The active volcano Tungurahua is near Baños and the city is situated between the Andes and the Amazon. The last major eruption was in 2006 and the healing power of the many waters here balances the destructive power from eruptiond.
There are images of goblins, gnomes, and elves throughout the city. They are mythical creatures and are considered the first protectors of the Earth.
Banos de Agua Santa is named because of the natural mineral thermal springs in the area. As in other areas, they are believed to be possess healing properties and I for one enjoy soaking in warm baths.
Today is a day for enjoying nature, relaxing, and a little pampering.
Casa de árbol
The casa de árbol is a great mirador (lookout) to view the volcano Tungurahua as well as the city. This morning was very foggy as there was much rain the night before. Giant swings, a small Zipline, and beautiful gardens are a rain to spend time here.
Pasarela diamante
This skywalk is the first glass skywalk in Latin America. It is over 1000 meters above the city of Baños.
Climbing up above the observation deck gives another interesting view.
Mano de Pachamama
The hands of Pachamama is another impressive viewpoint in Baños. This artistic work of art resembles hands emerging from nature and the heart in the middle of it all. Pachamama means mother earth and is the giver and protector of nature.
by a connection, the heart
Afterwards, we ate at cafe de cielo (café in the sky). I ordered cevichochos which is a ceviche with chocho (lupine beans). It is the best tasting ceviche broth I have had here in Ecuador. Also, chochos are now my favorite bean to eat. Double the protein of most other beans and as much calcium as a glass of milk. I also had cheese empanadas.
We had about an hour and a half to walk around before our 6 hour spa appointment at Luna Volcan.
This little dog, Princess, was in the apartment downstairs and would greet me through the fence. Not very friendly, but cute.
Luna Volcan is a spa high on the mountain overlooking Baños. There are package deals and the driver we hired was able to negotiate other packages.
For $122 each, we had a three hour pass to the pools and spa waters. Even though it was raining, it was great. Afterwards, we had a one hour relaxing massage followed by full body exfoliation with a chocolate scrub. The price also included dinner, with a choice of entree and either an appetizer or dessert.
A great way to spend the last night in Baños. The views are amazing here too. It is on the same property as cafe de cielo.
