The Northern Highlands - Adventure Guide to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands - page 149

fireplace, running water, toilets, and cooking facilities (bring a sleep-
ing bag), as well as a resident administrator. Sleeps 37.
The three- to four-day trek from Oyacachi to El Chaco, heading east
into the Oriente, requires camping in the reserve. Bring all needed
supplies for complete self-sufficiency.
Lagunas Mojandes
Camping is available at Laguna Grande de Mojanda. Bring a tent,
sleeping bag, food and water.
El Ángel Ecological Reserve
Campers enjoy trekking through the high altitude, humid reserve
and often stay near one of several reserves, including Voladero,
Potreillos, Crespo, and Pelado. See El Ángel , page 142, for specific di-
rections.
Where to Eat
Otavalo
The lodges in and around the Otavalo area usually have
restaurants. Especially worthwhile are those at Haci-
enda Cusin and Hostería La Mirage , near San Pablo
and Cotacachi, respectively (see Where to Stay , page 147).
There are also a couple of good peñas in town (they offer live tradi-
tional folk music, musica folklórica , primarily on weekends). Walk
around and listen for the music, or ask a local, as establishments
come and go all the time. Keep in mind that some Otavaleños tend to
get very drunk on the weekends after big sales at themarket. Otavalo
is sleepy throughout the rest of the week.
Shenandoa's pie shop , right along the southwestern edge of Pon-
cho Plaza, serves delicious pie and ice cream dishes with coffee or tea.
Get there early for the best selection. They serve simple breakfasts
and lunch items as well (omelets, sandwiches and the like), but I've
nevermade it past themidday dessert. Nearby is CaféMundi ,onthe
plaza at Quiroga and Jaramillo, serving tasty meals, veggie dishes as
well, at inexpensive prices. It's a good place to drink coffee, relax, and
watch all the activity outside.