A place to chill called Banos

Banos was a chilled out place that you could easily spend some time. Especially if you had just arrived and wanted to take some Spanish lessons, for example. We had 5 nights at the Hostal Plantas y Blanco. We partook in a couple of steam baths that they offered, where you sit in and have your head sticking out, and at 5 minute intervals we would have cold water poured over us. I was exhausted after the first one and needed an afternoon sleep! We hiked to a couple of miradors, not by the convential way (so it was harder) for great views over the city. Ian hired a motorbike and explored. We both had a massage - although my mud wrap on my stomach and back, and having to lie still for 2 hours, was far too much for my bladder and rather boring! Other activities that you can do - but we did not as it rained for a few days, are - thermal pools, waterfalls, more hiking, riding push bikes the 60 kms to the jungle in Puyo, or taking a night tour in a Chiva (bus) to see the active volcano - but we never had a clear night. What was funny though, we met 2 girls, Karin and Lauren, who were going to be on our Galapagos trip!