5 Great Things To Do In Banos, Ecuador

Known as the 'Gateway to the Amazon', Banos in Ecuador is one of the most popular destinations in the country, and it's not hard to see why. Tourists, volcanologists, religious pilgrims and a whole host of other characters are drawn to Banos for a variety of reasons, probably one of the five listed below.

1) They want to enjoy a spot of culture
Banos is famous for its magnificent Basilica, the Church of the Virgin of the Holy Water. Pilgrimages are frequently made to thank the Virgin for the many miracles that she is said to have performed and for blessings. The Virgin gets her own festival in October, a combination of religious processions, music, dances and ear-splitting fireworks. If festivals are your thing, you'd do well to arrive in town on December 15th, when the anniversary of the town is celebrated. Each neighbourhood hires a band, and wild dancing in the street ensures.

2) They go in search of outdoor antics and thrill-seeking
Banos has something for everyone, from bike rides cruising through spectacular scenery, to horse riding to bungee jumping off bridges. Those wanting to use pedal power can ride the 60km to Puyo on the recently paved road, dropping from 6000ft in the Ecuadorian high jungle down into the rain forest basin. You will pass waterfalls and stunning vistas before shooting through dark tunnels cut into the rock and out the other side, stopping off with fruit vendors to load up on vitamins for the rest of the journey.

3) They flex their shopping muscles
Banos is home to some wonderful markets and shops where you can find some high quality crafts, handiwork and silver jewelry at very low prices. For those wanting to satisfy their sweet tooth, you can try out the local sugar cane taffy 'Melcocha'. You may see it being made or pulled by beating the candy against a door frame or other sturdy surface. The town market is also overflowing with local produce, so for cheap food that's about as organic as you'll ever get as you wander the maze of stalls.

4) They explore a volcano
Banos was evacuated in October 1999 for several weeks, thanks to the highly active Tungurahua volcano. Known as 'The Black Giant', the volcano is the largest in Ecuador, but easy to climb. There are periodic drills to keep visitors and residents aware of potential risks, so you shouldn't run into any trouble. To get up close to the majesty of Tungurahua, arrange a tour of the 400 metre diameter crater.

5) They take a thermal bath
Banos didn't get its name for nothing; any visitors to the town would be missing the point somewhat without dipping into one of the many hydrothermal mineral springs that pop up everywhere. There are numerous spas around town, and they are an ideal way to ease aching muscles after a day on a bike saddle or hiking through the surrounding hills. Temperatures vary from scorching hot to cool, depending on the amount of cold water mixed into the bath's water supply. Enjoy the thermal springs in town at Banos de la Virgen near Hotel Sangay, and Santa Clara baths which boast a sauna and a gym. Other options are El Salado, Santa Ana, and Eduardo's baths near town.

From active volcanoes to gentle walks, adrenaline fuelled rafting trips to soaking in warm mineral-rich waters, you'll find something in Banos to suit you. A good option is to get in contact with a regionally based tour operator that can help you make the most of your trip; chances are you won't have enough time to enjoy all that the town has to offer!

About the Author

Gary Sargent is the Managing Director of the tour companies Escaped to Peru and Escaped to Latin America and has lived in South America for over 10 years. Gary is passionate about life here, the people, customs and places. To learn more or to book your next adventure please visit http://www.escapedtolatinamerica.com

Huaorani and Achuar - Ethnic Groups From the Ecuadorian Amazon

When thinking about the Spanish conquerors' arrival to the Kingdom of Quito, Ecuador, it is impossible not to imagine how astonished would they have felt by looking at the various social settlements and realizing how different could their culture and customs be, regardless of being separated by very short distances. This diversity is still found today in Ecuador, a multi-ethnic and thus multicultural nation that is nowadays home to fourteen ethnic groups, living in more than sixteen communities. Among these indigenous groups we can find the Huaorani and the Achuar, both communities that have stood out as nature's guardians.

The Huaorani have a population of 4.000 people, located inside the Ecuadorian Amazon basin, in the provinces of Orellana, Pastaza and Napo, which comprised in a 6,125km² (3805sq.mi) area considered by the Ecuador government, since 1990, an untouchable indigenous reserve, thanks to its support and conservation of ethnical customs and beliefs policy. Their reserve overlaps with the Yasuní National Park, one of the most biologically diverse places on Earth, something that provides them some measure of environmental protection and, at the same time, makes them its primary defenders, given their belief of respecting everything that exists.

The Huaorani people are known for taking the decision to live in complete isolation, away from the contemporary world. The forest is their home, and they consider the outside world to be unsafe. Among their beliefs is found that of afterlife. According to them, a person who dies walks a trail to the next life guarded by large python. Those who cannot escape the snake fail to enter the spirits' domain and return to Earth to become animals. Another Huaorani belief is that deer's eyes are similar to those of humans, and therefore they shall not hunt and eat them.

Living south of the Huaorani settlements are found the Achuars, formed by 28 communities settled in the provinces of Morona Santiago and Pastaza, being Kapawi their most internationally famous community. They are sedentary people that inhabit the Amazon region and are deeply attached to it, something of great importance when it comes to defending that area. The Achuar people preserve old practices such as polygamy, something that results into big, expanded families living at the same house. Marriages are typically made of partners somehow related or, in some instances, women are taken from nearby tribes. The size of the house plays a primordial part in the self-esteem of an Achuar man. The bigger the house, the more wives and children can fit on it, and therefore they're more likely to be considered a juunt, or "great man".

The Achuar community live in peace with Nature, feeding on what it provides them. Unlike the Huaorani, the Achuar welcome visitors who want to get to know their culture, their lifestyle and their spirituality while having a different travel experience at the same time. Ecuador will amaze you with the variety of immeasurable cultural treasures you'll find at every step. Although indigenous cultures can be considered as odd by the modern world at first, it is through the observation, knowledge and understanding of these millenary cultures that we'll be able to brake free from our prejudices and learn to respect life of all kinds and, therefore, protect the environment.

Visiting Ecuador's indigenous communities is the perfect opportunity to mix adventure with the experience of discovering different people and ways of life. Let them show you how and why they've become Nature's keepers.

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