Baños

Baños is a town on the edge of the Ecuadorian jungle. Arriving from the Andes (totally deserted) we saw how quickly the landscape changes. Beyond is the Ecuadorian jungle. Growing in the tropical climate is cultivated Passion Fruit. Baños is located in a valley with waterfalls and hot springs. Set beside the Tungurahua volcano over 5,000 high (the volcano is active). It has a spa (a little crowded) and many businesses running outdoor activities (quads, horseback riding, hiking, rafting ...). It is a good place to spend a couple of days before entering the jungle.

My experience in the bathrooms here was great. I had wanted to get around, see rivers, waterfalls, mountain walks, active volcanoes, buggy rides, bike, bus tour, rafting, hot springs and even more things you can do if you choose not to sleep, so this is definitely a place where there is a ton of worldwide tourism. Don't think that the fear of the high crime rate in the country is all there is to it. It just depends on where you go see: Salinas, Montanita, Quito, Cuenca, half the world etc ... I was in May 2011 and nothing is packed with people, rather a moderate tourism at that time, I hope to return ...

Banos is surrounded.

Encircled by violent green mountains and rebellious volcanoes, Banos sits on Ecuador’s edge. Behind the tranquil town flow the Andes, dipping and diving, over the small nation’s backbone, while in front of her steep valleys descend to the Amazon’s dense and humid jungles.

At 1800 meters, Banos still catches a coolish, temperate climate attracting many urban Ecuadorians to come and relax in Volcan Tungaruhua-heated thermal springs while praying the menacing volcano will stay asleep for at least the weekend.

As an authoritarian parent would, the mountains encroach-upon and hover-over the grid-patterned town. This claustrophobic and foreboding feel only heightens when Tungaruhua rises from the clouds. If the volcano were to erupt, escape would prove difficult. Perhaps that is why in its history the town has been evacuated numerous times simply on a cautionary basis.