17 Fascinating Places in Baños Ecuador That Will Wow You

Picture a small city at the base of an active volcano, nestled in a valley between the Amazon Rainforest and the Andes Mountains. Welcome to Baños Ecuador!

Aside from its magnificent landscape dotted with awesome waterfalls and healing hot springs, Baños is all about exciting outdoor pursuits, including hiking, rafting, ziplining, and cycling, earning it the moniker “Adventure Capital of Ecuador.”

When I visited Baños de Agua Santa, I had no idea I’d spend over 2 weeks in the village. There was so much to do in the surrounding area, and the people were the absolute best. I highly recommend spending at least 3 days there if you have the time.

Get to know this amazing city with this overview and guide on the wonderful sights, exciting activities, and memorable experiences you can only get in Baños, Ecuador.

17 Best Things to Do in Baños Ecuador 

1. Exploring Serene Thermal Baths

You’ll discover a selection of thermal baths that provide a serene and revitalizing escape. Among the well-liked options are Cocalmayo and Aguas Calientes. To reach these thermal baths, travelers can opt for a bus or shared car ride from Cusco to Santa Teresa and use local transportation to reach the bathhouses. 

Visitors can board a train from Ollantaytambo, which will take them to the ‘Hidroelectrica’ station. From there, they must arrange a car to transport them to Santa Teresa or the hot springs.

2. Swing at the End of the World

The Swing at the End of the World, situated within the enchanting setting of La Casa del Árbol, is a widely celebrated attraction. It adds a touch of adventure to the quaint park at Casa de Arbol, where visitors can experience the thrill of swinging amidst breathtaking landscapes. This unique spot boasts not just one but three swings, offering varying degrees of exhilaration, as well as a small zip line for those seeking an extra dose of excitement.

The vistas from these swings are truly awe-inspiring, with sweeping panoramas of the lush Ecuadorian countryside and distant mountains. Accessing the swing is convenient from Baños de Agua Santa, making it an affordable and enjoyable day trip in Ecuador.

3. Ride a Tarabita Cable Car Over Rio Pastaza

The Tarabita cable car is like a big basket that moves on cables and takes you up high. It’s a fun ride that costs about $1.

While you’re crossing the river, you can see waterfalls, mountains, and the jungle. You get to be really close to the waterfalls, and it feels exciting to be over the Pastaza River.

The ride is fast and enjoyable, and it’s a cool way to see the area differently. The cable car goes high over the river, so you can look down and see the Rio Pastaza Valley and River Gorge. But if you’re scared of heights, it might not be for you.

4. Go Canyoning

Try canyoning to see the Baños waterfalls even closer than you imagined. One of the most thrilling activities in Baños, this adventure involves rappelling down several waterfalls and hiking the canyons and gorges in the nearby forest.

5. Biking

Renting a bike for a few hours, or perhaps a whole day, and exploring the great routes around the city is an easy and exciting way to see the sights in Baños. 

This method of experiencing the waterfalls will take you past every one of them through picturesque trails along the river and mountainside. You can cake the “Rute de las Cascadas” and follow that and stop along the way. Please wear a long-sleeved shirt for sun protection and a helmet. As a Dutchie, I love biking, but only when done responsibly.

6. Whitewater Rafting

While Tena, a city near the Amazon jungle, may be best known in Ecuador for white river rafting, Baños is also a fantastic location for this adventurous sport. Rafting in the rivers near Baños is a well-loved adventure. You can experience rapids ranging from Class 3 to 5, depending on the river you pick and the current weather conditions.

Within a short drive of Baños, you may encounter rapids of various difficulty levels, so both novice and expert rafters will enjoy the journey. I did this activity alone and ended up with a lovely French family. It was my first rafting experience, and it was absolutely amazing. The water was pretty wild, but I enjoyed every minute of it.

7. Rock Climbing

Climbers of all skill levels may find the best rock climbing walls at the volcanoes near Baños. You can enroll in introductory rock climbing classes with a licensed teacher. If you’re a skilled climber, you can rent equipment or bring a guide if you’re climbing alone.

8. Visit Tungurahua Volcano

The Tungurahua Volcano is one of Baños’ top attractions, yet it doesn’t get much attention. This active volcano, whose name means “throat of fire,” frequently erupts. 2008 saw the evacuation of Baños due to a significant eruption. Fortunately, Baños is rarely in danger from the eruptions, and if you’re lucky, you can still witness them. 

You can see the volcano from Baños, but if you have time, venture outside to a better vantage point to see it more clearly.

9. Tour Puyo to See the Amazon

The treks to Puyo to discover the Amazon Jungle are the most under-appreciated excursions from Baños. Go on a tour of Puyo if you haven’t yet explored the Amazon or want to learn more about this incredible location.

10. Treat Yourself With a Local Massage

Baños means “baths,” so it seems to make sense that you may indulge yourself in massages and spa services. Numerous facilities offer a variety of treatments in the area, from massages to all-day therapies. 

11. Visit the Zoologico de San Martin

Your best chance to view cool wildlife if you’re not traveling to the Amazon is at the Zoologico de San Martin. So many wonderful animals may be seen here, and you can learn more about them. The best part is walking to Zoologico de San Martin from Baños.

12. Go Ziplining Through the Jungle

On some of the top zip lines in Baños, people may fly back and forth over the numerous canyons, rivers, and waterfalls that make this region famous. 

There are various places in Baños where you can go ziplining, such as the well-known zipline at Bride’s Veil Falls, but if you’re looking for a true experience, go to Puntzan Adventure Park in Baños.

13. Get Yourself Some Hot Chocolate

Ecuador is well-known for its chocolate, produced locally, organically, and exceptionally well on the country’s shores and near the Amazon rainforest. 

Because it is so delicious, Ecuadorians frequently choose hot chocolate over the country’s coffee options. In Baños, this is not the case, though: the city is known for both its amazing hot chocolate and mouthwatering coffee.

14. Visit Ruta de las Cascadas 

Renting a bike and riding about Baños to enjoy the breathtaking environment and numerous waterfalls is another well-liked activity. But don’t worry; it’s downhill: the “Ruta de las Cascadas” begins in town and ends 10.6 miles (17 kilometers) away.

15. Bungee Jumping

One of the most well-liked adventure sports in Baños is bungee jumping, sometimes known as “puenting” due to the “Puente” (or bridge) along the waterfall route outside of town. 

Baños is the ideal location in Ecuador to attempt this if you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime chance to dive into the breathtaking canyon at the base of waterfalls. I have to admit I didn’t jump off the bridge in town, but I did have a very good time observing the people who chose to jump.

16. Horseback Riding

On a clear, sunny day, horseback riding is great. Typically, you can reserve horses and hire a local guide for two hours to as long as seven days. If you’re staying long enough, you can go on wonderful horseback camping excursions across the mountains, although most people only ride horses for a single day.

17. Purchase Some Candy

You can see people making “melcocha” (the distinctive taffy Baños is known for) by hand in the streets. The streets are lined with vendors selling various confectionery, but melcocha is a famous specialty you must not miss. They distribute samples as they prepare the candy into warm, chewy portions. To avoid purchasing burnt candy, we advise you to sample a few items beforehand.

Where to Stay in Baños Ecuador 

Hosteria Llanovientos presents a steal for budget-conscious travelers in Baños’ most highly-rated area. This hosteria takes pride in its exceptional customer service, comfortable beds, and a game room featuring table tennis. It’s conveniently situated within a brief stroll from the town center and just a few miles away from the waterfalls and hot springs.

For those seeking a mid-range option, Destiny Hotel is an excellent choice. The hotel boasts a stunning pool and enjoys an ideal position on a terrace with breathtaking views of Baños. Following a day of fun, visitors can relax in the cocktail lounge or the terrace’s jacuzzi, which is right next to the infinity pool.

The Samari Spa Resort offers an indulgent experience for those with a more luxurious budget. The resort’s magnificently decorated suites, beautiful hotel grounds, pool, spa, and wellness center create an atmosphere of royalty and luxury at every turn.

For more accommodation options, you may click on the map.

Tips To Stay Safe In Baños Ecuador During Your Visit

• Stay Aware of Your Surroundings: Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas or when using public transportation.
• Secure Valuables: Avoid wearing flashy jewelry or displaying large amounts of cash.
• Road Safety: If you rent a bike or scooter, wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear. Roads can be steep and slippery, especially after rain. Be cautious and drive defensively.
• Stay Healthy: Drink bottled or filtered water, protect yourself from mosquitoes, and be cautious about eating street food if you have a sensitive stomach. Hot springs are safe but follow posted health and safety guidelines.
• Consider protecting yourself with travel insurance such as SafetyWing, which can cover medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen incidents during your stay. Use the widget below to snag the perfect policy for your needs and travel with peace of mind knowing you’ve got your back covered, no matter what adventures come your way!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Baños Ecuador

Is It Safe To Travel to Baños Ecuador?

Yes, Baños and the rest of Ecuador are safe places to visit as long as you apply some common sense and the sixth sense that we all possess, which is crucial in most cities worldwide and allows you to determine if a move is safe or unsafe.

As a female solo traveler, I felt completely safe in Baños and could walk around at night by myself without any issues. This was before the pandemic, so the situation may have changed.

What Is Baños Known For?

It is impossible to hear or talk about Baños without mentioning the Swing at the End of the World. The most popular posts appearing if you performed a social media search for Baños, Ecuador, would be images shot from the Swing at the End of the World. 

Not surprisingly, due to the breathtaking views from the Swing, this is the most well-liked activity in Baños. To avoid crowds, we would advise heading there on a weekday. But, no matter what you do, do not miss this one. 

When Should I Go to Baños Ecuador?

All seasons are suitable for visiting Baños. However, from January through March, it rains more frequently. On the other hand, June through August are the driest months, so we suggest traveling in these months. 

Are There Two Baños in Ecuador?

Please note that Ecuador has multiple towns with the name Baños (the name refers to hot springs or natural baths), and the complete name of Baños is Baños de Agua Santa, which means “Baths of Sacred Water” in reference to the town’s numerous waterfalls.

Conclusion – Baños Ecuador

While Baños has a slew of outdoor adventure sports that would make any adrenaline junkie happy, it is also home to tranquil, amazing landscapes, uniquely situated in a valley between the Amazon Rainforest and the Andes Mountains. Furthermore, as its full name suggests, “Baths of Sacred Water” awaits travelers who seek relaxation and healing in the town’s hot springs.

Take a day tour (or two) from Ecuador’s capital and head to Baños. It will be a thrilling and relaxing experience you won’t regret.

---

Your Ultimate Travel Guide & Booking Resources

Related Reads:

• The Ultimate Guide to Quito Ecuador: Unveiling the Best-Kept Secrets of Ecuador’s Capital
• How To Get To Galapagos Islands – Flights, Ferry, Best Tours & Accommodations