Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
01/03/2018
Right after leaving Isinliví, you will find yourself surrounded by the beautiful farmland of the region.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
01/03/2018
After making the turn before the concrete bridge, you'll follow this secluded little path through a little canyon dense with shrubbery.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
01/03/2018
A key navigation point easily missed by many hikers. This is the point at which you have crossed beneath some power lines. Make sure to keep following the downhill trail on the right.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
01/03/2018
Typical homes in rural Ecuador. You'll pass many of these on this hike and on others in the region. Locals are respectful and helpful toward visitors, so make sure you show the same consideration for their property and privacy as much as possible.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
01/03/2018
Locals recycle old tires and put them to use as bank reinforcements to protect the river bank from erosion during periods of higher precipitation.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
01/03/2018
A local farmer in typical Ecuadorian brightly colored clothes meanders along the riverbank.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
01/03/2018
This bridge marks the end of your time alongside the Cumjin River, so make sure you soak it up and take the opportunity to go cool down if you'd like. It is not recommended to refill water (even filtering) from this river due to the surrounding farmland.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
01/03/2018
Entering the village of Cochalo, comprised of modest and friendly farmers.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
01/03/2018
The village of Cochalo, much like most in the Ecuadorian Andes, consists of little more than a handful of farm homes, a school, and a church.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
01/03/2018
The view looking back at the village after just beginning the ascent on the smaller path. You can still see the church and main square in the distance.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
01/03/2018
Make sure you have lots of water for your hike. By this point, you'll be gaining elevation rapidly. I found myself sick to my stomach with altitude sickness on this section, partially because I was low on water and had to conserve it.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
01/03/2018
Weather changes rapidly in the Andes. My hike began under beautiful blue skies, and by the time I was a few kilometers away from the village on my way back, these dark clouds in the distance had drenched me to the bone.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
01/03/2018
Stunning views of the Cochalo valley will ease your suffering as you make the steep ascent away from the village.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
01/03/2018
While this hike is more lush than others, you'll still get that iconic patchwork quilt of farmland!