Baños

After a long day of exploring, you can unwind in the hotspring baths of Baños, a town situated in a valley of eternal spring. At the same time, Baños is also a Mecca for adventure seeking travelers. Mountain biking, river-rafting, horseback riding, hiking, or the wobbly but spectacular trip in a cable car across a steep abyss are only a few the activities Baños has to offer. Go to the beautiful Luna Runtun resort for a rest and relax for a few days.

Baños is also one of the gateways to the Amazon -- albeit down a hair-splitting, eye-popping road. Have a look at the highly recommended Amazon lodges and consider a stay there after your Galapagos trip.

Also easily accessible from Baños is Riobamba, the starting point of the exhilarating train ride down the "Devil's Nose". Thrill-seekers can ride rooftop, which is the ideal place to watch the bucolic landscape roll by.