Quilotoa Loop - Phil and Andrea

I know I am getting a bit behind, but we've been traveling like maniacs lately. Phil and I went up to the Quilotoa Loop last week - absolutely gorgeous. It is in the highlands so all the views are amazing. The bus trip was fantastic, we got on the bus and saw nothing but the typical bowler hats from wall to wall - I think we were the only ones without! The towns were incredible, very traditional. After several hours we ended up in Laguna Quilotoa which is about a 5 min walk from this gorgeous view of the crater lake. The place we stayed was a hostal but more like a house - we ate in the dining room at the same time as the family, etc. It was great. We took a bit of a stomp around the lake - you could walk down to it (about 1.5 hrs up and down) or around (5-7 hrs) so we opted for around since the views would be better. The track was a bit rough at times, but the dog from our hostal kept us company (he kept eating the sticks we would throw). We ended up walking (and getting a bit lost) for about 2-3 hrs, then got back to the hostal and ended up getting a camionetta to Zumbahua and a bus to Latacunga. After that we went to Baños to meet up with Jon and Ave and Barb - all of which I think has been written about by Barb. Hope all is well with all of you! Andrea