After a 2 hour bus ride from Otavalo to Quito, and another 4 hour bus ride from Quito to here, we are finally in the town of Baños, Ecuador.

Baños is in a valley overlooking the recently re-activated volcano Tungurahua. Steam constantly emits from its hole and it has been closed since 1999 to climbers because of the renewed activity.

After being chased by barking dogs, almost mauled by a bull, stuck in a thunderstorm at 4000+m nearing dusk, the biggest threat is still human. On a bus, it's good to be cautious. Here's the scenario: A group of 4 people, switching seats to block you in, with the one sitting beside you sticking a newspaper in your face to block your view. In addition, asking you constant questions about your itinerary.

Nothing happened but in this situation it's best to change seats :)

In other news, a state of emergency has recently been declared in Cotopaxi, Canar, Chimborazo, Imbabura and parts of Pinchincha (Cayambe and Tabacundo). Whether this is because of the strikes by the indigenous, or something else entirely, remains to be seen. More information as it comes.