Day 82 - Banos to Quito, Ecuador

Before we get our bus today the plan is to go on a tour up into the mountains to get a closer look at that big thing that has been keeping us awake at night as well as some good views of the town. 

Before we set off it is time to check out of the amazing Chamanapamba hotel. It has been one of the best places we have stayed so far. 

To are what we want to see before we at off we pay a taxi driver $20 to drive us around for a few hours and then drop us at the bus station. 

Once again the scenary was spectacular. This is definitely one of the most scenic place I have been too, up there with Yosemite  and Halong Bay. 

The view across the valley to our hotel which is hidden in the trees (top left). 

Unfortunately when we get to the top the top of the volcano is covered in cloud so we don't quite get as good a view. What is surprising when we get here is how much it is still rumbling. Every few minutes we hear a rumble. Also how much ash is everywhere making the place look quite grey. There is so much we leave foot prints in the grass and can too ash out of plants. 

This vista is also home to the best tree house and swing ever! How cool is this? Doesn't look like the tree can take it though. 

The swing is brilliant fun off the side of the mountain. 

Another profile pic contender!

Nat's turn after some gentle persuasion!

Great views from the tree house too. Would have been great to be here on Saturday. 

Although once in the tree house you can see how the swing is attached. So glad I went on the swing first before seeing this!

I am lurking in the shadows on the stairs. 

We then head around the other side to get a fantastic view of Banos. Makes you realise that a tiny little town this nestled in between the mountains. 

Not bad having two football picthes for a town of this size. 

We then head back into town, crossing the river to see the black volcanic rock. 

As well as the most random place to dump an old sofa! (Or maybe it's not old and they put it there because they love to sit back and enjoy the view in comfort!). 

Crossing the bridge back into town we see a girl being strapped up ready to jump off the bridge on the giant bungee type swing they have here. Our hearts were in out mouths just watching her. I have a great video of it, although once again it looks so dodgy. Just a couple of teenage lads running the show. You can just about make her out in this picture. 

We then go and get our bus back to the hood aka Quito. I think this is the sadest I have been to leave a place. Really fallen in love with Banos. A fantastic place. Firmly on then must return one day list. 

On the way out we see where the lava flowed down the mountain into the river below. 

We get back to Quito at around 3pm and check back into the same hotel in Foch Plaza and pick up our cases that we have left there. It's been nice travelling light for a few days. 

We fancy a nice quiet one so decide to grab a burrito from the Mexican across the road and then go to the cinema to see El Lobo De Wall Street (Wolf of Wall Street). Despite the ridiculous queue and us missing the start of the film it was really good. We are back at the hotel by 10pm ready for bed in our noisy room!