Chachimbiro Hot Springs

From Cotacachi we headed out on a day trip, hoping to make our way to a relaxing hot srings soak.  Bus schedules being unknown commodities, we knew it might not unfold that way.  The bus ride to Ibarra was fast and simple along the newly-paved Pan-American Highway- it runs the full length of South America, following the Andes Mountains much of the way.
The bus station in Ibarra is clean, modern, and busy with a mall carrying a range of goods.  Everything from agricultural chemicals to shoes to computers to vitamins to live poultry.  Connections were excellent, and we transfered to a country bus headed for Chachimbiro via Urcuqui- the names are so fun- I love how they roll off the tongue!
The mountains are steep, rugged, and dry, as you can see from first photo.  Huge agave plants and cacti border the road, some of which is paved and the rest is cobbled.  Many of the mountain roads and streets are done in hand-laid cobble, and maintained by shared community labour known as Minga.
An hour and a half NW of Ibarra, we came to road's end in the narrow canyon of Chachimbiro Hot Springs.  It is full of food vendors, small hotels, and shops selling inflatable beach toys.  Ecuadorians flock here on weekends and holidays for family vacations.  Right now it is very quiet- all are saving their cash for Christmas.  Chachimbiro has 2 sets of pools and facilities.  The recreational area features waterslides, games rooms, eateries, and a disco for family leisure.  The medicinal area is more peaceful- small pools of varying temperatures for relaxation and therapy- MMM!!!
I am a hot springs connosieur, and loved this one- highly recommended.  Facilities are clean and quaint with some lovely wildlife murals, and sculptures.  Individual tubs with adjustable temperatures, several pools with jets, hot showers, all with thermal mineral waters straight from the mountain.  Volcanic waters rich in sulpher, chlorides, iron, copper, and manganese are believed to give relief from various aches and illnesses.  Best of all is the steam room-a stone cabin with a little hobbit door built against the cliff face, capturing the steam from the hot water stream.  Some fresh herbs add to the healing qualities.

After 3 hours of soaking and relaxing, we were challenged to begin long bus ride home.  Next time we will stay on-site overnight.  We arrived home tired but content.  It was a great outing, and I hope to share it with you some time.