On Friday we went white-water rafting as Baños is one of the main tourist destinations for it. We turned up at 9 and got given our wet suits, helmets and shoes. All of which looked very attractive when we tried them on. A bus ride to the river, safety talk and then we were off!
There were 6 to a boat, in two lines of 3. The two at the front - the ´captains´ - had to keep time with each other when paddling to make sure we were going in a straight line. Charlotte and I both decided against being captains and left it to the very eager Canadian boys.
White-water rafting isn´t all adrenaline, and there is a lot of calm water in between the rapids. Out guide was brilliant though and happily chatted his way through the calmer parts. It also gave you a chance to appreciate the jungle, as it is gorgeous. It was raining, which made it colder, but every now and then you would get a warm breeze from further down river.
When there were rapids, however, you had to be very focused. The guide shouted instructions and we all followed obediently and rowed (mostly) in sync. They generally ended with a wave which meant you got soaked, but I think the guide made this inevitable anyway...
It was great fun and a real adrenaline rush and lovely being on the water.
On Saturday we decided to go for a second active day and went for a bike ride. Baños has loads of waterfalls close by and the best way to see them is by bike. So we hired these from our hostel (which is run by lovely people and is one of the nicest we´ve been in so far) and headed out with the directions - left, up, right, route.
We did get there and there wasn´t really any way you could get lost. We both really enjoyed the bike ride and it was relaxing in a way, nice to see the scenery at a slower pace with the option to stop.
The smaller waterfalls were nice to see but there was a main one called ´Cascada del Diablo´ or Devil´s waterfall. I have to admit I wasn´t expecting anything like what I saw. The power of it was incredible.
The water came over the edge, at speed, and when it hit the pool the water shot up again about 10m, all completely white. We had been warned that we would get wet and to take a raincoat. You got soaked. The spray from the waterfall was everywhere and all the surfaces were covered with water.
You were also able to go behind the waterfall near where it came over the edge. To do this you had to clamber your way through what was more like a tunnel than a path and then climb onto the ledge. Behind the waterfall was great, very loud which just shows how powerful it was!
We´ve had two really great days that we´ve both really enjoyed. It´s currently pouring with rain in Baños and we´re heading to the jungle so I think we´re going to be in for a wet couple of days!
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