Into Ecuador and another earthquake

We have been in Ecuador a while and last night we were shaken by our first earthquake! In the morning we found out it was large, a 6.7 with the epicentre miles away from us (we are the blue dot on the map below). It's in the same area devastated by previous earthquakes recently, but luckily has not been disastrous.

As we approached the Ecuador border the humidity increased, as did the wildlife. After an easy crossing the 3 wheeled bike taxis disappeared, to be replaced by 4x4's. We were entering a different world, one we had not seen for some time, one with some money!

They still have donkeys though. We came across this one and 2 others walking up the road by themselves. They are loaded up and make their own way! We hope they are not carrying too much weight, the load was dry reeds so hopefully not.

We also noticed hardly any litter and hardly any speed bumps - yipee!! We have been plagued by speed bumps for months, normally at least 2 in every village and some so high they hit the centre stand as we go over them.

Vilcabamba, where the locals live forever... Where we stayed at a relaxing yoga retreat after several days riding.

We visited Cuenca, a lovely colonial city.

Ecuador is in fact where the famous Panama hats come from - remember that for a pub quiz!