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[quote=Anonymous]My family did this in Ecuador. I wrote about it on my website: www.madisoncountykids.org/ecuador.   Here's a quick summary: Banos, Ecuador
We got private transportation from Banos directly off our flight.  It takes a little over 3 hours.  The roads were surprisingly good.  They cut through mountains and past small villages.  It was scenic and nice.  Here are some of the things we enjoyed in Banos.
Spanish Lessons and Guides: Our guides and Spanish teachers from Raices Spanish School were the best decision we made in planning our trip.  From our first day, the kids sang and danced in Spanish while we relaxed, took pictures, and learned.  We had lessons in the market, at the swings, and next to the waterfalls.  We made friends, had extra eyes on the kids, took time to learn new things, and always had translators.  We couldn't have picked a better way to truly experience Ecuador.
Waterfalls: The road along the canyon provided a great view of the 7 waterfalls.  At some, you can take a basket across the falls to see the small farms and fishing villages.  At Pailon Del Diablio, (Devil’s Cauldron), you can pay a small amount to hike to the waterfall.  You can also venture through the caves or across the rope bridge.  After all of that, enjoy a fancy drink, a well cooked meal, and a beautiful view from the restaurant!  Best on a weekday with a rain jacket.  A carrier would be helpful with little kids.
Casa Del Arbol tree swing: This is a short drive up hill from Banos. It costs a couple of dollars a person and has swings for all ages and even the most fearful in the bunch.  T1$ entry fee per person. To avoid lines, avoid weekends.
The market: Locals shop here and you should too! Don't miss the passion fruit, tiny bananas, and little donuts with onions and cheese inside. Most travel books recommend that if you can't peel it or cook it, don't eat it.  Packaged food and restaurants are generally considered safe.
Yana Cocha Rescue Centre (Puyo, 90 minutes from Banos.  We used a tour guide.)  Yana Cocha is a sanctuary for animals that were either confiscated or found wandering after being imprinted. The enclosures are large and clean.  The police have a strong relationship with the center, and bring animals there. Yana Cocha has a lot of animals who are being rehabilitated, many of which are free to roam and greet visitors.  Nice place to walk around and see the local fauna. Our children loved interacting with Monkeys while walking through.
Thermal baths: I've heard they are fun, but didn't get to try.
Las Manos de la Pachamama: While standing on a pair of hands, you see the Ulba River Canyon and National Parks.
La Aldea Mágica, is a garden full of goblins, there is a wishing well where a goblin sings.
Animal Park children can interact with animals that live in Ecuador. Ask about the show hours.
The chocolate factory is designed for children with a chocolate shop, ice cream shop, pastry shop and cafeteria. 
Las Manos de Dios has two hands that emerge from the top of a viewpoint to a wooden bridge, to view the landscapes of Baños.[/quote]

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