Banos was really pretty surrounded by a mountain range with an active volcano which last irrupted in 2005. Leanne and I had a great time exploring all of the best that Banos had to offer. We hiked up the mountain to get to the well known tree house which was built to observe the volcano. Was rather entertaining as it also had a swing that goes"off" into the open almost creating the illusion that one would fly over the cliff. We did not have enough time to hike back down due to sunset and there weren't any taxis so we got a ride with a local family who were kind enough to take us back down.

As Leanne and I became more efficient at the game of pool we were able to take on the guys and met some really lovely people whom we went out with. The night life in Banos stops at 2am, however there is always an after party for those whom are interested.

Mountain biking to the waterfalls in Rio Verde, about 3 hours cycle away was next on our list. On the way we went zip lining super man style. The harness ensures that one is horizontal when going down the zip line. They had dual parallel lines for Leanne and I to "fly" at the same time. Was great fun! We cycled further long the scenic cycle route along the river with views of the mountains and random waterfalls. At Rio verde we had really tasty seafood meal and went off to see the gigantic waterfall, which was totally worth the 40 min walk down to see it.

Parapenting (paragliding in Spanish) is something I've always wanted to try and Banos was the place where the opportunity finally presented itself. We drove about an hour into the mountain side to a spot where we had great views of the volcano and the city below. Was incredible being so high up and taking in the breathtaking surroundings. A less known fact of paragliding I have subsequently confirmed with many others, there is definite motion sickness risk with paragliding which I too experienced. Notwithstanding this it was still an awesome experience.

Leanne got me to try rock climbing in Cusco, so thought it good to try it again in Banos. A mountainous spot next to a gushing river, perfect setting for a day out. Our Canadian friend joined us for his first climb. The level of climbing instantly went up a few notches from what I knew before. As I was standing on the edge of the cliff contemplating my next move I realised how high up I was and that I noticed the river next to me...clear lapse in concentration after the first half an hour. I reached the top on both climbing routes, I was rather relieved and was really rewarding.

Leanne was due to leave the next day, after 3 months the last of the trio was now going to completely break up. We decided to do it in style though and had a spa day at the Refugio Spa. We were greeted by a man with a measuring tape on his side who gave us a full run down about the route we were supposed to walk through the garden to get inner peace, tranquillity and meet our inner child; over stones, seven times around a path, scream at the top of your lungs at the river, hug, say I love you and crawl around the tree three times. Must say was quite entertaining.

Once we started our treatment we were put in a "steambox" it's literally a box that one sits in and one could control the amount of steam coming out from the inside. The view from there through large windows were of the mountains and the river running through it. After being in the box and rinsed with cold water by the attending guy about 7 times we were taking to the tranquil room for our massages. Was one of the best massages I have had in South America.

The day was ended off with a fantastic seafood meal, cocktail and of course our last game of pool for a while.