A 4hr, bumpy trip in a local bus brings us to Banos high in the Andes Mountains. Along the way we have seen tired workers with their machetes thrown nonchalantly on the floor; football teams in raggetty clothes, travelling for miles to a remote village for a local game; women & children with baskets of food. All crammed next to us. The scenery gradually evolves into beautiful mountains with streams cascading down.
Arriving in Banos we immediately felt the change in climate. Cool clear air.The small town is crammed with colonial buildings and greenparks. We have chosen a $6 a night hostel Princessa Maria. When we asked the cab driver what it was like , he just rolled his eyes! But we loved it.
Generous hosts only too willing to chat and give advice. Huge room with own balcony, shower and toilet. It also had a kitchen where we could cook and a dining area where we could meet up with other guests. Like Quito there were lots of Israelis on leave from the army. Always a bit confronting for us! Roger had a bit of a political discussion but luckily it was ok......
The other guests in hostels are often a worry but apart from a frenetic woman from Belgium and a really weird family from Alice Springs......they were all really good .
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