Leaving Banos

Day 9:

We are little sad because we left Banos today. Before we left we had another fantastic breakfast at Posada del Arte. We said goodbye to Jim and Marcia (the hotel owners) and thanked them for their warm hospitality.

We went to Basilica de Nuestra Senora de Agua Santa church, which is in the Banos square, to take pictures and visit the museum upstairs. The museum had a few interesting religious artefacts and dead animals in jars.

We grabbed a quick bite to eat at La Bella Halia. We ordered pizza because pizza is very popular in Banos and we had to try it.

Later we went to the bus terminal to catch a bus to our next hotel – Hosteria San Mateo (10 km north of Latacunga). Our bus ticket cost only $2.50 for an hour and half bus ride. We feel very comfortable taking the bus now. Before our visit we were very hesitant about the buses and the safety concerns we´ve read about. As long as you are vigilant and aware of your surroundings, like in most countries, the buses in Ecuador are by far the best transport you can use and really, really cheap.

Like we mention before the buses will stop for anyone along side the road. We tested that procedure as we had to get off the bus in between two towns. We told the “hooker” that we needed to get off km marker 55 km, which is where our next hotel was located. The bus slowed down a little and we jumped off. How fun! We now feel like the locals.

Upon our arrival at Hosteria San Mateo we were given a warm alcoholic orange drink. It was very good. The Hosteria San Mateo is located near the Pan American Hwy and is secluded from any other forms of life. Therefore, you had to eat at their restaurant or else take a taxi or bus to the next town 10 km south. We ate dinner at the hotel and felt the prices were a little high for Ecuadorian standards, but it was good.