My wife and I visited Baños for three days as part of our Ecuadorian trip, and we absolutely loved this town! One important tip I’d share is to visit during weekdays, as this destination is extremely popular among locals. We arrived on a Friday evening, and I was shocked by how crowded Baños was—it was such a contrast to the peaceful travel pace we were used to. Weekends here can mean long lines for activities, popular attractions, and even photo spots. I mean, look at this:
That said, Baños is the perfect destination for everyone, offering something for every kind of traveler. You can dive into limitless extreme activities, explore stunning waterfalls, venture into the edge of the Amazon rainforest, relax in the soothing hot springs, or simply soak up the natural beauty and charming small-town vibe. Not to mention, many cool day trips that are available from Banos!
Baños de Agua Santa, which translates to “Baths of Sacred Water,” is the second-most populous city in the province of Tungurahua, nestled at the foothill of the Tungurahua volcano. Commonly known simply as Baños, this city is one of Ecuador’s most popular tourist destinations. It’s also the last city in Ecuador bordering the jungle and other towns in the Amazon River Basin, earning it the nickname, “Gateway to the Amazon.”
Baños is a haven for nature lovers, offering an abundance of wildlife and natural resources. Here, you’ll find everything nature has to offer—hot springs, waterfalls, rivers, mountains, jungles, and more. With its laid-back vibe, Baños is also a popular getaway for Ecuadorians looking to escape the bustle of big cities.
We fell in love with Baños and stayed for three nights to fully explore the area. Since it’s situated at a high altitude (around 1,800 meters), we made sure to take ChlorOxygen before the trip, which helped immensely—we didn’t have to deal with any altitude sickness!
It was one of the cities we visited during our 15-day self-drive trip to Ecuador Mainland.
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What To Do In Baños
Baños may be small compared to the bustling city of Quito, but there’s no shortage of exciting activities in this tranquil town. Below, we’ve listed some of the must-do activities for anyone visiting Baños, Ecuador.
Swing On The Tree At The End Of The World at Casa De Arbol
If you search for Baños, Ecuador on social media, one of the most frequent images you’ll see is the iconic Swing at the End of the World. This is undoubtedly the most popular activity in Baños, as the breathtaking views from the swing are unforgettable. To get the best experience, I’d recommend visiting on a weekday to avoid the crowds.
Rent a vehicle and check Ruta de las Cascadas (Road of the Waterfalls)
Ruta de las Cascadas is a road from Baños to the town of Puyo which leads to the majestic waterfalls, Pailón del Diablo which translates to Devil’s Cauldron. We were advised that you can find seven waterfalls along the way but we only spotted six of them namely:
- Cascada Agoyan
- Cascada Agollan
- Cascada la Piedra
- Cascada Rocio Machay
- Manto de la Novia which is also known as the Bride’s Veil, and Cascada Pailón del Diablo.
For this adventure, we noticed most tourists either rent a bike or a buggy. Bike rentals are everywhere in Baños, so if you’re into cycling, it’s an easy option. But if biking isn’t for you—or if, like me, you’re not entirely confident on two wheels—you can also rent a private vehicle or hop on a bus that goes directly to Pailón del Diablo.
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Galapagos Islands travel might surprise you with extra fees to enter the islands, the complicated logistics between islands, booking tours, and knowing which spots are free to explore and which ones are not. I’ve covered it all in this Galapagos Travel Guide.
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Do Extreme Activities
Outdoor enthusiasts will be thrilled with all the adventurous activities Baños has to offer. You can find affordable tours to experience a variety of extreme sports, and they’re well worth trying. One of the highlights for us was whitewater rafting on the Pastaza River. With rapids ranging from class three to five, it’s an adrenaline rush that’s not for the faint-hearted!
Our absolute favorite was the canyoning tour through the waterfalls, where we could actually climb and jump right into the water! It’s such a thrill, and we highly recommend it to everyone—we booked ours through Viator and loved every second.
Another must-try in Baños is paragliding (definitely recommend this tour too). The landscape and surrounding valleys create ideal winds for it, making the experience unforgettable. Just a heads-up, though—paragliding usually costs around USD 75 per person, so it’s helpful to plan your budget with this in mind.
Rock climbing is another fantastic activity to try in Baños. The city’s location at the base of an active volcano has created ideal natural rock walls, perfect for climbing. If you’re new to it, you’ll find beginner courses with certified instructors to help you out.
Ziplining is also a must-do here, with countless jungle zipline spots to choose from. For a particularly thrilling ride, try the zipline at Puntzan Adventure Park—it’s a favorite for a reason!
With all the waterfalls in Baños, canyoning (or canyoneering) is another popular adventure. The tours are reasonably priced, typically around USD 30. Ours lasted for two exhilarating hours, and it was one of the highlights of our trip.
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If you’re still craving more extreme activities, Baños is also known for bungee jumping. For beginners, Rio Blanco Bridge offers a jump from 35 meters high, and if you’re after more of a thrill, head to San Francisco Bridge, which towers even higher.
Visit Pailon Del Diablo Viewpoint
Pailón del Diablo is truly the crown jewel of waterfalls along the Ruta de las Cascadas and an absolute must-visit in Baños. Standing at 80 meters tall and 1,410 meters above sea level, it’s a breathtaking sight that captivates every visitor.
Legend says that Virgin Mary was seen around the waterfalls and is now protecting the residents from volcanic activities.
Soak In Thermal Hot Springs
After a day packed with physical adventures, nothing beats unwinding in a hot spring or thermal bath. In fact, Baños earned its name from these famous thermal waters. Some of the top thermal baths to try are El Salado, El Refugio, and Termas de la Virgen Recreativas. They’re the perfect spots to relax and recharge!
Relax At Luna Volcán Adventure Spa
Luna Volcán Adventure Spa perfectly combines adventure and relaxation. They offer a range of thrilling activities like hiking, rafting, canyoning, and horseback riding. For unwinding, Luna Healing Spa provides rejuvenating treatments, and their indoor pools are a treat. But the real highlight? Their hot jacuzzis filled with volcanic water—an unforgettable way to relax! (check the current price here).
Go To Puyo To See The Amazon
A unique experience in Baños is taking a trip to Puyo to explore the Amazon jungle—a must-do, in my opinion! If you’re not renting a car, I highly recommend booking this tour in advance; it’s affordable and absolutely worth it. On the guided tour to Puyo, you’ll ride a canoe along the Puyo River, explore the rainforests, and learn about the diverse wildlife. The highlight is visiting a Quichua community, where you’ll get a glimpse into the indigenous way of life.
We decided to drive ourselves and checked out Finca Mirador Indichuris and the stunning Hola Vida waterfall. Swimming there after a hot, humid jungle hike was incredibly refreshing!
Explore The Town of Baños
Strolling around Baños is a great way to soak in the town’s laid-back and friendly vibe. While exploring, don’t miss the Basilica of Our Lady of Agua Santa and the Museum of the Basilica of Agua Santa, located at the largest plaza in town. They’re both beautiful spots that add a bit of history and culture to your visit.
What to Eat in Baños
Ecuadorian cuisine is interesting and definitely a must-try. Each region has its own specialties and you will find amazing food discoveries in each city you go to in Ecuador. Here are some of the good bites we found in Baños:
Trucha or Fried Trout
Trout are abundant in Baños, thanks to the town’s plentiful freshwater sources. Ecuadorians have a variety of fish recipes, but trout is typically served fried—a delicious way to enjoy the local flavors!
Librillo
Librillo is a tripe dish that is popular in the mountain parts of Ecuador. It is usually served with rice (the one on the image above).
Melcocha
Melcocha is a handmade candy mainly produced in Baños. It is a thick candy made with sugarcane.
Where to stay in Baños
You’ll definitely enjoy staying in Baños, no matter your preference—whether it’s a hostel, hotel, or Airbnb, every spot has its own charm. Here’s our list of popular accommodations in Baños to help you find the perfect place for your stay!
Hotels and Resorts
Aldea Real Eco Friendly
We stayed at Aldea Real Eco Hotel in Baños, and it was an incredibly pleasant experience, especially for such a reasonable price (check here)! The best part was definitely the patio, where we enjoyed a lovely view from a hammock. They also offer upgraded rooms with hot tubs if you’re looking to splurge a bit—highly recommended!
The breakfast was included and it was one of the best breakfast options we had while traveling on Ecuador’s mainland.
Luna Volcán, Adventure SPA
Luna is a high-end hotel perched 400 meters above Baños, and while it’s on the pricier side (check the current price here), we decided to spend our last night there—and wow, it was worth every penny! The views and experience were unforgettable.
Luna has an array of unique, romantic rooms, each offering fantastic views. Although it’s on the pricier side (we paid $240 for the night), the experience is well worth it. Both a high-end dinner and breakfast are included, plus access to four pools and the ultimate feature—a jacuzzi filled with hot volcanic water right at the edge of the mountain! If it fits your budget, I couldn’t recommend this place more!
Monte Selva – Hotel en Baños Ecuador
Monte Selva is a hillside hotel offering a thermal bathhouse and an outdoor pool. The nightly rate usually starts at USD90 but make sure to check the best price here.
Samari Spa Resort
If you are up to something more fancy and luxurious, Samurai Spa Resort is on the top of that list in Baños. It is an upscale spa resort featuring Turkish baths, hot tubs, and an indoor pool. They also have a restaurant and a tavern. The rooms are usually priced starting at USD200 but check the current price here.
Hostels
Erupcion Art Hotel & Hostel
This laid-back hostel features a communal kitchen and a lounge where you can interact with fellow guests. The sharing rooms are priced starting at USD25 per night you can check the current price here.
La Casa del Molino Blanco
Hostal La Casa del Molino Blanco is the only Bed and Breakfast place you can find in Baños that uses sustainable energy. The place is equipped with a wind generator and solar panels. You can stay here for USD25 per night.
Additionally, make sure to always check current hot deals:
How to Get to Baños
Baños doesn’t have its own airport, and the city center is about 130 miles from Quito International Airport. For travelers flying in from outside Ecuador, the best option is to land in Quito and then take a bus to reach Baños.
From Quito
If you’re traveling from Quito, the peaceful town of Baños is about a four-hour bus ride away. Buses from Quito to Baños run every 15 minutes, making it easy to find one. Alternatively, you can catch a bus to Ambato and continue from there.
You can also take a private shuttle.
You can take a different bus to Baños from Ambato.
From Guayaquil
For those coming from Guayaquil, there’s an option to take a direct bus to Baños, which takes around six hours. Alternatively, you can break up the journey by taking a bus to Ambato first and then catching another bus from Ambato to Baños.
From Cuenca
If you’re in Cuenca and planning to head to Baños, you can catch a direct bus, which typically takes around seven hours. Another option is to travel via Ambato, as buses from Cuenca to Ambato are also available, allowing you to make a transfer there before continuing to Baños.
From Latacunga
For those traveling from Latacunga to Baños, Expreso Baños offers direct trips twice daily, and the journey usually takes around two hours. If you miss the direct bus, an alternative is to catch a bus to Ambato, with departures from Latacunga every two hours, and then transfer to a bus from Ambato to Baños.
Transport in Baños
By Taxi
Taxis are readily available in Baños, and it’s safe to travel by them since the drivers are generally honest, friendly, and cautious, especially on the town’s steeper roads. Just note that there’s no Uber service in Baños.
By Bus
Getting around by bus is convenient in Baños, with most hostels and hotels within walking distance of the bus terminal. The Baños – Rio Verde bus is especially handy, passing every 15 to 20 minutes, making it easy to explore nearby spots.
Baños Altitude, Climate, and Weather
Baños sits at about 1,820 meters above sea level—lower than Quito but still high enough for altitude sickness to affect some visitors. If you’re prone to altitude-related issues, I’d recommend starting on ChlorOxygen a week or two before the trip; it made a big difference for us.
Baños is generally warm, but sunscreen is essential, as sun exposure can be intense. Rain showers can surprise you, even in the dry season, so keeping a rain jacket or a compact umbrella handy is a smart move.
Although Baños is enjoyable year-round, the best time to visit is typically October through March. For a quieter experience, consider coming in September—it’s off-peak, and you’ll find more budget-friendly options.
Safety Tips
Baños is generally safe for tourists, but it’s wise not to let your guard down, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area. I always follow the basic rule of staying aware of my belongings and avoiding flashy jewelry in busy spots. These small precautions go a long way in keeping your travels hassle-free.
Conclusion
A trip to Baños truly feels like a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s the perfect escape from city life, offering a laid-back, peaceful, small-town atmosphere that I absolutely fell in love with. If you’re planning your next adventure, Baños, Ecuador, deserves a top spot on that list.
Planning trip to Ecuador?
My wife and I rented a car for 15 days and traveled from the northern part of Ecuador to the south, visiting amazing cities like Quito, Otavalo, Baños, Cuenca, and Guayaquil. Along the way, we explored iconic places such as Cotopaxi National Park, Quilotoa Lake, and many more breathtaking destinations.
Not many blogs cover traveling in Ecuador in detail, so I spent nearly three weeks creating this comprehensive Ecuador travel guide based on our trip. It’s packed with everything you need to know, and honestly, I consider it the best free travel guide about Ecuador out there.
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Hey Oleg Galeev, quick question about the extreme activities in Baños. Is there something you’d recommend for someone who’s never tried anything too wild before but wants to push the limits a bit?
This one of the most popular!