Banos and Tumbaco, Ecuador

After roughing it in the southern Andes, we returned to "civilization" in the upscale city of Tumbaco, about 25 minutes south of Quito. We stayed in a delightful cottage on a country estate.

Luxury at last!

We hiked a scenic gorge along railroad tracks that were abandoned long ago. The trail wound from the riverbed through...


several tunnels considered engineering marvels for the times.

On to the town of Banos, the toffee capital of Ecuador. Every other store was engaged in the street-side production of this really sticky, sweet delight.

Every Ecuadorian town and village has its own special saint and Banos was no exception. Through the month of October the villagers set off fire crackers throughout the day, walked in parades in their Sunday best as pictured above, and held frequent services in the church that were broadcast on loudspeakers in the town square well into the night. One morning we noticed a line of cars parked opposite our hotel with doors, hoods and trunks open, for the local priest to splash holy water and say a special "car blessing".

The excellent volcanic soil produces wonderful fruit and veg....

huge green onions (spring onions) sold in bunches for 50 US cents.

Pork is a popular menu item - head 'n all.

One stop shopping - tours, river rafting, bicycle hire and laundry.

We gave up our lives to the gods and boarded this rickety cable car....

to cross the gorge to bring this photograph to you!

We also trekked down a very, very long, steep path at the bottom of the gorge to see this beautiful waterfall.

Happy 21st birthday, Lindy.

Adios Ecuador and on to sunny South Africa.

Ben & Lindy

Around Ecuador

The roads and bus drivers in Ecuador leave much to be desired, so we decided in the interest of self-preservation to fly whenever possible.

One advantage of flying was that we were able to take this photograph from our airplane. This is the summit of Chimborazo, the highest mountain in Ecuador (20,702 feet).

A windy day on the town square of Cotacachi with palm trees swaying at an elevation of 9,500 feet.

Flowers are inexpensive and bountiful in Ecuador, with roses costing $1.00 for a bouquet of 20.

Cuicocha Lake is situated in a volcanic crater two miles above sea level. The two islands in the middle of the lake appear to be floating and can only be accessed by the local Shamen for ceremonial rites.

This beautiful valley is located in southern Ecuador in an area known as Vilcabamba. Its claim to fame is perfect Spring-like weather year round and for the most centurians per capita in the world. We enjoyed hiking the mountain range surrounding the valley.

The valley is extremely fertile and fruit and vegetables grow in abundance.

One of the centurians checking Lindy out in the village of Vilcabamba.

Ben fitting in the with locals and doing laundry in the stream.

The view at the breakfast table of the valley.

Inca legend recognized Lake Cuicocha as a sacred spot and we could certainly feel the peace and tranquility here.

Unitl next time, Ben & Lindy