As we head east from Quito crossing the valley of los Chillos towards the Cordillera Oriental and the Amazon jungle, if it's clear you'll get striking views of all the snow capped mountains of the Eastern Cordillera: Cayambe, Cotopaxi, Antisana, and Chimborazo.  After an hour and a half we arrive at a 4,200 m (13,780 ft) pass called la Virgen.   From here we'll drive down the the "Ruta de Canela", the path Francisco de Orellana took on his way to discovering the Amazon River in 1542.  We'll drop down a bit, then go up a small valley to 3,300 m (10,830 ft), where we'll visit arguably Ecuador's best hot springs.  

Here you'll have ample time to soak in the exquisite thermal waters that come from nearby volcanic activity.  They are said to have beneficial properties; revitalizing energy levels, and soothing sore muscles.  There are over a dozen pools of different temperatures, so you can always find the perfect private one for yourself.  Also you can wander around the small valley and see the various bird species including many types of hummingbirds, and countless exotic flowers growing at the banks of the nearby crystal clear stream.