This post features student writing.

Saludos! Lucy and Brooke aqui! After a great night’s sleep in the warm hostel beds we were welcomed with pancakes and fruit served by la cocinera. We then split into two groups of four to adventure through the magnificent yet crowded artisanal market of Otavalo. This market is known as the second largest outdoor market in Latin America, therefore we needed our fair share of time for exploration and shopping, as you all know we love to do. The streets were jam packed with vendors selling locally made and intricate jackets, blankets, bracelets, other variations of jewelry, and an assortment of goods. All of us managed to find just what we were looking for, and quite a bit more.

We met for lunch on the outskirts of the market with bags filled with our newest treasures. Then we dropped it all off at the hostel and headed to some new marvelous sites. A 15-minute hike led us to a cascading 20-meter tall cascada (waterfall). We then decided to take our adventure to another level by walking up VERY steep stairs to the spout of the waterfall where we found caves full of creatures of the night (a.k.a…bats). Back to the hostel we went to pick up our belongings where we were surprised by the presence of another Putney group on a similar adventure. After mingling with our fellow adventurers, we taxied to Puerto Lago. This location had spectacular views and food, allowing a nice break after our long day. Our long adventurous day left us all feeling sleepy so we headed back to our familiar sleeping pads and bags in the village to get a good night’s sleep.

— Lucy & Brooke