Nestled in the foothills of the Cotopaxi Volcano, San Agustin de Callo is built on the site of an important ruin. First built In 1440 by the Inca Huayna Capac, it is assumed that it was a temple or a palace. When the Spanish came and wanted to build their hacienda they used the Inca buildings and integrated the hacienda into it. Therefore, the hacienda is a mixture of Incan architecture and colonial style. In almost all of Ecuador, the old Inca buildings were destroyed and the stones used in other construction making this an almost unique building.
Courtyard of San Augustine - Inca Temple
Temple now a chapel
We spent a day touring the local area visiting a local market in search of a mask for the Carter family collection, eating a leisurely lunch and touring an Ecuadorian rose farm. Returned to San Augustine for dinner which is served in one of the Inca rooms which is built of dark stone and features walls 3-feet thick!
Roses ready for export
Dining room featuring 3-feet thick Inca walls
Discussed our itinerary in light of the earlier set-back on Cotopaxi. As Cotopaxi was, in part, the warm up and acclimatization for Chimborazo, we decided to return to Cotopaxi and leave her bigger brother for another trip. In any mountaineering expedition, the weather gods have the last say.
To all of you who have already contributed to our charitable cause, our heartfelt thanks. To those still sitting on the fence, we hope you will help us reach our goal.
Simon and Martin
http://www.justgiving.com/Martin-Wikstrom-and-Simon-St-Clair-Carter-4-Volcanoes-5-Nurses
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