Carnaval is huge all over Latin America. It is essentially a 4 to 5 day extended weekend of debauchery, indulgence and lots of water throwing just prior to the onset of Lent, the 40 day period of sacrifice that leads into Easter Sunday. We arrived in Vilcabamba in southern Ecuador last Sunday afternoon, after a 6 hour bus ride from Cuenca to Loja followed by a 90 minute ride from Loja. The long queue and the kayos at the Loja bus terminal to get a seat on the Vilcabamba bus was a warning that we were headed to a lively Carnaval town, especially compared to Cuenca where it was so quiet, and indeed it was lively. It was mid afternoon by the time we arrived and walked through the Parque Central with our packs on our backs as we dodged water balloons being thrown in every direction and loud music. Fortunately, this is a very small pueblo and so we found our way to the hostal in very short order.
We were also fortunate to experience Vilcabamba during and after Carnaval
. The energy here is palpable as the village is set in a valley which is surrounded by beautiful mountains ... the whole creates a vortex of very powerful positive energy. This is a place where we discussed deeply with others, the subject matter being philosophical, and where we attempted to ground ourselves. This place draws all kinds of people, many searching for something which might allow them to continue to evolve along their path, and we exchanged ideas and life experiences with many of them. Our ragged bodies, still feeling the aches and pains from hiking at close to 4,000 meters, also benefited from the ideal weather conditions of Vilcabamba.
A Grounding Experience
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Vilcabamba, Loja, Ecuador
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Comments

2025-02-18
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anitapepper
2012-02-26
Love all your pictures, and the various descriptions along your travel route.The treatments must have given you extra energy to enjoy the Mardi Gras entertainment.
Love Mother
Babaluba
2012-02-27
Happy birthday nat! Sounds like this was the right place to celebrate and have insightful discussions....all you needed was the Veuve :) ...beautiful pictures and the hostel looks terrific.