World renowned explorer and adventuress Sharon Taylor has just reported from her latest adventure in the wilds of South America. Following are pictures from her most recent trek with exclusive commentary only available to PATHE NEWS. Stay tuned for further adventures as they are available. We will return you to our exciting Saturday serialized adventures shortly.
I have found hikers! I am exploring the lower mountain ranges of 1000m to the higher elevations of 3000m in the provinces of Loja and Zamora Chinchipe.
I am now hiking with a group from Vilcabamba. And I have met hikers from Loja. Invigorating outdoor exploration that follows the Covid 19 protocols of keeping safe while being physically, mentally and spiritually active during these tumultuous times.
This short vignette of photos gives you a taste of the surrounding area of Vilcabamba as well as the megadiverse zone and jungle (selva) of the National Park of Podocarpus; a protected area of more than 1400 km2 of the eastern Andes with 25% of it in the province of Loja and 85% in Zamora Chinchipe (see April post 'Wishing' for more photos of Podocarpus)
Vilcabamba is a town 45 minutes south of Loja. From Loja, I get to our meeting place in a shared taxi for $3 ($9 for one person), or I can hop on a bus for $1.65.
Vilcabamba has been referred to as the Playground of the Incas. It also has a reputation for it's inhabitants to grow very old, to reach over 100 years. Many people from around the world have travelled (and remained) in this town after it was first introduced in a cover story in the National Geographic magazine in 1973.
Because Podocarpus is protected - no dogs allowed. Thus, the sad faces of the dog owners who were turned away at the entrance.
At one of the waterfalls in Podocarpus we were lucky to see a South American Coati. Referred to as a cucuhucho in Quechua, the indigenous language of the region. He was great entertainment and wasn't too nervous of us. They are about the size of a healthy racoon but with a much longer tail and snout.
Some of the photos are of the Yamburara Alto of the surrounding area of Vilcabamba. Dry and desert-looking but with an abundance of water. The climate of this area is subtropical, and known as a sacred place: Valle Sagrado. We traipsed through and over rivers and on one hike found the Cascada Secreto (Secret Waterfall).
On another hike we were above the Cascada Secreto and came upon an even grander waterfall in which we quickly bathed in (or poked our toe in).
The area around Loja and Vilcabamba is a treasure trove of hiking possibilities and I expect to be able to enchant you with more spectacular vistas in the future, from the mountains to the jungle. This is truly a year round outdoor paradise. Stay tuned.
PATHE MOVIETONE NEWS will be following the further exciting travels of Sharon and will bring you further pictures and videos as they become available. We will return you to the serial "Adventures in a Buckboard" next week.
Join us then!
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