Thursday June 12, 2008 (Day#23)
I feel like new and full of energy to ride on my last day. Asuncion Saca is a certified guide. We are so lucky to have him with us for this last day. While troting at fast speed, he tells us the sacred hills, the culture of Saraguro, the traditions, and the high level of education that this indigenous communities have. Later, we understand why he was on such a rush. We had to go up hill through a clay and muddy trail (cangahua). We dismounted and pulled our horses. When we arrived to the top the downhill was as tricky as the downhill so we kept walking on our feet.
We arrived to Capacnan or Inca road. Passed through Ingapirca (called the same as the Caniar ruins) but this ones are all covered with vegetation. This is on of the parts of Ecuador yet to be discovered. We can see rocks that are perfectly cut and covering the narrow trail. At this point we can see 2paths, one called Endierezo and the other Camino del Inca. We keep going through the Enderiezo, the roots and trunks are a torture for both, horses and riders.
We notice that in the southern part towards the Loja province the forest is being cut with no control. We descend towards Ciudadela, a small village. For the first time we don’t see horses as means of tranportation for the people, we see mules very authentic of the area. This are animals are very agile, perfect for this difficult terrains and and winter landslides.
We arrived to Vinoyacu, we stopped for some oritos (small bananas) and say goodbye to Asuncion and promising keeping in touch with him. After that, we ride along the Juntas River, this river takes us to Loja. We arrive to Loja at the evening and from the Hacienda Salapa of owner Jorge Paez we can see the city lights. The horses enjoyed the bath with presurized water. This great spring weather at 2,000 mts above sea level in Loja lets the horses cool off and enjoy the pastures that belongs the dairy cattle.
Tomorrow we will take the day to take care of our horses, healing and shoeing. Also we have the interview with the local TVchannel ECTV.
Steve Brown picked us up and took us to his farm, to recuperate and make the riding plans for the next few days (Loja-Macara) for the riders that will continue.
Unfortunately, this amazing adventure has finished. Tomorrow I take a plane back to Quito and then back to La Alegria to start a ride.
Steep hills (these hills are part of the Virgen del Cisne processions)
Amaro de Cuenca
Our guide
Saraguro
