This was our last week in Ecuador, we had a great time in the 6.5 weeks we spent here. We are now off to Machu Picchu for a week and then to the Bahamas for 3 weeks to “unwind” from our vacation.
While in Cuenca, we noticed something interesting — they must have a real affinity for American brands because many stores shamelessly rip off them off. We first noticed it when walking to the market where we saw a sign that said P.J. Maxx. The logo was exactly like the T.J. Maxx logo but it was just a small store that sold clothes. We thought it was funny. Then we kept seeing others that follow that mantra. Here are a few:
Would you like to buy your software from Microsoft or Markosoft?
Microsoft or Markosoft?
Don’t think you can buy any burritos from this Chiplote:
No burritos here at Chiplote
Need something for the kids? Consider Hell Kitty instead of Hello Kitty:
Hell Kitty or Hello Kitty?
Finally, I thought Hudsons was purchased by Marshall Fields. Guess it tells you how much I know — they just went south to Ecuador!
Hudsons still alive and kicking in Ecuador
We also noticed that you can purchase movies on DVD for a buck. A buck, really? How do they do that? Well, I guess pirating movies here is a really big business. They have DVD stores on every corner with the latest releases for a buck. The movie studios must just be cringing. Hey, consumers love it — similar to using Redbox for a buck but you get to keep the movie!
Ingapirca
In our final week here in Ecuador, we visited Ingapirca — probably the best Inca ruins in Ecuador. They were impressive. The Incas were similar to the Romans in that they wanted to dominate the region and they did for many years. They occupied territory that is now Chile all the way up to Columbia and created the Inca trail that tied their territories together. The Inca trail spans over 2,000 miles. Ingapirca was one of the last areas they spread to by taking over lands previously occupied by the Canas.
Ingapirca was built in the highlands with incredible views of the valley. Here are some pictures, but they don’t do it justice, you really should visit!
Ingapirca
Ingapirca
Ingapirca
Ingapirca
Ingapirca
Ingapirca
Ingapirca
Notice how well the stones fit together
Ingapirca
Great views of the valley below
While we were visting the ruins, we captured on video an Andean band playing native Andean music. Click the picture below to see the movie. Very cool!
Hasta Luega!
WeBeTripping Blog 
Hey Steve & Lynn – love the blog and especially the photos. How is the weather there. We are hearing all about Hurricane Sandy. Hope you are ok where you are. Stay safe. We are exhausted. Got back from Orlando this afternoon foot sore and after 12 hour days looking forward to our own bed and a couple days of rest. Katie much better this time. We will take her for a swim tomorrow. Love R&D
Hi Rhonda! Glad to hear you had a great time in Orlando and that Katie is fine. We were going to fly through Miami to the Bahamas but we are spending 3 nights in Miami because of the hurricane. But not a bad place to be stuck, we are enjoying it. We fly out to the Bahamas tomorrow. Take care! Tell Duncan we said hello.
We remember that Chiplote’s sign in Cuenca! Fun seeing it on your webpage.