January 12 Salcedo to Banos via Chimborazo Volcano

Because of issues that had to be dealt with we were delayed getting off and were unable to do the hike on the flank of Chimborazo. We did get up to the Estrella de Chimborazo for lunch. This base camp for climbers on Chimborazo sits at the bottom of a beautiful glacially carved valley and the view from the restaurant is spectacular.

We then proceeded down to the town of Banos and went to the Tungurahua volcano observatory to learn how the volcanologists were monitoring Tungurahua volcano. It as been erupting snce 1999 and most recently ad some eruptive events in late December. It is now in a quiet phase. Overnight was spent at the hotel Bascun, another lovely hotel with a pool and hot tubs. Breathing is easier as we are now at the lowest evelation so far at 6,500 feet.