Review: Salinas, Yanaorco Lagoons, & Lojen Hot Spring

Okay, so picture this: soaring volcanoes, mirror-like lagoons reflecting the sky, and this teeny, remote village that boasts naturally heated thermal waters. Actually, I’m talking about my pretty fantastic trip to Salinas, the Yanaorco Lagoons, too and then finishing off with a good soak in the Lojen Hot Spring up in Ecuador. It is quite a day that is like unplugging from the day-to-day grind and recharging completely.

Getting to Salinas: The Adventure Starts

Getting to Salinas from, well, let’s say Quito is kinda like part of the experience. Like, instead of flying, most of the travelers decide to bus because that is really, so they say, when the real adventure begins. Anyway, you wind upwards through these dramatic mountainscapes, seeing tiny villages clinging to hillsides and cloud forests which, honestly, seem almost unreal. You see, that bus, it is more than transport. I guess you could say that it is sort of like a window to authentic Andean life, which, to be truthful, you would really miss if you flew above it all.

You do want to know, maybe, about road conditions? Actually, they can be a bit on the rough side in sections. I mean, the ride can get bumpy. It is like you should expect some winding, unpaved stretches. Still, even that contributes to the feeling of stepping away from what’s ordinary and immersing yourself in some kind of untamed world. Too, be certain to grab a window seat; seriously, that is something that should not be overlooked. Trust us: vistas will completely make up for the jolts. You will be taking pictures non-stop.

Salinas: A Hidden Gem in the Andes

Salinas itself is this quite, sleepy community which is snuggled high in the Andes. Anyway, forget all about tourist traps. That’s something you won’t find around here. I mean, you are stepping into somewhere where the old traditions are holding firm and the people live according to a different rhythm, almost, from the city folks. The center of this village actually is surprisingly industrious. They, too, are known for their cheese production; sounds weird but it is true. I think I saw people who still crafted goods by hand in small workshops.

Okay, so you want a peek at local life? So then wander around. I would advise that, very highly. Very soon you are bound to strike up friendly chats with some of those local people. Now that is probably what makes Salinas quite memorable. Those folks really, seemingly, are sincerely happy to welcome explorers into their fold. You’ll probably want to swing by the community-run shops. Find handicrafts, maybe snacks. This, so that you know, is an excellent way to actually put back directly into that village, keeping their traditions, you know, flourishing.

Yanaorco Lagoons: Mirrors of the Sky

Now that lagoons are this totally different level of pretty. It seems that these quite serene lakes mirror the skies, seemingly making you feel as if, okay, that you’re standing right between world above and then the terrain underneath. Anyway, the water is that still. All around these mountains jut sharply, offering a complete panoramic canvas. The area can be quite windy, so it feels, to be honest, pretty bracing, yet invigorating. That pure air is great for the lungs!

Now the wildlife enthusiasts amongst us will be so happy to hear that. Anyway, this zone is, too, very cool for birdwatching. I think you’ll want to keep those eyes pealed for Andean gulls soaring, maybe spot the colorful ground birds picking their way across grasses. Seemingly, with hardly any civilization in sight, Yanaorco really does have an almost untouched, peaceful feel to it. Maybe bring a picnic. So that way, if you do, you can properly enjoy that quiet charm of nature. Honestly, so the fresh mountain breeze enhances those flavors very nicely.

Lojen Hot Spring: Soaking in Andean Warmth

Okay, after such a day full of Andes air, so you want to take a dip in that Lojen Hot Spring? You definitely, to tell the truth, do deserve it. I mean, Lojen honestly isn’t posh. Not really. The pool does look quite modest. Now this hot spring feeds from some kind of geothermal source which apparently sits deep within that earth. Therefore that means that water is rich with, they believe, all sort of very healthful minerals.

Actually, sinking down right into that heated water can be almost magical. Now all those muscles tend to be relaxing so instantly. Also, maybe, those fantastic landscapes still stretching right around really does add some kind of unique element to that relaxing dip. Because of being located quite remotely and tucked right in with nature, that experience feels super authentic, I think. Like the antithesis to what you’ll discover in, well, a swanky spa. Anyway, if your aim is some good rejuvenation with that genuine Andean backdrop, I mean it would have to be, honestly, somewhere great like that Lojen Hot Spring.

Things to Know Before You Go

Okay, some quite important little travel tips that are going to keep the trip stress-free? You want to think about that elevation. Actually, both the village of Salinas, and very certainly Yanaorco Lagoons, tend to sit at some serious altitude. Because of that altitude, you ought to then budget that acclimation phase. So, probably plan in some very slow walking, plenty hydration; avoid a real strenuous action to get started, and then consider, too, coca tea that that local drink that often can ease this altitude issues.

Cash – Now, okay, take plenty of that! Like your cards aren’t helpful a lot, even a bit, actually.
Clothing- It should probably, maybe, be layered, actually! Bring waterproofs for maybe those just in case showers! Then wear really quite comfy walking footwear.
Snacks/Hydration – Get drinks so you don’t run low. Get nibbles if you need it!
Protect your skin! High altitude means, really, some killer sunlight, so yes, you should actually apply sunscreen; get protective shades! If it’s a real cloudless time then don something hatlike to shield your skull too.
Now if you plan maybe a bit further, maybe some learning with some Basic Spanish, then you get more rewarding chat, in a more personal experience!

Here’s a little bit of essential packing tips, so:

Altitude, anyway, can then bite; do pace what activities, with lots hydrating too, or grab a coca drink if, in a way, you think you will cope much better then.
Carry hard cash. So credit chances may turn scarce, or some non existant at all so you can pay locals much more simply or fairly.
Okay layers for that crazy ever changing skies. A water stopper that always sits packed, anyway! It gets wet, okay. A sensible, real walking shoe, yes you did know!
Nibbles will also stop then that tummy grumble sound, when there are few or even no services for mile after mile; take stuff! Also the big one H2O, very important!
Guarding well from highness ultravioletting rays does mean good lotions; that high glare as well; if bright best think caps and shades!
Hola; even knowing the few simple spanish phrases may, quite possibly unlock far friendlier greets, better experiences altogether maybe for memories!

Be open to what unplanned happens! What can be great is letting your itinenary turn random. Okay? Embrace local chances! With openess and awe it will come.