The brink of the crater does not resemble any of the other volcanoes I have visited, such as Vesuvius, Jorullo or Pichincha. On the peak the wall, which surrounds the crater like a parapet, is so high that it would not let you reach La Caldera were it not for a breach on the eastern side caused by a very ancient lava overflow. We climbed down through this gap to the bottom of the elliptical funnel.

It was fascinating to see guacamayos, or tame macaws, flying around the Indian huts as we see pigeons in Europe. This bird is the largest and most majestic of the parrot species. Including its tail it measures 2 feet 3 inches. The flesh, which is often eaten, is black and rather tough. These macaws, whose feathers shine with tints of purple, blue and yellow, are a grand ornament in Indian yards, and are just as beautiful as the peacock or golden pheasant. Rearing parrots was noticed by Columbus when he first discovered America.