Originally published May 30 2009
Health Ranger Explores the High Andes Mountains Near Papallacta, Ecuador
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
(NaturalNews) Forty miles east of Quito, Ecuador, rests a world-renowned, high elevation valley formed by the long-forgotten crater of an ancient volcano. The valley is called Papallacta, and it's home to a unique hot springs resort called Termas Papallacta (www.termaspapallacta.com). With abundant hot water streaming out of the still-cooking volcano nearby, this hot springs affords dozens of pools where guests soak in the mineral-rich waters that have been certified as offering therapeutic health benefits by the Ecuadorian government.
A kilometer up the road from the thermal hot springs resort, a pathway leads visitors into a deep, luscious rainforest created by a fast-moving river that leaps from boulder to boulder, cascading down through the valley. It was in this place that I found myself surrounded by delightful flowers and curious plants. The biodiversity of the region was astounding, with every tree, every rock and every piece of dirt layered in thick, vibrant plant life. Flowers and insects appeared almost everywhere, and the whole scene was accompanied by the ever-present sound of rushing water coursing through the crevices and ravines under foot.
It was in this environment that I snapped photos of some of the most amazing plants I've ever seen in Ecuador. You can view the short photo tour here: http://www.naturalnews.com/phototou...
In it, you'll see photos of alpaca, flowers, fungi, lichen, tiny ferns and tiny insects. I took these photos with a portable Canon Powershot camera, by the way, mostly in Macro mode. (This isn't even my "good" camera...)
If these scenes interest you, consider joining our upcoming Ecuador tour called Ancient Cities of the Sun, where we'll explore the abundant nature of Ecuador together with sacred ancient civilization sites located in the hills surrounding Quito. As of this writing, we still have six seats available for the tour, and you can save $400 by registering two or more people. See details here: http://www.naturalnews.com/026042.html
One of the most amazing pictures in this photo tour, by the way, shows a remarkable spear-shaped flower that seems to be illuminating itself. It almost looks like a flame. Check it out here: http://www.naturalnews.com/phototou...
Enjoy the photo tour! I'll make more and post them as these Ecuador journeys continue. And remember: Ecuador is a place of great mystery, where many things you've never witnessed before suddenly emerge into your experience. Every day is an adventure in Ecuador, and it opens your eyes like no other place on Earth!
Our next real estate tour in Vilcabamba is August 14 - 16. Email vilcaland@gmail.com to reserve a spot on that tour if you're interested in possibly living in the Valley of Longevity in Ecuador.
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