Otavalo, Ecuador

In the highlands of Ecuador, is the town of Otavalo - home of one of Latin America's largest markets. Here there are a myriad of stalls selling everything from scarves, sweaters, llama stuffies, musical instruments, socks, hats, spices, toys, and all kinds of other crafts. I love visiting these local markets and always get excited to hunt for artisanal handicrafts. While there are lots of beautiful items at great prices, each stall sells the same thing. It's still worth a visit - especially on a Saturday - to see the full flavor of the market and the local Kichwa people of Otavalo in their tribal garments.

We also visited the Condor Parque - perched high on a hill above Llumen, near where we stayed. The kids had the opportunity to hold one of the birds and see others pretty up-close.

This was the perfect place to start to experience local life outside the big city. We stayed in a cabana - or more like a yurt. There were chickens and ducks roaming around - one was dinner that night.

We hung out with the family running the establishment. They are a sweet couple with 5 boys, and already have a grandchild the same age as Zander. They loved baby Zander!

Dashiell and I also decided to stay in the rooftop tent on our car.

Surrounding the village, and mostly hidden in the clouds, are the area's incredibly high volcanos. The snow-capped Chimborazo (6,263 meters / 20,547 feet high) was nearby, but we didn't realize it until the morning that we left when the clouds cleared to reveal this truly impressive volcano. Chimborazo's summit is the farthest point on the Earth's surface from the Earth's center given that it is located along the planet's equatorial bulge.

Fun family memories in Dashiell's words:

• I liked seeing what people liked to buy at the market

• I was (and still am!) obsessed with a plastic toy that my mom wouldn't let me buy

• I liked seeing what things they have in South America - like the ponchos, scarves, and clothing

• Holding the bird felt like holding liquid lava that doesn't burn (because of the weight of the bird and the glove)

In Jonah's words:

• I liked sleeping with ducks and chickens, and waking up to the bird tapping on the window

Imogen's words:

• Bobo is sad right now so I am not happy and can't talk (Bobo is her little stuffed animal on the trip)