"The Aguardiente Tour"

Aguardiente translates as "fire water" - it's the traditional alcohol brewed in Ecuador. It is made from sugar cane, which is crushed, distilled and fermented to produce alcohol with a grade ranging from 50 to 80%. In the countryside of Bolivar Province, a litre bottle of aguardiente sells for anything between 30 cents and $1.50. There is a small distillation plant (pictured above) in Piedra Blanca - if the season is right, you can witness the entire brewing process. Treks along the "alcohol contraband route" can also be made.