Known locally as Baños Ambato, due to its proximity to the nearby town of Ambato, and the need for distinction because there are other towns named Baños in Ecuador, this is a small town nestled in a sort of bowl within the Andes. Literally one mountain over towers Volcan Tungarahua, an active volcano threatening more each day to annihilate the town whole. Some residents have fled out of fear and respect for Mother Nature, while others stand strong, convinced that no eruption will come, at least not in their lifetime. All, however, know it is imminent. And when it comes, no one will be able to escape because the town is positioned in a lowpoint surrounded by mountain walls, and the city will be washed away. Thus life persists in this colorful Andean town which lies on the edge of the Amazon, beckoning travelers with its many adventure opportunities.
-Brian |
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This is the main street in town, exactly wide enough for one vehicle, and housing the bulk of the commercial businesses. The strip, if you will. Although cars are allowed to drive down it, it is trafficked mainly by pedestrians.
Upon arrival, we immediately noticed an inordinately large number of children running around in masses. After inquiring with a local, we found out that we had arrived on the last day of school for the Ecuadorian public school system, and that it's tradition for all the area schools to take a field trip to Baños on the last day. So there we were, amidst hundreds of children from Kindergarden through 12th grade, chasing each other, spreading rumors, eating candy, and smiling in wonder at gringos. |
Case in point, within the first 10 minutes this group of high school girls giddily stopped us and one other random gringo to ask us if we would take our picture with them. My reply was simple: "Sure, but you have to take your picture with us, too."
Let the foreshadowing commence... |
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An organized fútbol match takes place, oblivious to the youthful frollicking going on beyond the brick wall. |
Baños is so named because of the hot baths located at the foot of this waterfall. The steaming baths are naturally heated by Volcan Tungarahua, looming just on the other side of this mountain.
The dragon train in the foreground serves simply as more foreshadowing. |
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A calm park located just off the main road, well enclosed by its foliage, giving a good feeling of privacy and intimacy. |
| Wouldn't you know it, an hour after our meeting turned photography session, we would again run into this same group of girls, and the obvious thing to do was to hop on the dragon and cruise through town. We were the only adventurers on it at first, swerving and careening our way up and down the city blocks, playing a mean game of corners. This was no doubt one of the most fun, spontaneous, random, pure, and memorable experiences of my life. |
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Hey Eric, where's your hat, bro? |
| Havin' a good time!
next baños gallery |
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