Hacienda Termales la Quinta

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Well if we thought that the ride we had the other day was bumpy, it was nothing compared

to today's adventure.  I telephoned Paula (gal at our agency) when our ride did not appear at 10 am.  Found out he was on his way.  Also found out that we were to change vehicles again when we get to the highway and then we trade the jeep in for a couple of horses.  Oh boy!!  I asked how could the road be worse than the one we took the other day -- she just said it was.

Lo and behold a short while later a little yellow taxi pulls up.  Geoff and I looked at each other in astonishment.  How did that thing get through the road that we took??  As it turns out, there is another way into the place -- smoother and shorter.  We were at the highway in no time. No wonder everyone thought we were crazy at dinner, when we were telling them our tale of woe of how we got to the hacienda!

Made contact with our jeep guy, transferred our gear,  and we were back on the road.  This jeep is more or less a tin can.  None of the gauges worked and the gas fumes were gagging.  The three of us were stuffed into the front seat -- no seat belts - great.  The ride was bumpy, twisty, up and down the mountainside and seemed endless.  We were looking forward to getting on the horses. And for Geoff that was saying something -- he is not a big fan of horseback riding.  About halfway our driver picked up a woman walking and took her home.  Graciously, she let us use the banos.  After two hours of this horrendous ride, we eventually met up with our guide, horses and pack mule. The good news was that it wasn't raining.  I can't image how that would've gone.

Our guide packed our bags on the mule, we saddled up, and down into the valley we rode. On a narrow path covered with rocks and mud, through one stream and then up again on the other side.  Finally we made it to the hacienda.  This is a beautiful place and we have another comfortable room with a great view.  Ate lunch in the kitchen and tried to figure out what happens next.  No one here speaks English.  The itinerary said hot springs. I took that to mean we could bath in the springs.  I called Paula to translate -- no bathing just hiking and looking.  Oh no, not hiking in the mud again.  I think we are going to skip that activity. 

Ah discovered the thermal pool out back.  Temperature 106 degrees.  Geoff and I had a long hot soak while the three other people that are here went on the hike.  Good for them. We had the place to ourselves and took in the magnificent views. And, of course, it started to rain -- which felt lovely sitting in the hot water. Made our decision of stay here and chill an even better one!

Next time... Horseback riding to the waterfall