Atv tires > Under The Volcano

Under The Volcano

by: Steve Gillman

The town sits at the base or "under the volcano" named Tungurahua. We wanted to see it erupt, so we paid the $3 each for a two-hour trip to a hill overlooking the town. The top of the volcano was visible from there, and sure enough, it coughed up a bit of lava on cue. I had another rum drink and helped to push-start the vehicle that brought us there.

My wife Ana and I spent a week there in Ba?os, Ecuador, in June of 2004. The hotel, with cable TV, cost $6 per night. The usual rate was $12, but we're good negotiators. Lunch was just $1 each day, or $2.25 total for both, with tip. Typically, it was chicken, rice, beans, salad and juice. Every other day we splurged and paid $1.50 at a nicer place.

Hot Springs Of Ba?os

The town really is right under the volcano, which has caused problems for the residents over the years. The upside is that it also causes an abundance of hot water. Ba?os has two hot spring facilities, and two with cold water. They are some of the best mineral springs in Ecuador.

The most popular is at the base of a waterfall that tumbles from the mountain above. It is a short walk from anywhere in town, and it costs just a dollar, or a little more if you want to enjoy the mineral-rich waters under the stars each evening. Thre is a sign that documents the various minerals found in the water, and many come to alleviate their arthritis or other illnesses.

A trip to one of the hot springs became a daily ritual. Afternoons Ana shopped. I played chess in the open market in the center of town, with Manolo or Rene, or other locals. At all times, we enjoyed the scenery. Just look up and you see lush hills and classic colonial architecture all around.

Evenings are for dancing. Santo Pecado ("saint/sinner") was usually our first stop. The owner was always ready to trade stories. Tuparina was our favorite disco, perhaps due to the huayusa, a drink made of a psychadelic plant collected by the family of the owner.

Under The Volcano Tungurahua

Several of the dozens of volcanos in Ecuador are active. Tungurahua, which overlooks Banos, is one of the most active. You need to get out of town to see it, because Ba?os is set deep in the surrounding lush, green mountains, which block the view. A great way to get a good look is on a "volcano tour."

Several operations in Banos take you on tours to see an eruption. Just flag down one of the "chivas" circling town and blasting loud music in the evening. A chiva is an open-sided bus of sorts, with seating inside or on the roof.

Ana rode inside, and I had to try the roof. My advice? Watch out for branches! We toured the city with party music playing the whole time, then headed into the mountains. There were fire-juggling entertainers on top of the hill, and free hot rum drinks. We looked down on the lights of Banos, and even saw Tungurahua spit up some lava. A two-hour experience, drinks and the honor of helping push-start the chiva. Not bad for $3 each.

Other Activities in Banos

There is a great zoo (bears, birds, tortoises and more). You can rent an ATV, bicycle to nearby waterfalls or tunnels, party in dozens of bars, buy avocados for 20 cents, see a recent movie in your own private viewing room for $1.50 per person (bring all the food and drinks you want) - and almost everything is within a few blocks of any hotel. Banos is beautiful, with a perfect climate year-round.

The real name of the town is Ba?os de Agua Santa, but it is usually just called Ba?os. It is in the Andes Mountains, at the foot of the volcano Tungurahua, in Ecuador, South America. Any of the busses from Quito, eighty miles to the north, will cost you less than five dollars. Ready for a vacation under the volcano?

About The Author

Steve Gillman hit the road at sixteen, and traveled the U.S. and Mexico alone at 17. Now 40, he travels with his wife Ana, whom he met in Ecuador. For travel stories, tips and a free e-book, visit: http://www.EverythingAboutTravel.com.

Motorcycle Parts? Big Role in Safe Riding

by: Maricon Williams

It?s hard going to battle without a shield. It also goes out when you?re a rider with no dependable accessories and motorcycle parts to protect you from untoward incidents and accidents. It?s like welcoming injuries and fatal aftermath. Chances are, you can be a victim of a collision, fracture, injury or fatal consequences. Good thing we have dependable motorcycle parts and accessories in our market. Its main concern is to provide riders ultimate protection, comfort at the same time the trend that reflects the rider?s personality.

Motorcycle parts have come a long way since its commencement. Options are very much enjoyed by the riders. As a matter of fact, individual differences and preferences are no longer considered drawbacks because a wide-variety of options is laid down in stores. Motorcycle stores are everywhere. Riders can rely on them for their most-wanted motorcycle parts...

Motorcycle Parts? Big Role in Safe Riding

Atv tires > Motorcycle Parts? Big Role in Safe Riding

Car Care Tips ? How to Keep Your Car in Immaculate Condition

by: Paul MacIver

There are several things you must do to keep your car in immaculate condition and retain its value.
Apart from regular mechanical servicing and maintenance, your car must also be groomed regularly to keep it looking like new.
This means more than simply putting it through the carwash each week.
Although it takes a bit longer, you?ll find that hand grooming your car achieves a far better result.
There?s no need to spend a lot of money on car care products, however you will need to buy a few.
These are some tips I use every time I clean my car.

Exterior

Rinse your car down to get rid of excess dirt, and then wash it with a sponge and soapy water.
Once you?ve washed the whole car, rinse it off and then dry it with a soft cloth.
If you don?t dry your car afterwards, water droplets gather dust, and when...

Car Care Tips ? How to Keep Your Car in Immaculate Condition

Atv tires > Car Care Tips ? How to Keep Your Car in Immaculate Condition

Volvo Spoilers for a Better-looking Volvo

Volvo Spoilers for a Better-looking Volvo

by: Terry Brown

You sure do own a Volvo. It may not be known much for speed or racing but definitely it has been recognized for safety and luxury. Something to serve as a means of transportation for you and your crew and, at the same time, something to keep you safe and sound on little escapades with your Volvo. Aside from that, Volvo, at the same time, strives to provide you a vehicle friendly to the environment (this has been one of the commitments of the company who created Volvo).

And with the passing of time, just like cellular phones, Volvo has come to do some innovations, evolve, and revolutionize the vehicle they created, and still keep up with the commitments they have had. One such innovation and addition to the Volvo evolution is the Volvo spoiler.

What exactly is this spoiler, you may ask? Well, the Volvo spoiler is an aerodynamic device that is attached to an automobile to decrease...

Volvo Spoilers for a Better-looking Volvo

Atv tires > Volvo Spoilers for a Better-looking Volvo

Racing Go Karts: A History

Racing Go Karts: A History

by: J Larry Alan

Go karts have not been around very long, but they have increased dramatically in popularity. They are fast becoming a worldwide phenomenon.

Go karts were first created in the United States in the 1950s with the majority of historians crediting Art Ingels as the inventor. He built his first go kart in California in 1956 and it was during this post-war period where airmen raced these go karts as a way to pass the time.

They are referred to as go karts, go carts, go-karts, shifter karts, gokarts and many other differently spelled variations. Go karts are related to open-wheel racing such as Formula One and Indy Car. In fact, many top professional race car drivers, including Michael Schumacher, Sarah Fisher, Darrell Waltrip, Tony Stewart and Kyle Petty, got their start on the go kart racing circuit.

Go kart enthusiasts can easily become addicted to the thrill of racing. Once you?ve experienced...

Racing Go Karts: A History

Atv tires > Racing Go Karts: A History