I am writing this blog on the first Sunday after I started working. Trying to grasping every memory before it’s fading away. Soon, I will likely to let work or rather America way of life to consume me. There is someone from work told me that she’d done a similar trip 7 years ago. Perhaps to comfort myself, I am not alone.
Day 1
Said goodbye to Cuenca, hopped on a bus to Baños.
Arriving at town. The town itself isn’t too impressive, the the nature around makes up for it.
Decided to eat at the Sunday market
Of course, some craft beers, finally
My hostel host is super sweet. It has a very cool place just at edge of the town even upgraded me to a private bath. It has a beautiful campground with the view of the Hiking path to the swings.
Day 2
Socialized with a sweetest French couple, and decided to go on a hike
Almost 2/3 of the way we see an active volcano in our path
Finally arrived at the famous Baños swing entrance
Day 3
Rented a bike for $5 to do a bike trip
Weather was perfect, in about a bit over an hour. I arrived the first destination. First, I stopped by lunch
The major stop of the day
I continued a bit more to the next waterfall.
Was pretty tired and got back to rest early
Day 4
Zoo day
First took a walk in town to get to the zoo
At the zoo
Day 5
Leaving Baños. Well, unfortunately this is where I lost my headphone (it was taken while I was hurried down to take a bus transfer) case. No big deal, but I also had to report loss for my only back up ATM card that’s stored in it.
The town Latacunga has a lot of potential, but definitely not as developed as Baños
Day 6
Next day started my journey towards the Quilotoa Loop
First part was bit boring. Quickly met up with other Europeans on the hike. It became much more fun then.
The weather was nice. Perfect for exercising. Not hot.
The hostel was just an amazing mountain lodge. It’s probably the best I’ve ever stayed
Even has a game room with wood stove
Gourmet dinner with every. Such a wonderful night. I slept well
Day 7
I would have stayed for an extra day. The bright sun just motivated me to continue the loop
Day 2 of the loop!
I decided to take a little detour to have a bit variety
Seriously, you can never get old on these views
What’s cool is that for $15 ($20 for private) a night you get amazing dinner and breakfast included.
Expenses
| Week 44 | Currency: | USD | 1 | |||
| Day | Food&Drink | Lodging | Transportation | Other (tickets/tours etc) | Day total | Country |
| 1 | $26.27 | $8.53 | $15.50 | $0.00 | $50.30 | Ecuador |
| 2 | $4.00 | $8.53 | $0.30 | $1.00 | $13.83 | Ecuador |
| 3 | $20.00 | $8.53 | $9.00 | $4.50 | $42.03 | Ecuador |
| 4 | $18.16 | $8.53 | $0.00 | $6.00 | $32.69 | Ecuador |
| 5 | 5 | $9.40 | $6.00 | $0.00 | $20.40 | Ecuador |
| 6 | $9.58 | $20.00 | $2.65 | $5.00 | $37.23 | Ecuador |
| 7 | $5.50 | $20.00 | $0.00 | $5.00 | $30.50 | Ecuador |
| $88.51 | $83.54 | $33.45 | $21.50 | |||
| Total | Grand Total: | $227.00 |
Everywhere and everything was looking very beautiful! That’s comforting and interesting how a coworker went on a similar trip. Good job finding yourself!