Adventure Spa

I just spent a couple of days at Luna Runtun, a wonderful retreat perched high above the town of Banos, Ecuador. Luna Runtun describes itself as an "Adventure Spa," which means they organize activities such as horse back riding, mountain biking, hikes and trekkings, but also have a nice spa with treatments.

The adventure for me was a hike down into the town of Banos on the small "senderos" (trails) that lead from the hotel past a couple of crosses into the town. We hiked back up past the statue of a "Virgen."

Luna Runtun is a very nice place and it has high standards for Ecuador, with nice staff and very comfortable and clean rooms, plus hot springs with an amazing view. It is very high end, and the prices are similar to what you would pay in a Western country for a four star place.

My recommendations to make the experience even better: add binoculars to the guest rooms (which all have amazing views over the valley or to an active volcano) and make sure that bugs don't get into the food served in the restaurant.