An enticing destination due to its location surrounded by mountains with many impressive waterfalls and hot springs.

Welcomed with a free breakfast on our first morning from locals in a café on the square, after sneaking in behind the street band . No idea what breakfast consisted of, although apparently something 'typically Ecuadorian'...looked like some sort of fried meat with boiled popcorn and a very sweet coffee plus a kind of maize drink. We were glad to be a part of the fiesta of St Francisco!

Hired mountain bikes to cycle a 60km ride through the Andes down to the gateway city of the Amazon, Puyo. Very eventful; rain, sun, lots of beautiful waterfalls, bites, vomiting... not quite tears... exhilarating. Fortunately able to get the bus back to Banos with bikes in the hold. A visit to Pailon del Diablo en route was a real highlight and wet experience .Able to scuttle through a cave and climb up right underneath the extremely powerful waterfall. Luckily passports were safe in the dry bag.

Finished with an early morning visit to thermal baths round the corner from hostel - Piscina de la Virgin... socailising with the locals shoulder to shoulder under the shadow of the town's waterfall.

Onward journey bus to Cuenca via Ambato 7 hours.