Sunday November 18, 2012

Sunday November 18/12 update  # 290

We were up bright and early to be picked up by Orlando to be driven in a comfortable Toyota Camry to the town of Banos-Ambato, which is in the shadow of the recently active volcano Tungurahua.  Banos is a hot springs visited by almost every Ecuadorian and visitor alike.  It is a 6 ½ hour drive through the Andes and very scenic.  Banos itself is a tourist town with all the usual tourist related sales.

We stayed at the very convenient Hostal Chimenea which was only a block from the hot springs, fed by a lovely bridal veil-style waterfall.

Other residents suggested we wait until evening to tackle the hot springs as the afternoon is still loaded with weekenders and kids.   We took their advice and did a little shopping and had a nice supper.   While there we noted a brochure to go to the Café Del Cielo which promised a spectacular view of Tungurahua while you sip their tea.  It is a $5 cab ride both ways but we decided to do this quickly before sunset so we would hopefully get the best of both worlds, if it was active at all.  We actually got a great view of the mountain on the drive up which made up for the disappointing view at the restaurant, which really should advertise their view of Banos which is spectacular.  Sadly the volcano was not even puffing or glowing so it looks pretty ordinary, although it has a slight snow cap.  When it was erupting in mid-August they had to evacuate Banos.  When I tried to see it in late August we were not allowed in Banos and sadly the mountain was covered with a rain cloud for a week.  Our taxi driver indicated the trepidation with which they live in the shadow of this dangerous giant.

Upon our return we grabbed our swimsuits and headed for the hot springs.  Well it actually seemed busier at night because they were refilling one pool so only two big pools were available and they were wall-to-wall with people of all ages.   It was tremendously relaxing, especially after rinsing off in an outflow of the waterfall above which is very noisy and helped us sleep at night.

That was today’s excitement.  Hugs to all.    Enjoy the pics at souvenircuenca.blogspot.com