimborazo. We ended our trip to Chimborazo with a warm cup of hot chocolate.
Listening and clapping with the song
Carter wearing his boots!
Drinking hot chocolate!
In our nightly meeting, we discussed about the topic of eco-tourism in Ecuador. Due to Ecuador’s economy, it resorts to using tourism as a source of income, but the government protects everything above 2,100 Meters above sea level. Eco-tourism in any developing country will always be discussed and debated.
Despite feeling out of breath and Chimborazo taking up a lot of our energy today it was an experience we will never forget!
Sincerely,
Alex and Cesar
Alexis, what a beautiful place. I’m glad you got to see the volcano Chimborazo and made it back safe to La Estancia. ?
Good morning Zoe,
Wow, you are so lucky to get to visit a really high point in Ecuador’s land and be so close to Chimborazo Volcano. I bet was very exciting.
I hope you have another great day full of exciting experiences.
We love you very much! mommy and valentina.
You all look like you’re having an amazing time and creating unforgettable experiences. Wishing you all a great week!
P.S. I’ve never seen Destiny jump that high in my life, hope those knees are okay!
Carter wore his boots :)! Now is carter taking any pictures with the Go pro he doesn’t know how to use ? Someone help the boy out 😉 . Once again, the pictures are breathtaking!!! Most of us tourist really never stop and ask how are we harming the native countries we travel to. What an important lesson to learn that As you experience all the wonderful sights of Ecuador , travel lightly as to not disturb the beautiful country. Carter- we just got back from Madison Wisconsin where Mr. Corvo finished 8th in the world for his age group .. was it a sight to see??♂️. Joe madden is lonely without you and the house is so different without you. But continue to take in all the sights and lessons that Ecuador has to offer !! See you Saturday! Love, Mom❤️
Wow, that is really a high elevation. I hope no one felt ill, tough for us Illinois flatland living people to experience that kind of height. Looks beautiful and so incredibly interesting. Keep on truckin Glimpsers, you are amazing!
Wow, 17,000 feet! Amazing views from up there! Can’t wait to hear all about it. Love you Tay!
Zarmani what a high altitude. Hopefully you were dress warm.
You are having an amazing experience.
Love Grandmommie
Dear Jake,
You look awesome on the photos and looks like you are really enjoying your trip!!!!!! Hugs and Kisses to you and see you soon!!!! enjoy the last week!!!! Take care!!!!!
Love, mom
Hi Zarmani,
The scenery is beautiful. It looks amazing and I’m so glad God has blessed you all with this amazing experience… I love you, Auntie
Hi Carter Madden. OMG what a breathtaking experience you had climbing Chimborazo! Glad to see you’re finally wearing your boots (LOL) along with water for the climb. We’re so proud of you Carter and look forward to hearing all the great adventure stories from this trip! Love you. Granny and Grandpa Lee
Adelina, it’s great to see how much fun youre having on your trip. Hope you were warm enough on your hike. Love tia
Becca,
I bet the views were AMAZING!! When I visited Great Aunt Rita in Denver we didn’t go much over 5,000 feet and I was out of breath so I can’t imagine being at 17,388 would have been like. The flower sounds very pretty and cute.
I looked up vicuñas and found that Alpacas are descended from wild vicuñas, while llamas are descended from wild guanacos.
Love and miss you,
Great Aunt Terry
Anahi, you made our day today. My mom was a little down after the doctors visit but when she spoke to you and saw you, she had a big smile. Beautiful picture of you and Alexi’s, enjoy your stay to the fullest. We miss you and cant wait to hug you and hear all about your trip. Hey and dont worry about mom I got her.. love you with all my heart little girl.
P.S Raul and Luis tried sending you a message but you where not login in.. they said to tell you they miss you and love u.. well not in those words but u know what they said. . Lol
Anahi, it was great hearing from you… you made mom’s day.. but dont worry she is doing good, from the pictures I send you can tell she GOOD!!! we miss you. I cant wait until u come back. Raul and Luis tried sending you a message but you where off line. Keep on rocking and have fun. Love you lots cant wait to hug you..
Hey Jade, what an amazing feat. I’m so happy you got to have this wonderful experience. So proud of you enjoy yourself and make a difference.
Love your Mommy, Mom, Momma, and Mama.
That looks AMAZING! Are any of you going to plan to climb more mountains? Maybe Everest or K2? Thank you for the amazing pictures. Would the flower be able to survive Chicago winters? Taylor — loved your blog! You are all doing such an amazing job! Miss you –JOURNAL SO YOU DON’T FORGET ANYTHING!
Can someone post about what the night sky looks like?
Very interesting!! With the volcanic activity in Hawaii recently, I actually googled volcanoes in Ecuador before the trip and that name came up. Now you’ve actually seen it!!! The scenery is beautiful!
How beautiful our planet is! Pictures are amazing. Agree with Amy can anyone take pix of the night sky, please? Without the light pollution of Chicago, it must be an incredible display.?✨???.
Love you hannah banana
OMG!!! Alexis, how exciting. I bet that it was better than your Red Rock climb, lol. I’m so glad you are getting to see nature in all its beauty and glory. Love you, titi Liz.
Looking good Jalynn and Zarmani. I’m so happy the two of you got to share this experience together!
I love you jadybugs!