Kevin and Joannie on tour

Today's a moving on day as we head for the spa town of Baños. So we're going all Race across the World style on long distance buses, except we don't do rucksacks, but cases instead. Spotted this outside our flat today. (Ours is the one above the shop.) It's a reminder that Cotopaxi is a very active volcano. Since its foundation in 1534, the town has been destroyed 5 times - the last time in 1877. In recent years, notably in 2015 and 2022, Cotopaxi has belched gas and had some small eruptions. But for the time being, its peaceful. In Quito we met an English lad who had just scaled it. Dodgy electrics in the bathroom. The clouds had moved back on in and we set off for Banos.  We had barely reached the corner of our street and a taxi was there. At the bus terminal, there were several buses going to Ambato.  The driver asked us which district and we explained that we wanted to go to Banos and he nodded.  Our cases were loaded on and we boarded. Unusual name...

  So far we have used informal taxis to move us around the country, partly because Cotopaxi National Park is in the countryside and our hotel there was off the beaten track.  It's not that expensive to get drivers but it all adds up. One of the highlights of Ecuador is a visit to Quilotoa crater lake.  A stunning green lake high in the mountains.  Finding information about buses up there was a bit hit and miss and we weren't sure how remote it was.  We had made some enquiries about getting an organised tour but the prices quoted were ridiculous - $300. Last night, Esteban, our host had said that if we wanted to get there we would need to make an early start.  So at six Joan awoke, filled our trusty Stanley flasks with tea and we headed off to the bus station.  The taxi there cost us $1.50. At the bus station, we asked at the various kiosks where we could buy tickets.  We were directed to the Quilotoa desk, despite all the desks being o...