ECUADOR - Banos

The spa town of Banos is famous for its perpetually mild climate and as the gateway between the Andes Mountains and the Oriente region of Amazonian jungle.  The town is built dramatically on a shelf under the steep slopes of the Tungurahua Volcano and has been regularly threatened by volcanic activity. Many Ecuadorians come here for the weekend to enjoy the many popular hot springs and thermal baths. The area is also excellent for walking trails that frequently lead to high waterfalls set amid the spectacular mountain scenery. The town itself is famed for the Church of the Virgin of the Holy Water.  The Virgin is credited with many miracles and the church has become a place of pilgrimage for those seeking her blessing.

The next major place on the southbound Pan American Highway is Riobamba. There are no essential sights here although it is a convenient place to stop en route to Cuenca.  The original city of Riobamba was built over 20km further south but relocated to its present position after a devastating earthquake in 1797 levelled the town.  The much smaller town of Cajabamba now stands at the original site and despite the passing of 200 years, the giant landslide that swamped the town can still be seen.