Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
shaking and lava shoots skyward from its mouth, tourists head
toward
Tungurahua to
catch the eruption up close, but when seismic activity is at its highest, the government
closes down roads leading to Baños. This doesn't happen often but it's a good idea to
check the latest updates before planning your stay.
Though the town is small, it offers an overwhelming range of things to do see, and eat and
because of its size, everything is located within walking distance. The bus terminal is sta-
tioned two blocks from the central square, where buses to and from all corners of the
country can be boarded, and whose lot is sectioned off by a line of booths where women
sell sugarcane, fruit and taffy, Baños' signature sweet.
In fact, this walk from the bus terminal exhibits a perfect introduction to the city. Once
you hop off, the scent of fresh bread can be immediately sensed from nearby bakeries, and
as Baños is known for its sweets, the town's air is ceaselessly infused with a faint hint of
sugar. The walls are painted with murals depicting nearby landscapes and quotes from
famous Latino songs, and between them men push and pull gargantuan stretches of taffy
from their doorways, creating a kind of outdoor factory. These stands sell a spectrum of
local artisanal products, from berry syrup to coconut macaroons and
dulce de leche
- a
small cream-and-sugar confection wrapped in colorful plant leaves. Another well-known
local product sold along this route is
tagua,
or ivory-nut palms that are carved by skilled
artisans (just ask to see their workshops often situated in each store's back) to create jew-
elry, animal figurines and even chess sets. Be careful with your goods however: one drop
and the tagua could break.
