The next few days of my Ecuadorean adventure were spent visiting an animal rescue centre in Pastaza, an orchard bosque in Puyo and Casa Verde in Baños. The city of Baños, in eastern Tungurahua Province, is known as the “Gateway to the Amazon”, as it the last big city in the mountains before reaching the jungle and other towns in the Amazon River basin.
The rain-forest is an escape into a mysterious, unique world of hidden creatures, plants and micro-level beauty, leaving an impression on all the senses, and a valuable experience of nature in its purest form. “The Ecuadorian Amazon is one of the most bio-diverse areas on the planet, home to an incredible array of plant and animal species as well as extraordinary indigenous cultures. Add to that the fascinating mix of Indigenous communities that populate the region, and the mystery of the shaman traditional medicine healer, and you are in for a unique cultural experience too.”
In Baños, we had a Baño de Cajon; a traditional spa treatment, a steam/sauna in a box, for purification. We sat in our swimwear in the box with a towel around our necks and operated a lever inside the box which adjusted how hot the box could be with the steam. Our heads popped out the top. A spa attendant dabbed our hot faces with towels and brought us a pint of cold tea of some kind. It was delicious! Every so often, we would leave the box and be completely covered with icy, cold water. Then we would return to the box, heat up and repeat. It felt so refreshing; the water over our feet and legs and then another bucketful over our heads. After our last turn, we took a cold shower, put on a face mask and ate some fresh pineapple. The tradition is supposed to be great for blood flow, hypertension, cleansing, skin and other health and relaxation reasons.
Next, we headed to El Pailon del Diablo, situated a short drive from Baños. After a long walk down (and up), and through the rock face, we reached the falls. It was a breathtaking experience with an amazing energy. The waterfall was colossal, misty, impressive and with surrounding my greenery. We had a fresh juice at the cafe across from the suspension bridge and admired the views.
Our final stop before heading back to Quito for the night was El Casa del Arbol; the swing at the end of the world. I strapped myself in, pushed myself off and held my breath as I admired the mountain views from such a height. Cows grazed in the fields and the sky was speckled with clouds.
Back in Quito, we packed super fast, ate delicious Mexican food and said goodbye to Felipe’s family, ready for our flight to Galapagos early the next morning! Rainforests have been a crucial part of my journey in mainland Ecuador; some of my most memorable, happy days have been spent in midst of an idyllic, rainforest space.
Trip Playlist:
Bacilos – Mi Primer Million
TLC – Waterfalls
Julieta Venegas – Eres Para Mi
Holly Stark 
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