Banos City/Region: Quito This small town, famous for its hot springs, is framed by majestic mountains and volcanoes and is the gateway to the Amazon rainforest. Dangerously situated on the slopes of the active Tungurahua volcano however, Banos is also on constant alert for signs of activity from 'the Black Giant', which might require immediate evacuation. The town is popular with Ecuadorian and international travelers alike as a place to relax in unspoilt, peaceful surroundings. The best known of the therapeutic hot baths is the Piscina de La Virgin, which is next to
a waterfall. For the traveller looking for action there are numerous activities, including horse riding, hiking and mountain biking. It is also possible to organize trips to the Oriente, the forests of the Amazon Basin, where one can see wildlife, visit indigenous communities deep in the jungle and experience life in the isolated far reaches of the country. There are many bars and restaurants throughout the town, often with live folk music. Banos is also home to Ecuador's most famous candy, taffy, which is made from sugarcane. Hanging from hooks in the doorframes of almost every shop, it is an integral part of the Banos landscape.
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