Baños de Agua Santa is a small town, located at the foot of the Tungurahua, an active volcano of 5016 meters high. Baños is also called the outdoor paradise of Ecuador, because of the many activities you can do there. The Ecuadorians come here on weekends and during the holidays to walk, visit waterfalls, go rafting, drift in hot springs or simply enjoy the beautiful surroundings. It is also the gateway to the Amazon and therefore a nice place to include in your Ecuador itinerary. In this article I’ll tell you more about the best things to do Baños Ecuador, including tips for tours, restaurants and other attractions.
Welcome to Baños Ecuador
Baños is located 1.820 meters above sea level, on the border between the Andes and the Amazon of Ecuador. Baños means baths and refers to the countless hot springs that the area is rich. These sources, which would have a healing effect because of the minerals, are fed by the Tungurahua volcano (meaning: little hell). The volcano has been active since 1999 and has erupted several times over the years. Chances are you’ll even see the volcano smoking during your stay.
Discover my tips for things to do in Baños Ecuador
Baños is a place I have been visiting regularly for more than twenty years. What makes Baños worth visiting is the relaxed atmosphere. It doesn’t matter which way you are coming from but it is the perfect place to relax. There are hotels, restaurants and numerous activities you can do on your own. In this article I will tell you more about the best things to do in Baños Ecuador including tips for activities in the area.
Pailón del Diablo – top things to do in Baños Ecuador
One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Ecuador is El Pailón del Diablo. Eighty meters of water collapses into the Pestaza River, making it an impressive force of nature. Visiting El Pailón del Diablo is definitelty one of the top things to do in Baños Ecuador. A half hour drive will take you to the entrance, where you pay a few dollar entrance. Then you walk through suspension bridges and stairs towards the waterfall.
Baños tips: Keep in mind that there are now two entrances that lead to El Pailón del Diablo. One route offers better top views and the other offers a better view from below. Paaths are smooth and there is a lot of water coming off the waterfall, so prepare with good shoes, camera protection and a possible poncho.
El Manto de La Novia
One of the other things to do when it comes to waterfalls in Baños Ecuador is El Manto de La Novia, meaning wedding dress. The name refers to the white color of the water that resembles the cloak of a bride. From the road you can see how the water from these two waterfalls end up perfectly in the Rio Pestaza. With a small cable car – or better described as an open tray – you drive up to the 40-meter-high waterfall to see the fall up close. Make sure you go for it.
La Ruta de Las Cascadas
Do you want to see more waterfalls in Baños Ecuador? La Ruta de Las Cascadas leads you from Baños (province of Tungurahua) to Puyo (province of Pestaza) along sixty small and larger waterfalls. It is a popular route that is often taken by bike or buggie/quad. La Ruta de Las Cascadas is 17 kilometers long, leading from Baños to Rio Verde, Pailón del Diablo, Machay, San Francisco, Rio Negro, Mera and Puyo. If you choose to travel by bike, it is also possible to bring the bike on the way back on the bus. The route along the gorge and canyons of the Rio Pestaza is magnificent and becomes more and more tropical as you follow the road. A nice stop for lunch is the courtyard of hosteria Turingia in Puyo, where you can also stay overnight.
Personally, I like to stop by car at the waterfalls when I am on the way from Baños to the jungle: Tena or Archidona, as you will find yourself by bike or buggy on the same road as car traffic and go through quite a few tunnels. But I do have to say that the road has improved and there are now also special paths for non-cars, so it is completely up to you how you like to travel.
Looking for a tour of La Ruta de Las Cascadas? Here you will find a selection of tours in Baños Ecuador.
Sugarcane stalls
The area around Baños Ecuador is known for its sugarcane. In the town you will find many stalls selling fresh sugarcane and melcochas – sweets made from sugarcane that is cooked and given a syrup-like structure. And that in the most crazy colors, types, and sizes, making it incredibly sweet. A delight for the local children’s eye, but also as a visitor it is worth trying. The fresh sugarcane is addictive tasty. And also the aguardiente, a sugarcane liqueur, and the warm canelazo, are worth trying.
Swing at Casa del Arbol
If you’re on Instagram, chances are you’ve seen The Swing At The End of the World come by. Even though Baños in Ecuador now has several photogenic spots, the swing of Casa del Arbol, located at 2600 meters altitude, remains one of the most spectacular, due to the view of the Tungurahua volcano. Although you must be a bit lucky with the weather. There is a chance that you will find yourself in the clouds, as during my photo shoot. The advantage of course is that it is less busy. And the fog creates a special feeling. But the view is, of course, what you’re coming for. Don’t want to swing? It is still a nice place for a walk and photo. Avoid the weekends due to the hustle and bustle of local people who make a day trip.
Hikes
In Baños Ecuador you definitely want to go for a walk in the green surroundings. From the center you reach the statue of the holy virgin, which overlooks Baños, within half an hour. It is a steep climb up but along the way you have a great view of Baños and surroundings. You can walk the same way back or follow the path down around the virgin. After 20 minutes you will walk back into the town. Another route is the path up to the cross – Mirador Bellavista.
Looking for long distance hikes? Following Mirador Bellavista, you can also continue your walk up the mountain, towards Runtún and Casa del Arbol. Although my recommendation would be not to do this and continue this road by taxi or car. There are more beautiful hiking trails in Ecuador.
Nuestra Señora de Agua Santa
One of the few things to do in the town of Baños in Ecuador itself is the cathedral of the Nuestra Señora de Agua Santa, dedicated to the virgin to whom various wonders were attributed. There are several paintings inside the church that explain the wonders. For example, a man once fell 70 meters from a bridge in the Rio Pestaza. When he asked the virgin for help, he was miraculously saved. For this reason, the church in Baños is still an important pilgrimage site. In October each year, processions and celebrations take place to honor the sanctuary.
Hotsprings – famous things to do in Baños Ecuador
Baños and the surrounding area have numerous hot springs. You’ll find them in hotels, pools and spas. Termas de la Virgen, located at the foot of the Cascada Cabellera de la Virgen waterfall is located in the middle of the town. It is small but for a few dollars you can easily relax here for an hour. Termas El Salado is located just outside Baños but is easily accessible by car or bus. Both are available from 5 am in the morning. Keep in mind that it is often busy here and therefore it does not always look as attractive. The most beautiful spa, is the one of Hotel Luna Volcán, located on the mountain with magnificent views over Baños.
Observe the Tungurahua
Do you want to observe the Tungurahua volcano? On a clear day you can visit Ojos de Volcan or Mirador las Antenas viewpoint. If you are lucky, you’ll even see the volcano smoking.
Baños streetart
The town of Baños in Ecuador has few spectacular things to do. Yet it is a nice place to walk around, get the laid-back vibes and have a drink in one of the many bars. Look around you too, because every now and then you discover cool street art.
Adventurous things to do in Baños Ecuador
Rafting and Kayaking
Rafting and kayaking can be done on the Río Patate and Rio Pestaza around Baños in Ecuador. Levels range from 3 to 4, where level 3 is doable for everyone. Even though I personally recommend doing this around Tena or Archidona, in Baños you will find countless organizations that offer this. Make sure you’re on the road with a reliable organization, as safety is one of the most important things during your travels. Here you will find a selection of reliable tours.
Adventurous things to do and activities on the mountain – Baños Ecuador
Do you like adventure and adrenaline? I don’t necessarily, although I do think this doesn’t matter in Baños in Ecuador. Up the mountain, along the Vía a Runtún, there are numerous activities and attractions such as suspension bridges, swings and colorful viewpoints. Even if you are not looking for any adrenaline, the views are stunning and taking in the atmosphere is just as nice. Here are a few places to include in your schedule. Keep in mind that these places can become busy on weekends.
- Los Manos y el Corazón de la Pachamama (the hands and heart of Mother Earth), is a viewpoint in a colorful setting that you can see already from the town halfway up the mountain.
- At El Vuelo del Condor, you will walk over a wobbly suspension bridge, while overlooking the town below you.
Zipline & Canyoning
In Baños in Ecuador it bursts with zipline, canopy and canyoning possibilities. With zipline and canopy, you float with a helmet, and a harness on, high above the canyons and trees. Puntzan Canopy, covers six trails with a total length of 2 kilometers, from where you enjoy the landscapes around you. During a canyoning tour, you climb various waterfalls up and down, while abseiling and sliding through water over rocks from place to place.
Again, it is important to go with a professional organization. Because of the overwhelming amount of tours, it is sometimes hard to find the right one. Reliable organizations can be found here. Or if you are planning to find something in Baños while walking around, then make sure you read the reviews in advance and don’t be led by cheap prices.
To the jungle
From Baños you can make various trips to the jungle. Curious about a raft or kayak tour around Archidona Ecuador? Please contact Kayak Ecuador.
Mini travel guide Baños Ecuador
Tips for tours and things to do in Baños Ecuador
Looking for more tips, activities and things to do in Baños Ecuador? This is a selection of tours.
Hotel tips Baños Ecuador
Luna Volcán
One of the most beautiful places to stay in Baños in Ecuador is Luna Volcán. This hotel is located on the eastern flanks of the Tungurahua volcano, 400 meters above the town surrounded by Sangay and Llanganates National Park. And the views you’ll see here are nowhere else.
There are luxury villas, each with its own theme and design, located in a tropical garden with numerous flowers. Almost all villas have a balcony or terrace where you look at the numerous lights in the evening. But the highlight of Luna Volcán is surely the incredible spa on the edge of the mountain. From the hot tubs you look out over the mountains and feel on top of the world. And even if you are not a hotel guest, you are welcome here, because day passes are also available.
In the Luna Restaurant you can sit down for a la carte dinner and in Café del Cielo you enjoy crepes and tasty cakes. If you spend the night at Luna Volcán, a rich breakfast with a view awaits you the next morning.
Do you want to stay at Luna Volcán as well? Here you will find the latest prices and availability. Looking for more hotels in Baños? This is an overview.
More hotels in Baños Ecuador
- Sangay Spa Hotel, located in the city center, at the foot of the Cascada Cabellera de la Virgen waterfall.
- Samari Spa Hotel, in a nice place, slightly outside the center of Baños Ecuador.
Restaurant tips Baños Ecuador
- Aromé – for tasty chocolate, coffee and cakes.
- La Tasca de Baños, my favorite place for real Spanish tapas snacks and wines.
- Restaurant Mariane – this has been a quality French/Ecuadorian cuisine for years.
- Paperdelle – a good Italian place on the main street.
- Swiss bistro – for a traditional fondue.
- Cafe del Cielo – for a light lunch or cake with stunning views.
- Blah Blah Cafe, for good sandwiches.
- Honey coffee & tea, located on Parque Central for lunch, coffee and tea.
How to reach Baños in Ecuador
Baños can be reached within 3.5 hours from Quito. From Cuenca and Guayaquil a ride to Baños takes about 6 hours and from Latacunga 2 hours. Tena and Archidona can be reached within 3 hours from Baños. Transportation by bus or a (private) shuttle, you can book easily online. You can also choose to rent a car, something I like to do myself. Most of the activities and things to do in Banos Eccuador are within walking distance of the city center. In addition, numerous tours are offered and you can easily travel longer distances by bus or taxi.
Travel by bus or shuttle
Looking for a way to get around in Ecuador by bus or minivan? Use Bookaway, to findand book the best connection for you.
Car rental
Looking for a rental car for your trip to Ecuador? Use Rental Cars to search and compare your car rental options. A quick and easy tool and no need to have up multiple tabs trying to figure out which company is the most affordable. They also have great discounts and cancellation policies.
Flight
Looking for flights to travel to the South of Ecuador, Amazon or Galapagos Islands? Use Skyscanner, when it comes to searching for cheap flights across Ecuador. An easy way to compare and book your flight ticket, as it searches websites and airlines around the world with one click.
Travel insurance
Looking for a travel insurance? World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance, with coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world.”
More hotels in Ecuador
In every country I look out for the most beautiful and unique places to stay. A boutique atmosphere, a stylish design, a lovely setting, and a good service are important topics for me, when choosing a hotel. In addition, I like to support the locals and love a sustainable approach around a hotel. Are you curious about my favorite hotels in Ecuador? In the next article you will find an overview of the best boutique hotels in Ecuador, where I personally stayed.
More about Ecuador
Did you enjoy reading this article with tips for things to do in Baños Ecuador? Let me take you on a journey along the most beautiful destinations and places to visit in Ecuador. In the next articles you will find my Ecuador travel guides with lots of inspiration and tips.
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- Best boutique hotels and lodges in Ecuador – 13 tips
- Galapagos Islands Ecuador – everything you want to know about a trip and cruise
- Best things to do in Cuenca Ecuador – full city guide with 15 tips
- Things to do in Riobamba Ecuador – a comprehensive guide with tips
- Mashpi Lodge Ecuador – Everything you want to know
- Chimborazo volcano Ecuador – tips for a visit and climb
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