Site: Baños

Location of site: Pass by Baños on the main highway. When you pass the police training station on the right, start looking for a bright yellow house with a huge mural of Jesus welcoming the little children, a few blocks down on the left. Wes and the boys currently live there, and someone should be there to walk you to the property.

Primary Contact Person: Wes King

Site Description: El Dulce Refugio is a beautiful piece of property set on a river and nestled in at the foot of a mountain (really big hill). The homestead is several acres that consist of the house, a schoolhouse, a cancha (playing field area) and several different groves of fruit trees. Wes King, the founder and director, has lived all over the world and felt a strong call to move to Ecuador to open an orphanage after he retired from his medical career. As of May 2003 he has three boys - Cristian (15), Adolfo (13) and Pedro (11) - each having their own story of the life that they left and how they got to El Dulce Refugio. Wes can also put groups in touch with the local church in Baños and/or surrounding areas.

Ministry Description: El Dulce Refugio is still being constructed, but is getting closer to completion! Construction ministry opportunities include helping in construction, which can include moving block, painting, landscaping, etc. Groups have also been invited to participate in services at the Baptist church, as well as present programs in the city park, and do children and youth programs at the church. Wes is involved with a few churches in outlying areas and can set up ministry opportunities there.

Ministry Prep: Baños is very much of a tourist town, which is generally good news as there are plenty of restaurants and hostels to use. Just be prepared to see lots of gringos and be sure to follow the trail of them to the HOT SPRINGS! (Definitely pack your bathing suit, and you can get away with shorts a lot easier as well!)

Out of Quito Sites: Usually we stay at El Hostel La Petit Ausberg. Most rooms have lofts and you can sleep as many as 6 to a room. The rooms include breakfast. Lunches are usually sack lunches at the work site. The options for dinner are expansive - Café Hood and Casa Hood are team favorites, as well as the ‘typical’ restaurant on the park in front of cathedral. There's a list of hostels to use, restaurants to eat at, sites to see in the area where this is located, with detailed info if possible on prices, tips, etc.
    Plan on at least half a day of sightseeing. El Palon de Diablo is a beautiful waterfall, a 10 minute walk down and a 20 minute hike back up. The teravista cable car is a great view and thrill ride. Depending on time, you can get off on the other side and hike around a bit. Manta de la Novia is another waterfall on the way back into Baños, which is free. The hike down is quick, although coming back up can take a bit of effort. Pack your bathing suit for this one too and take a dip in the chilly water!

Other Comments: Baños is a great quick trip out of Quito and Wes and the boys are great hosts and always appreciate the encouraging.