Central Highlands - Adventure Guide to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands - page 197

travel agents in Quito or Baños, to make sure they have room for you.
It's located deep within the Río Pastaza gorge only a few yards from
the screaming Pailón del Diablo waterfall. Pack lightly, as the hike
down to the bungalows is fairly vigorous with a full load (but more
than worth the effort). Inquire with local agencies in Baños to see if it
is still open under the same management, which may have recently
changed. Meals are included in the price. $$

Where to Eat
Despite the fact that the town revolves around tourism,
Baños does not have many exceptional restaurants. There
are, however, a few good choices and numerous inexpen-
sive but mediocre establishments lining the streets in all

directions.

The restaurant at Hostal Isla de Baños , Haflants and Alfaro, 3-

740-069, [e-mail], has the best bakery in town and
serves delicious American- and European-style breakfasts. Enjoy the
morning air in an outdoor dining room set in a very nice flower gar-
den. Prices are reasonable at under $5 and can be included in the
price of the accommodations if you are staying there.

Rico Pan , Ambato and Maldonado, offers a good selection of West-
ern-oriented breakfasts and also makes some of the best bread in
town. After breakfast, stock up for the afternoon hike.

Café Hood , 16 de Diciembre and Martínez, serves delicious break-
fasts and the best vegetarian and international meals in Baños. Com-
plete with a book exchange, travelers' notebook, candles, alternative
music, and young gringo travelers, it maintains a real “café” ambi-
ance. The Hood is very popular for all meals, and justly so. The food is
delicious. The nearby Casa Hood (on Martínez between Halflants
and Alfaro), once under the same ownership, offers similar special-
ties, as well as movies and slide shows at night.

El Jardín , just down the street on the Parque de la Basílica, offers
simple dining on a very pleasant garden patio. Inside, there's a small
art gallery. The food is not bad and the setting is nice and peaceful.
There's even a hammock near one of the tables.

Café Higueron , 16 de Diciembre andMartínez, serves typical Ecua-
dorian food, mainly tasty meat and vegetarian dishes. Their desserts
are delicious.