Central Highlands - Adventure Guide to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands - page 187

Baños
Zoo
Yes, believe it or not, there is a zoo in Baños. The facilities
are clean and rather impressive but the cages are rela-
tively small. Unless you're spending quite a bit of time
birding in the thick of a tropical forest, this may be your
best chance to see a harpy eagle. The harpy, one of the largest eagles
in the world, has a seven-foot wingspan and the ability to snatchmon-
keys and sloths from the branches of trees. As you would expect, the
zoo appeals primarily to children, and groups of schoolchildren often
visit.
The zoo is less than two miles west of the main road out of Baños. You
can walk there in about 45 minutes, rent a bike, or take a taxi. The
sign off themain road is obvious. Open 9-5 daily. Admission nominal.
Adventures
On Foot
There are numerous hikes in the Baños area. Some of the
better ones require getting out of town a bit and into the
surrounding countryside. Anice introductory hike is down
and across the Río Pastaza, then up any number of trails
on the north side. Spectacular views of Tungurahua open up across
the valley on clear days, and local tourist maps are available in town
that highlight some of these. Head toward the bus station and across
the main road, toward the sugarcane stands. A path behind the
booths leads down to a suspension bridge and the beginning of the
hike.
A favorite hike and a good warm-up is along the side of the mountain
that surround Baños. The views of the town below and the country-
side around it are magnificent, and the trail itself is not as steep as it
may look from the bottom. Tiny homes and farms dot the side of the
mountain, with cliff-side gates that open up to spectacular views. It's
fascinating to watch the locals working fields on the steep slopes, one
leg constantly a step above the other just to maintain balance.
For this hike, head toward the mountain, up Maldonado, until the
path begins. The path circles around the town and leads toward
Bellavista (you'll see a small white building and a cross). From
there, if you feel energetic, you can continue for another mile to the