We had certainly seen enough Quito, it was time to move on. Our destination was a quaint little spa town in the middle of the country, three hours south of Quito. (This map is from another tour, but it shows where we went.)
We arrived at the cute hotel Lucia had stayed in before, unloaded our bags, and went in search of lunch.
At $17 per night, per person including a wonderful breakfast, this hotel right on one of the town squares was perfect. Had onsight parking for Lucia's car, and walking distance to everything. Since we arrived after 2pm, we had a late lunch, walked around a little and when we got drizzled on, decided to head back for naps. Good choice, since we would head out early...like before 6am! What?! In the morning our first stop was the hot spring. Go early before the sun gets hot, and before the crowds.
None of the hot spring pictures are mine, didnt know about taking electronics to the water, so I found these online. View from a distance, the waterfall is cooling off one of the hot springs, so it is just warmer than bath water.
Bath water pool...there is also Hot Hot pool and a cool pool on this level. Lockers, changing rooms, showers, really nice place.
And the Hot Hot pool, and cool pool on the bottom level. The waters had been analyzed at some point and the ingredients were posted. Supossed to have healing powers and many locals used to drink it, which left their teeth a strange mustard color. Another interesting thing we learned from Lucia is the laundry area.
The cascada (waterfall) pours into this laundry facility, it's not used as much anymore, but the local women used to come and do laundry with fresh water, and hot water from the hot spring. After our soak, we went back to change for breakfast before moving on to other sights. (Breakfast was lovely, fresh juice, fresh bread with marmalade, scrambled eggs and ham, and of course coffee)
Our next stop, the Tree swing on the edge of the world, sounds ominous...
Nope! Breathtaking was more the word!! We did get a glimpse of the Volcano while driving, but by the time we got up here, the clouds had come in.
We all did the "zip line swing" and then the swing over the edge...Mom and Lucia first
This one was a little scary, I only wanted to be pushed a couple times. But it was spectacular!
View from the top of the treehouse
Really was an amazing place. The white boxes are green houses, this area is big for growing Tree Tomatoes and flowers for export. A couple more photo opps, and it was back down the hill.
The altitude had bothered us a bit in Quito, especially walking upstairs, or hills. It wasnt as high here, but we did get winded. I am so glad I am getting to see some more of this beautiful country. Certainly plenty to do here! But have I mentioned...Im freezing? I havent had so many clothes on, well in three plus years!
Lunch, maybe naps, Lucia is in charge, so stay tuned...the adventure continues!
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