When looking at the top places to visit in Ecuador, the town of Baños is often listed. And for a good reason- this town is full of unique adventures that encapsulate the beauty and variety Ecuador has on offer. So, what are the best things to do in Baños, Ecuador?
Baños (full name Baños de Agua Santa) is situated in the center of Ecuador, tucked away in a green valley that is sandwiched between the Andes mountains and the Amazon rainforest. As its name suggests, it is known for its natural volcanic baths. However, there is more to Baños than its namesake, with plenty of other activities on offer to suit all ages and interests.
Here are some of the top things to do in Baños, Ecuador.
1. the Baños Waterfall route
There are countless beautiful waterfalls in Ecuador, with many being in close proximity to Baños. There are so many waterfalls, in fact, that a must-visit activity is to follow the Baños waterfall route, which includes six main waterfalls within close distance to each other. These are:
- Cascadas Ulba & Silencio
- Cascada Agoyan
- Cascada Manto de la Novia
- Cascada Pailón del Diablo
- Cascada El Rocio Machay
Many people end their trip at the most well-known waterfall, Pailón del Diablo. However, Cascasas Ulba & Silencio and El Rocio Machay are well worth the stop, being quieter and majestic in their own right.
You can access these waterfalls in different ways. You could use private transport, take one of the trams/ ‘Chivas’ (that switch to party buses at night!), or one of the public buses that run along the 18km route. Alternatively, a popular option is to hire bicycles for around $10 and cycle the route, getting a public bus back.
There are some inclines, cobbled sections, and tunnels, with cars passing you frequently during the journey. However, in general, it is an enjoyable ride with places to purchase food and drink along the way. Be sure to check your bike is in good shape before leaving, and always ask for a helmet and safety lock.
2. Take a jungle day trip To Puyo
Baños has an altitude of 1,820m and is the final town before the road descends towards the Amazon basin in Ecuador. If you do not have the time or budget for a full Amazon trip, the good news is that you can get a taste of the jungle by taking an inexpensive and action-filled day trip from Baños to Puyo.
You will find multiple tour agencies offering this trip, with a wide range of prices! Check out Alexandertour S.A. for one of the most affordable and well-rated options. Their guides speak Spanish and English.
The trip includes visiting a village, cacao farm, viewpoint, and jungle swing. Some of the trips also include visiting a wildlife sanctuary.
You can also do this trip independently by taking public transport or cycling all the way to Puyo (60km)! If you decide to cycle, consider spending the night in Puyo before exploring the next day.
3. visit Baños hot springs
There are a variety of Baños hot springs to enjoy, which cater to different budgets. The volcanic waters from the nearby Tungurahua Volcano are filled with minerals and are said to offer healing benefits. Many of the hot springs in Baños also include cold plunges, steam rooms, and saunas.
Take half a day or a full day to soak and relax. Be mindful that on weekends, the popular local hot springs can get busy. Visiting the hot springs in the evening is also a popular choice for locals and tourists alike.
Luna Volcan Adventure Spa offers a luxurious hot spring experience with the bonus of views over Baños. The Termas de la Virgin is right in Baños and costs less than $5 to enter. You can also consider options such as the Balneario El Salado or Santa Ana Pools. Note that many of the hot springs ask that you wear a swimming cap for hygiene purposes, which you can rent or buy at the entry booth.
4. Hike to a viewpoint
Baños is not only filled with activities to enjoy, it is also breathtaking. So, take a pause and admire your surroundings. You are in a colorful valley surrounded by sloping green mountains and the active Tungurahua volcano. On sunny days, you will see the sun glistening off the snow-capped peak, or you may get a sneak peek of the summit on cloudy days.
There are several trails you can take to enjoy the viewpoints over Baños. Visit La Cruz de Bellavista in around 45 minutes for views over the town or the Virgen de Ventanas viewpoint. You can also combine miradors as part of a longer hike and finish at Cafe del Cielo for a snack and coffee before descending back into town. The hikes to the viewpoints are considered moderate, with many stairs to climb.
5. Pick an adventure activity
If you like adventurous activities, you can spend days in Baños enjoying all it has on offer. It is the home of Ecuador’s adventure activities, after all.
There are many excursions to take, such as rafting and canyoning. You can also bungee jump, paraglide, rock climb, or zip-line! Always take time to research the providers of these activities and choose a reputable company with safety procedures.
If you want to adventure without a tour, consider hiking the Sendero de Contrabandistas trail, which follows the waterfall route but is on the other side of the river. It is a full-day hike, which includes passing through different settlements and ending at the Pailón del Diablo waterfall. You can make the hike shorter by taking one of the cable cars back over the river at an earlier point and catching a bus back to Baños.
6. Eat
You cannot visit Baños without experiencing some of its cuisine. You can enjoy local Ecuadorean food on a budget, including hearty soups such as Locro. You can even try guinea pig (Cuy), which is considered a sacred food in Ecuador.
Baños also has a refreshing variety of restaurants, including Sher E Punjab (Indian food), Arepas To Go, Fondue Garden, Leoni Pizzería, and the Restaurante México de mis Sabores. Sativa Studio Cafe offers a great range of vegetarian food and Caribbean flavors. Honey Coffee & Tea is one of the most popular coffee and breakfast spots.
For views over Baños, visit the rooftop bar at Selinas Hotel, which also has a food menu. You will also notice many chocolate, sweet, and sugarcane juice stalls around. Be sure to try the local produce!
7. Swing at the end of the world
If you want a good photo opportunity, views over Baños without a hike, or simply to try the swing of all swings- then visit La Casa del Arbol, known in English as the Swing at the End of the World. What started as a humble treehouse and swing on a local’s land to encourage his grandchildren to journey up the hill has now become one of the top tourist attractions in Baños.
There are now several swings with seatbelts and a cafe to enjoy while admiring the views over Baños, with Tungurahua volcano on the left. You can walk around 11km, take public transport, or pay for a taxi to take you to this attraction. The swing is open from 06:30am and closes at 7pm, with a $1 entry fee at the time of writing.
8. Visit a volcano
Baños is the perfect base to visit some of Ecuador’s volcanoes. Baños has a lower altitude that appeals to many people, who can then take day trips to nearby volcanoes. For example, there are day excursions to Chimborazo and Cotopaxi, which are also perfect if you are short on time but want to experience the majesty of the Ecuadorean Andes.
These day trips usually have a minimum number requirement, and there are different tour options to suit all ages. For example, you can take an excursion where you hike to the volcano’s Refugio, then you bike a section down before the transport brings you back to Baños.
You can also hike Tungurahua Volcano, which translates to the ‘throat of fire,’ over two days from Baños. It is a challenging hike that should only be taken with an experienced guide unless you have sufficient mountaineering experience and the correct gear. Learn more in this post.
Enjoy the best things to do in baños
Baños, Ecuador, is a great destination for all ages, interests, and budgets. Consider what appeals to you on this list of the best things to do in Baños to help you decide how long you should stay in Baños.
For many people, three to four days is a sufficient amount of time to enjoy Baños. You can then continue to Quito or south through the Andes. There is also a direct night bus from Baños to Montañita, the surf capital of Ecuador on the coast.
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