Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Youmay have to pay a small fee to pass, but your money helps protect
the surrounding forest.
FromRío Verde, the road continues to drop in elevation as the ecologi-
cal life zone drifts toward that of the upper Amazon Basin. At the vil-
lage of
Río Negro
there is another trail down to the Río Pastaza.
Shortly thereafter, you'll arrive at the small village of
Mera
, with in-
credible views of the upper Amazon Basin. Most people call it quits at
this point, as the road from here is paved and the best vistas are be-
hind. To return to Baños, hitch a ride with a bus or truck. I think a
great way to head into the Oriente from Baños is on a bike until this
point and, if you canwork it out, send the bikes backwith the outfitter
and continue on your own toward Puyo.
Traffic can be a bit discouraging along the road, but buses are used to
bicyclists so be aware but don't be afraid. Most people find that this
minor discomfort is more than compensated for by the beauty of the
ride. Weather, too, can affect road conditions. A dry and bumpy dirt
road can turn into amud pit during the frequent summertime rains.
Bike Outfitters
Bikes rentals in Baños are prolific, but most
are in poor condition. Make sure you give your
bike a test drive before you rent it, and carry a
spare tube and the proper tools.
Taller de
Bicicletas Alexander
, at Oriente and Alfaro,
3-741-151, offers a good selection of roadworthy moun-
tain bikes. They carry a few dual-suspension bikes. If you
don't find what you need there, ask around at the better ho-
tels in town for their recommendations. Inquire at the
Ho-
tel Isla de Baños
for biking tours; they have better
equipment than most of the bike rental shops in town.
On Water
Whitewater Rafting
The vicinity around Baños provides Class II and III+
whitewater rafting opportunities. Numerous guides offer
trips, but many of these have are not qualified to be on the
water. This is also a high population center so the rivers
are polluted. It is not an area where you would want to fall out of the
raft and swallowamouthful of water. Check the “Travelers Comment
Book” at Café Hood for the latest on the quality of rafting operators
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