This is the peak of Cotacachi, a volcano in Ecuador that pierces the sky at 4,944m (16,220ft) above a village that bears its name.

According to local legend, Cotacachi is the wife of nearby Imbabura, who fought a long battle with another volcano to capture her heart. Imbabura, who has been given the name Manuel, has since pre-Incan days been seen as the region’s sacred protector, or “Papa” Imbabura. Likewise, Cotacachi, who also goes by Maria Isabel, is often simply referred to as “Mama”.

It’s said that when Manuel and Maria spend the night together, Cotacachi is draped in snow the morning after. When Imbabura has a headache or feeling ill, the area is veiled in clouds.

When I snapped this photo, the afternoon breeze was filled with promise.

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Today’s Pic du Jour was snapped near Otavalo, Ecuador, on 28 March 2015.