We left the enjoyable town of Tena headed for Baños. The weather wasn’t great, it was cloudy and rainy. When you say cloudy here, it very well may mean that you are actually in the clouds – cloud forests, etc.
Things didn’t work out like we’d expected, as we missed our stop. One of the food vendors got on the bus and yelled “Baños.” I didn’t think it was the stop. Given the crappy weather, and that Baños is a town known for extreme sports, we decided to push on for Riobamba, our next planned stop.
We arrived in late afternoon and checked in to the Hotel el Estacion, across from the railway station. We asked for a room with an outside window (many hotel rooms here have windows that open to the inside courtyards). He suggested that it could get loud, especially at 6:00 a.m. We were also across the street from the train station, where the train is powered by a steam locomotive.
We went out for a walk and dinner, heading toward the old town and cathedral.
Turns out there were no restaurants in that area. We found a good Italian place and had some surprisingly good lasagna.
On a side note, we noticed many chinese restaurants. I asked a taxi driver about it. Turns out there are large Chinese and Korean populations living here.
The next day at about 6:00 a.m. voices started blaring from the street. Vendors were setting up shop –
Vendor selling health tonics
Shortly thereafter the music began. It was very loud, electronic, and rhythmic. Turns out, the train station is the location of the free public aerobics class every morning. We have seen similar public classes in parks throughout Ecuador.
After breakfast, we hopped a bus to go see La Laguna de Colta. We didn’t know what to expect, except there is a lake and the oldest church in Ecuador. We saw both.
We then went to check out Guano. Yes, an unfortunate name. This is a nearby town that is known for its crafts, particularly its woven wool rugs. This area of Ecuador has some of the flatter (relative to the steep Andes mountain sides) and richer farmland that we’ve seen. We were unimpressed with Guano’s craft offerings, but stepped up to trying the fritado, a platter heaped with meats, carbs, and a tiny bit of salad.
That evening, we had a lovely sea bass dinner at El Delirio. It is a very cool house where Simon Bolivar used to have liaisons with his mistress Manuela Saenz.
We’re back in Cuenca now. Last night we had dinner with Richard, our first gringo friend in Ecuador. Tonight it’s the family Mejia. We picked up our Brazilian visas today, (the consulate is on the second floor of a Kia dealership). Tomorrow, off to Vilcabamba, then adios Ecuador, and hola Peru.
I spent 2 weeks in Peru (my Mothers homeland) five years ago. It is so beautiful ! We were in Lima for a week with all my Auntie’s and cousins. The food was fantastic! Miraflores is a nice district of Lima, you can go para-sailing there too. The very best of Peru is Cuzco…..and of course Machu Picchu was breath taking! Enjoy your stay in Peru. I really have enjoyed your travel blog!
I had no idea of your Peruvian connection. How cool it must have been visiting with family. Thanks for the tips!
Really enjoying your travelogue and pictures. It looks like a fascinating place. Happy Trails to you both.