Quito to Banos

We decided to hire a private car for the trip from Quito to Banos and it was an excellent decision.  Victor was a good driver and a most interesting person.  He spoke English but put up with my limited Spanish and we learned a great deal from him.  His daughter is 21 and in med school.  He has worked in Quito all his life.

He told us that Quito is 50 Kilometers long and 8 wide.

Victor knew the places to stop for pictures.  This is Cotopaxi, the highest volcano in Ecuador. There are about 70 volcanoes in Ecuador.

From almost everywhere there are towns either up in the hills or down in the valley

These two pictures are typical homes.  People build enough so they can live in them and then do more as they are able.  Note the lower right pink home in the unfinished building.

These are 2 volcanos side by side  The one you can see is Iliniza Norte.  To tis left is Iliniza Sur.

Victor told us that this town of Salchdo is famous for ice cream and indeed there is a giant statue of an ice cream cone as we entered the town.  Of course we had to try the product.  this is Victor and the owner of the store with Norbert

 

I chose a cone with 5 fruit flavors layered.  It was yummy!

Tis is one of the MANY rose farms in the area.

We could use some of these!

 

So we are in Banos (tilde on the N)  It is a lovely little town and a relief from Quito.  There is  a site dvoted to US citizens who want to retire to 'Ecuador.  I can see why in places like Banos.  Cost of living is very low. Gas is subsidized so is $1.20 a gallon.  Within a couple of hours you can be at  the beach or montains .    This is definitely one of the places on our return to some day list!