January 9: Papallacta River Valley, massive andesite lava flows, metamorphic core rocks and on into Cotopaxi National Park
Tonight we are literally 30 miles from the nearest structure staying at Tambopaxi Lodge. While I had obviously anticipated a lack of internet and cell service, only half was true – no cell service, therefore the post.
While sad to leave the Termas Papallacta hot springs, we started our day observing massive andesite lava flows, metamorphic schists and gneisses from from pressures deep underneath the Andes and subsequently eroded. A 3 hour drive then took us into Cotopaxi National Park. There we took a walk through the lower Paramo ecological zone to contrast with the Paramo we had observed the day before. Finally we landed at Tampopaxi Lodge literally in the middle of the Park and miles (or kilometers if you prefer) from anything. The Lodge is wonderful, although the bed situation is interesting – see the last picture in this list.
