About two months before my Ecuador trip, I read an article in Budget Travel in which the reporter challenged himself to visit this country for four days for under $1200 including airfare. One part of the story stuck with me: his visit to Peguche waterfall in Otavalo, which is also home to a large weekend market that attracts tourist and locals alike from all over the area. I decide that if I have an extra day to spare, I’ll figure out how to get myself to this place for a hike and market visit.

Luckily for me, our tour guide Gabby (who previously showed my friend Deidra and me around Quito and to the equator) is available. She suggests we stop on our way into Otavalo to try some of the famous biscuits in this region.

Gabby suggests dipping them into a dulce de leche sauce and I readily agree. Anything to experience the local culture.

It’s like dipping cookies into caramel and it’s delicious.

Kitschy tourist photo op with a lush mountainous backdrop:

Gabby drives us out to the waterfall site. She recalls going there once or twice as a young child.

Here’s Gabby!

We set out on foot and a short while later hear the rush of the falls.

It all started with a silly magazine article, and now here it is in front of me!

We hike back to the car and Gabby drives us to the local market. Since it’s a weekday there aren’t nearly as many vendors, but I still manage to find some nice souvenirs and Christmas presents for my family. In particular I recall finding a pretty necklace and earring set for my Mom. Sometimes when I visit my parents in Connecticut I notice her wearing them and it always makes me smile.

Gabby takes me to a local joint for Ecuadorian food; she even orders for me to ensure I get something specific to her culture. It’s all delicious.

The next day I fly back home to the U.S. In fact, since it’s the day before Thanksgiving I fly right into Denver to celebrate the holiday with my uncle and his wonderful friends! (Here’s a recap of this past Thanksgiving with this special group.)

And that wraps up my time in Ecuador! It’s been a blast to relive this trip through photos and stories. I’ll post a brief recap of all 21 posts on this destination over the weekend in case you missed anything!

Thanks for following along!