Visited waterfalls and a Desert all in the same day.

When we came to Ecuador our plan was to travel, and learn the language and culture, so we are trying to take advantage of opportunites when they present themselves.   We read about a day trip out of Cuenca to a town named Giron with waterfalls and an adventure to The Yunguilla Valley.  We were told to be prepared for cold, rain, sun, heat, all in the span of 8 hours, they were right.  It started out a little rainy and cold in the morning and by the time we were hiking in the canyon we were peeling off layers.  I don't recall the actual number of meters, but we went from the high altitude here in Cuenca to somewhere near sea level.

We met at the Terra Diversa office early in the morning and waited for our transportation.  The trip was limited to 16 people which we thought was pretty cool, not a huge tourist bus with a gaggle of people.

We jumped on our comfortable mini-van type vehicle and off we went.   Our first stop was the site of an important battle between Gran Columbia and Peru.  I am not sure if I have the history correct, but at the time "Gran Columbia" was a country that encompasses the geographic area that is what we now consider to  be Columbia and Ecuador.  If my history is wrong, please forgive me.   Anyway, Peru lost.

Site of the Battle of Tarqui, a was between the Country of Gran Columbia and Peru.  Peru was defeated.

View from War Memorial, the Road to Giron

We visited a really lovely church in Giron and then went to the military museum, Museo Casa de los Tratados.   It is housed in the oldest home in Giron, and where the treaty after the battle was signed.  Very interesting, a uniformed Ecuadorian soldier gave us the tour, it was in Spanish, of course, so I missed alot of the info.

Soldiers boots on display in front of Museo Casa de los Tratados

We then drove to the waterfalls not far from the city center. The hike up to the waterfall was really nice with all kinds of beautiful plants and trees.

El Chorro Waterfall

We all climbed up to this bridge for a closer look.

Pathway leading down from the falls

After we left the falls we drove to Yunguilla, stopped at a restaurant, placed our order for lunch so it would be ready and waiting for us upon our return, talk about organization???

We drove for about  half an hour and then we were in this incredibly starck, beautiful desert area.  UNBELIEVABLE.  Less than an hour ago we were in lush greenery with waterfalls and now, we were in a desert. 

Desert Sky, total beauty.

Cactus and desert plants

A lone tree

Michael in Desert Canyon

Rock formations, the guide told us that Geologists go nuts when they come here, apparently these types of formations are only found in one other Desert region in Africa.

Rock Arches

The only river in the area

Our Guide Juan from Terra Diversa Tours

Anne in the Canyon

Beautiful Vegetation in the Canyon

Desert Beauty

After we finished our hike through the canyon, we boarded our bus and went back to the restaurant for lunch.  It was a lovely afternoon and we sat outside at a table big enough for all of us.  Michael and I had Sea Bass, one meal would have served three people!!!  It was accompanied by perfectly cooked Yucca, we got to chat and laugh and get to know our fellow travelers a little bit.  We met several people we have kept in touch with.  What a great way to spend a day, beautiful scenery, interesting history and great food.

  But the best part was, we got on the bus not knowing anyone, and ended the day with new friends.  Can't beat that!