After a month in Cuenca, we travelled up to Baños on Saturday. It only took around 9 hours to get here, which isn’t too bad when compared to most of the other journeys we have done in South America.
The town is situated in a valley, surrounded by many high mountains. There are hydrothermal springs of mineral water all around the town, so most people come here to relax in one of the many spas around the area. It’s a fantastic little down in its own right, with lots of great little restaurants, shops and bars.
The Basilica in the centre of town is really beautiful too. There seems to be a huge church in every town in South America, however I never get bored of seeing the amazing architecture inside these old churches.
Lots of Ecuadorian’s visit Baños too, so there are lots of great little gift shops selling chocolates and sweets (candy). By far the coolest thing on sale are the hats. I currently have four hats in my bag, but I was very tempted to buy more!
Baños is also a place where many people come to do extreme sports and activities. I have done white water rafting two or three times in the past, so I was not too bothered about that, however my girlfriend Johanna dragged me into doing a canopy ride over the valley. I’ve never really done any extreme activities like that before, perhaps due to having a healthy fear of heights. When I flew over the Nazca lines, I couldn’t enjoy myself due to how often the pilots were turning the plane at 90 degree angles.
So I was surprised that I wasn’t scared before or during the canopy ride. It really wasn’t that bad; maybe I’m not as big as a pussy as I thought I was! haha.
We left Baños yesterday to travel to Quito. It was only a 3 hour journey. After a day or so here, we are going to travel back up to Colombia. I am looking forward to catching up with all my friends and family there. Plus, it will be good to get back into a normal working routine, as I am hoping to complete three or four new books over the next few months.
:)
Kevin
Thanks. I’m sure you’ll get there one day. Start saving those pennies :)
four hundred a day is more my speed, I am hugely jealous have always wanted to see south america, the stuff of legends.Buenos amigo
Yeah it was a lot of fun. I’d love to take credit for taking Johanna’s hand….but we were told to do it. We were both connected with a cable. I imagine holding hands made it more secure…or ensured we travelled faster (though this is nothing but speculation!).
No I’m not a writing machine. There are many people that can write more than me. I’ve managed three to four thousand on days when I’ve been working when travelling. If I’m home and have no distractions, I can write about five thousand a day.
:)
Kevin
Hi Kevin,
That canopy ride looks like so much fun.
It was sweet, too, how you and Johanna held hands the entire ride. :-D
Kudos to you for going here, and in Nazca, despite your fear of heights.
This town sounds like a place I’d like to visit, if only to get the hats, ha ha. I wonder if they deliver. ;-)
Three or four new books in the next few months? You are a writing machine. :-D
Happy travels.
K.K.