Though it lacks any touristindustry or infrastructure whatsoever (or maybe because of this, depending onyour view), the charmingly minuscule and picturesque town of Mendez is a greatplace to break up the nine-hour journey between Macas and Gualaquiza. Time marches slow in this town, whose richlypainted colonial houses precariously perched on jungle ledges and squeezed intolush valleys make it an ideal place to stretch your legs and wander for a fewhours – or a few days, whatever your pace may be. Just don’t go in expecting to pepper atourism office with questions or find an adventure travel agency, the solepurpose of visiting Mendez is to mellow out in the languid jungle heat.