I rode to the Village of Banos, located at the base of the Tungurahua volcano. Tungurahua is active and is always venting stream. When I arrived at Banos it was cloudy. I able to see the mountain sides but not the tops.
A few weeks prior to my arrival another volcano named Chimborazo, located in the general area, had some activity. It released steam and ash, resulting in some of the villages having to evacuate.
A third volcano in the area, named Cotopaxi, has a beautiful snow cap. The first time I rode by Cotopaxi I was not able to see the top due to the low level clouds. However, I found it necessary to return to Quito to purchase parts for the GS. As I rode by Cotopaxi there was a small window without cloud cover and I was able to see the massive volcano with the white snow cap. Before I could get my camera and take a photo or two the clouds quickly moved back in and hid the giant volcano again.
In this area there is a road called the “Road of the Waterfalls.” It runs to and ends at the City of Puyo. From Puyo east you are facing the Amazon jungle. In the Village of Puyo there are several outfitters and guides who will take you into the Amazon for a day trip or longer. Going into the jungle requires one to carry all his/her supplies both in and out.
The ride to Puyo was interesting. It was amazing to see the landscape change from mountainous to heavy jungle. On my return trip from Puyo to Quito I discovered that one of the fork seals on the GS had blown. Hence the return trip to Quito.
A quick tease from Cotopaxi
The start of the Amazon in Ecuador
Telling the story of the machines devastating the forest, its animals and peoples.
