Baños

Baños is an amazing city in Ecuador located at the foot of the Tungurahua volcano.  The views in Baños are absolutely breathtaking.  It's a must-see place if you're ever in Ecuador.  I traveled to Baños with the other girl, Lavina, who is also working at Quitumbe from Indiana University, and her host family including Alex (mom) and Genesis (7-year old).  Alex is the vice principal at the Quitumbe, and Genesis is in one of my English classes.  On the first day we rode around on the colorful chiva bus through the Ruta de Las Cascadas (waterfull route), we stopped to see some amazing waterfalls, hiked, and zip lined.

Casa Del Arbol 

Are next stop in Baños was the Casa Del Arbol, which is a famous treehouse, with the swing at the end of the world.  The view from this spot was absolutely breathtaking, and riding the swing was amazing.  Unfortunately, after being there for about an hour you could no longer see the view because the clouds had covered everything, it was as if we were engulfed in a giant cloud.  

Bungee Jumping

The next day I filled my thrill seeking needs by jumping off the side of the bridge.  It was an exhilarating experience, and one that left me wanting more.  After my first jump (which was a forward dive) off the bridge, the guide asked if I wanted to go again backwards, I couldn't resist so then went for jump #2 backwards off the bridge.  After this bungee jumping experience, I am now ready for sky diving :) 

Pailon del Diablo (Devil's Cauldron)

This waterfall is truly amazing, you can get so close to it, and the sound and rush of the water is very calming.  First we went on the bridge where we could see the waterfall from a distance, then we took the path that led us super close to the waterfall.  I was absolutely soaked from just standing near it. Additionally, there was a little path through a cave that we crawled through that took us behind the waterfall. The waterfall itself is massive and the flow of the water is strong and rapid.