Hello Everyone!

I had a wonderful first week in Quito, Ecuador, and I wanted to share the trip Grace, James, Elizabeth, and I went on for the long weekend! Our first week at Colegio Menor was only Monday-Wednesday with Thursday and Friday off for the Day of the Dead and a day to celebrate the founding of the city of Cuenca. On Thursday morning, the four of us set off to the bus terminal in Quito, called Quitumbe. From here, we bought a bus ticket to Baños (it only cost $4.50!). The bus ride took about 4 hours, but we made it to the city and checked into our hostal!

Walking down the streets of Baños!

Thursday afternoon we all settled in, and then we walked around trying to get to know the city. We found a travel agency that was selling trips around Baños. We bought 3 trips, one around the ruta de cascadas to see all of the waterfalls, one to view the city from above at nighttime, and one to the casa del arbol which is an area high in the mountains that is called “the end of the world.” We bought dinner, and prepared for the next day’s adventures!

On Friday morning we embarked on a chiva to the ruta de cascadas. We were able to see waterfalls around, Grace, James, and Elizabeth got to zip line (while I happily watched), and we rode in a small cable car across a giant cliff.

The chiva we rode on, and one of the beautiful sights on our tour!

That afternoon we got some lunch and rested at the hostal. When it started to get dark, we once again boarded the chiva to head back up the mountain. We got to see the city lights at night, and there were small performances such as comedy and fire juggling.

Grace, James, Elizabeth, and I while standing above Baños at nighttime!

Saturday morning we woke up early to set out to the casa del arbol. The view from here was one of the most magical things I’ve ever seen. The chiva takes you so high up that not far above us we could see where the clouds touch the mountain. There is also a swing where you can feel like you’re flying over the world for a few minutes. This was my favorite part of the weekend, I’ve never done something so interesting and also slightly crazy.

Flying on the swing “at the end of the world.”

After this trip, we got lunch, packed, and head out to go back to Quito. The bus ride was about 3 hours again, but we all made it back. Exhausted but happy, we all rested Sunday before we began week 2 at Colegio Menor!