Baths, treehouses and swings (and dessert)
Banos, a town known for it’s scenic beauty, garish tour operators and lackluster town. When I decided to visit Banos, I figured I would do a few guided adventures. Rafting, climbing, etc.
However, I arrived at close to 5 PM and spent my first night walking through town. Which, although lackluster and tourism focused is not bad. The people are very friendly. The town itself, is nestled in a lush, green valley and surrounded by several waterfalls. My hostel is nice and they overbooked, so I got a double room for the price of a single. And the wifi is strong enough to stream movies. I ended up watching Looper. I saw Looper when it came out and didn’t care for it. I’ve been meaning to and finally gave it a second try. I am glad I did. I really enjoyed it. Just as I started the movie, the hostel pulled metal gates down over my windows. A true theatrical experience!
Sleeping in total darkness was amazing. I slept until 9 AM and quickly started my day. Coffee, breakfast and off an adventure. I decided against a tour. I wanted to be on my own schedule. My plan was to do a short hike up to a vista point and probably come back down. Afterwards, get a massage.
I walked alone and stood atop a hill, surveying Banos. The school marching band was practicing outside, and the sound of drums reverberated throughout the whole valley. It was a proper tribute to my splendor.
Also, the hike was really hard. It was very steep, and I was trudging through it. Especially after being extremely lazy for several days in Mindo. I persevered, and made it to the vista point.
Next, I set out on the road. A hand-painted sign informed me of a volcanic spa, 2.5km ahead. It’s actually a cafe, and a series of 4 pools overlooking the valley. Rough guides (a travel book), said both offer the most amazing views in the region. I was sold. And, the road was uphill, but easy. The pools were beautiful. And the views breathtaking. I had no bathing suit, but was the only one there. So, I just went in au natural.
After bathing, I visited the cafe and had lunch. Grilled cheese with ham and tomato. It was everything I could have wished for. So comforting!
Feeling refreshed, I decided to hike another 90 minutes for a full view of the volcano and valley via tree house. The manager of the spa highly recommended it. Well, shit. It was another arduous hike. And, there were no signs pointing which way to go. The first fork in the road, I chose poorly. I ended up on someones farm and had to backtrack down a very steep path. The second fork, I had a similar experience. This time, I ran into a couple of local farmers and asked them which way to go. 20 minutes later, I was on my way. I suppose there was a road I could have taken, but I got sent up what could only be a trail of the gods. It was very steep. In some sections I was forced to scramble up with my hands and feet.
It was worth it! The views from the tree house were stunning. Resting at almost 7000′ elevation, the volcano still towered above me. So much of this region is covered in volcanos. The tree house even had a little swing.
I spent the two hours resting and soaking it all in. I had the joy of watching this elderly nun, zip across the park. The smile on her face and the people with her was amazing. I hope I never forget to play.
Lastly, I had enjoyed Mediterranean food for dinner in a charming restaurant next to my hostel. Dessert was warranted.
I leave tomorrow for Puyo, but I daresay I shall be back. I’ve really enjoyed Banos, and will try and pass through on my way back to Quito. In Puyo, I will be volunteering at a monkey refuge, designed to help orphan monkeys that have been illegally hunted and captured.
#timtears 
One Response to “Baths, treehouses and swings (and dessert)”
Wow. Everything you captured has made this a destination for me. Some people throw the ‘epic’ around very loosely. Not me. This entry… Banos… epic. The bath and sandwich shots… c’mon.
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