Our carnival weekend in Banos and Ambato can be summarized with two words: foam and taffy. Not exactly what I was expecting but I think Carnival is my new favorite holiday..jpg)
(photo cred- Eliz Mays)
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(photo cred- Eliz Mays)
Although Banos is primarily known for it's thermal springs and spas there were men and women on almost every street making this delicious taffy out of cane sugar juice. I ate way more than I should have but at $1 for 5 bars- each about the size of a milky way- it was worth every cent.
(stolen from the interwebs)
I was too afraid to bring my camera into the crazy foam wars that commence after the carnival parade. But let it suffice to say that I, and the rest of my gringo compatriots, were viciously attacked (with harmless, magically disappearing foam) by everyone from sneaky grandmas to evil little boys. And we thoroughly enjoyed every second of it!!!
Banos is also a fairly popular tourist destination so every block has at least a few adventure outfitters that sell packages for trips to the rainforest, into the mountains or even mini daylong adventures like bungee jumping, water-falling, and rafting. We decided on rafting and had an incredible time :)
The view overlooking Banos.
We also managed to find the best American style burgers in all of Ecuador. It was nice to feel at home, even if it was only for one meal (ok,ok it was so good we went twice in 2 days...). So, if by some odd luck, you find yourself in Banos, Ecuador you MUST GO HERE: http://www.straydogbrewpub.com/
