We decided to leave Baños soon after our walk and head towards Riobamba to take one of the surviving train routes left in Ecuador. We arrived in Riobamba to find that the train was not running due to line problems so it was back on a bus to Machala (the self proclaimed Banana Capital of the World). There really was nothing there to write about apart from a glut of banana producers and some houses that banana wealth has built.

After a comfortable but surprisingly warm nights sleep we headed for the border with Peru on another bus. We had read that you need to keep your wits about you at the border as there are a lot of people there who run all sorts of scams and cons to get you to part with your hard earned.

We saw the first scam a mile off when someone kindly showed us to the border (which has to be crossed by foot) and told us that all the banks in Peru were closed for a week and we should change our money at the border where we would get a good rate. We thought that scam deserved a 2 out of 10 with a comment of must try harder written in the margin.

Whilst basking in our glory of side stepping the con we were approached by a "taxi" driver who could take us the next 3km to get our entry stamps and then on to the police check point for 1 US$. We decided to take him up on this. Sure enough he stuck to his word and took us to get our stamps but then proceeded to take us to a bus station where surprise surprise there was no bus. But have no fear… he could take us to the next town for a little more cash. He started driving. We were not happy. Katie shouts in her clearest Spanish to stop the car by just shouting SALIDA ("EXIT") although the words were wrong it had the desired effect. It was then we realised that we were being scammed. We eventually agreed a price and he took us to the next bus station. Of course we weren't happy but at least we can learn from our mistakes. We arrived and he asked for more money than what we had agreed previously. He stood by he boot of the car and said "no money no bags" It was a this point that I had enough and flung open the passenger door shouting "I will get my own bags" and various other expletives. Or thats what I thought I said. On reflection however I was saying I will get my own "Butter" rather than bags. I think a few more Spanish lessons are required!

We got away with giving him the money he originally asked for as he seemed to back down when we said we were going to get the police involved.

The rest of the journey to Mancora went smoothly and we are intending to spend a few relaxing day on the beach in the sub tropical temperatures. More to follow at a later date…