Why is it celebrated?
Because October 9th is the most important day in the history of Guayaquil, of the former Audiencia of Quito and of Ecuador today; because that is the true and only day of our independence. The revolution of October 9, 1820, has its antecedents from 1814 when after having stayed for several years in Mexico, Europe, and the United States José de Antepara, José Joaquín Olmedo and José de Villamil, some before and others after, arrived in Guayaquil to dedicate themselves with enthusiasm and fervor to make known to the people of Guayaquil the new political concepts and the new forms of government that should govern the destinies of the free peoples. These three patriots did not speak of changing authorities as to the Quito revolution of August 10, 1809, had done, they expressed themselves in terms of independence, democracy and Republic, making all citizens aware that it was necessary to make substantial changes in the political and social structures of the peoples of Spanish America.
Where to go this holiday?
Don't worry about whether there is a magical place full of adventures waiting for you, with this I am talking about Baños de Agua Santa, where there are many tourist destinations and adventure sports that we recommend, such as:
HERMITAGE OF THE VIRGIN'S HANDICRAFT PASSAGEWAY: A place in the center of the city of Baños where you can buy souvenirs made of tahua, balsa, mullos, metal and wood, which are manufactured by skilled artisans of the city. The passage is located in the center of the city next to the Central Market.
CHURCH OF THE VIRGIN OF THE ROSARY OF AGUA SANTA: Emblematic place for all the faithful who visit this church in search of peace and to thank the favors granted by the Virgin. Inside you can see a collection of murals depicting local miracles attributed to the Virgin, patron saint of the city. The Basilica is of architectural infrastructure, this artistic work defied time and history. The church is located in the center of the city on Ambato Street.
POOLS AND HOT SPRINGS OF SALADO: It is a set of pools of sulfate waters, where the tourist can choose between different temperatures ranging from extremely hot to extremely cold waters that descend from the Tungurahua Volcano. They are called thermal waters becuase the water emanates to the surface with a temperature higher than 22ºC. The passage of water between different underground layers, in which the rocks are at high temperature, produce the heating of the water. The benefits of the thermal waters are due to the existence of minerals in its chemical composition. To enjoy the crystalline waters of the Bascun river, to know the thermal springs of the pools and the nature that surrounds this path we recommend you do this circuit. From the thermal spa of El Salado you can start this hike. El Salado is located 2Km. from Baños, on El Salado Avenue, 1 Km. from the road to Ambato. Entrance fee: $3. Hours: daily: 5:00 am - 4:30 pm, Friday, Saturday and Sunday: 6:00 pm - 9:30 pm. Taxi from downtown: $1.50. By bus from the bus stop on Rocafuerte street behind the central market ($0.25 / 10 min.)
TREE HOUSE: Tourists come to this place in the Baños de Agua Santa canton to observe the emission of ash and the release of incandescent material when the volcano is in the process of erupting. The Tree House was built with wooden walls, a zinc roof and a swing that hangs from one of the branches of the tree. The view of the Tungurahua volcano from the Tree House is unique and spectacular, being able to admire the crater just 2.5 kms away in a straight line. Located in the Cacerío Runtún at a distance of 10km from the city of Baños de Agua Santa, this place can be accessed by car, by bus at times: 05h45, 11am, 14h00, 16h00, or accessing a tour with the best agencies in the city. You can check the list of tourist agencies in Baños de Agua Santa in this link, the same that will guide you throughout the tour. The cost of access is 1 dollar for adults.
VUELO DEL CONDOR (GIANT SWING): The "Vuelo del Condor Swing" is definitely a new attraction located in the Santa Rosa de Runtún Community in the province of Tungurahua, specifically in Baños de Agua Santa. It offers all tourists the adrenaline of flying through the air in a very well designed swing with all the necessary security to perform this activity. Feel yourself on the air in the valley and with a spectacular view of the Tungurahua volcano, you have no excuses not to do it. We invite you to enjoy it. Located in the Cacerío Runtún at a distance of 10km from the city of Baños de Agua Santa, this place can be accessed by car, by bus in schedules: 05h45, 11am, 14h00, 16h00; or accessing a tour with the best agencies in the city. You can check the list of tourism agencies in Baños de Agua Santa in this link, the same ones that will guide you throughout the tour.
AGOYAN HYDROELECTRIC DAM: The Central Agoyán was conceived to take advantage of the flow of the Pastaza River. It is located 5 km east of the city of Baños on the road to Puyo, in the sector called Agoyán of the Ulba parish, on the main entrance road to the Ecuadorian Amazon sector. You can appreciate a very attractive and unparalleled landscape.
FAMILY PARK: A place of rest for family and friends, offers the possibility of walking trails, has picnic area and barbecues, you can observe animals and fish, and Agoyan hydroelectric. The Park is open Thursdays and Fridays from 10:00 to 18:00, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 8:00 to 18:00. Note: From Monday to Wednesday it is open to the public, with limited services. It is located 5 km east of the city of Baños on the road to Puyo, in the sector called Agoyán of the Ulba parish.
PAILON DEL DIABLO (DEVIL'S CAULDRON): Since 1992 the Guevara Zamora family with private investment began the construction of ecological trails on the property where the Pailón del Diablo waterfall is located. Surrounded by exotic vegetation and wonderful landscapes, it is a highly recommended place to visit. The fusion of the sounds of the waterfall with nature offers a place of relaxation. To access this place we must go from the city of Baños de Agua Santa in the direction of Puyo, in a bus ride of 17km and approximately 25-30 minutes. You can also travel this route by bicycle, enjoying the route of the waterfalls. You can rent bikes for an initial value from 5USD for hours or the whole day, or make the journey in chivas. Whatever the means by which you go to this landscape, you must get to the Rio Verde Parish, then walk along ecological trails for approximately 25-30 minutes.