Canyon Ranch above Papallacta Hot Springs is a working dairy cattle farm and reserve bordering the Cayambe-Coco Nature Reserve. These incredibly diverse areas are full of birds, wildlife, and amazing plants. We did a 2 hour hike which is a challenge at this altitude. We definitely feel the thinness of the air and tire easily. But it is so beautiful!!! I was startled to see Antisana- usually it is cloud shrouded. After hike, we had fresh trout for lunch, and then back to hotel to soak in hot pools. MMM!!!
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| Rare view of glacier-covered summit of Volcan Antisano |
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| Organic herb and vegetable garden that supplies local restaurant |
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| Life on life- A tree full of bromeliads |
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| Bromeliads are air-feeding plants that use trees for perches |
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| Lush, diverse greenery covers mountain slopes, elevation 10,000' |
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| Me and bamboo at 11,000' |
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| Fern fiddlehead unrolling |
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| Amazing variety of plant life at 11,000' |
