Best Things to Do in Baños, Ecuador
Baños de Agua Santa is one of the most laidback towns in Ecuador, set in lush green scenery. It is also one of the top travel destinations in the country. In this Baños travel guide, we share our tips on the best things to do in Baños on a budget, top attractions, and activities, including the famous hot springs, waterfalls, and Casa del Arbol.
The town of Baños in Ecuador, set among lush green hills, near snow-capped volcanoes, rapid rivers, and hot springs, was, thanks to its fairytale-like location, predetermined to become one of South America's most popular backpacker destinations.
The settings of Baños probably could not be better, and it attracts people from all around the world with different budgets and interests. Like San Gil in Colombia, Baños is considered to be the adventure capital of Ecuador because of the large number of things to do, including activities such as zip-lining or rafting.
The town got its name after several hot springs bubbling out from the ground - baños in English means bath - and relaxing in the hot pools is definitely one of the things you simply can't miss.
On top of that, you can also use Baños as a base for your Amazon adventure.
Baños lies only three and a half hours from Quito by bus, and this is the reason why it is a must-include place in your Ecuador itinerary.
The town gets pretty busy on weekends, so plan your accommodation and activities well ahead, especially in the high season.
We've already mentioned that Baños is surrounded by volcanoes. You might be surprised that most of those volcanoes are still active. Especially Tungurahua still erupts from time to time, so don't forget to ask locals to get the most recent information if you plan on trekking.
Although Baños is the adventure capital of Ecuador, there is still plenty to do when traveling on a budget (sports activities were not overpriced, definitely much cheaper than in Colombia).
In this travel guide, we've decided to put together some of the best things to do in Baños that are possible to do on a budget and even with a limited time for exploring the town and its near surroundings.
BEST THINGS TO DO IN BAÑOS
In general, we love places like Baños so that we may be a bit biased in this travel guide. In a nutshell, we find destinations set in a beautiful landscape very enjoyable because they usually offer an endless list of what a traveler can do there, even more importantly, on a low budget.
Moreover, the place often attracts many same-minded people who love nature and simple stuff, making the entire atmosphere in the town very relaxed.
You can meet here people excited before their adventure activities in the morning, during lunch travelers who just returned from their independent hikes.
In the evening, you can share your experience with others in a communal kitchen in a hostel. Or, in the very case of Baños, you can relax in hot springs, and later enjoy a wonderful sunset.
Genius loci of Baños is the real selling point, and in this blog post, we would like to inspire you to visit Baños and try at least one activity from our curated list of the best things to do.
ENJOY HOT SPRINGS
It is almost impossible to visit Baños de Agua Santa and not to jump into the hot springs.
There are several places where you can enjoy a relaxing dip within walking distance from the city center. It is definitely a pleasant way how to spend an afternoon after the morning biking or hiking exercise.
We went to Termas de la Virgen.
As of matter of fact, two hot springs in Baños are carrying the same name. At the top of the street are the old hot pools, nearer to the city center is a newer building with water slides inside.
We chose the old ones - but we must warn you - if you are looking for anything fancy (or European standards-like), don't go there or set your expectations right.
I mean, everything is fine, but we've read quite a few negative comments on Tripadvisor about water being dirty.
Water in the pools is alright, it is not only being cleaned and chlorinated - this in combination with natural minerals that come from the nearby volcanoes is why it has a greenish or brownish color.
Maybe because of this we were the only tourists there, and we enjoyed it twice as much.
There is also a waterfall right next to hot springs, and you can shower in its cold water. Pretty cool. The entrance fee is $4, and we had to pay an additional $1 for the rental of compulsory swimming caps.
SWING ON THE TREE LA CASA DEL ARBOL
We must admit that sometimes (or rather often) we don't understand how only one picture on Instagram can make loads of people want to have the same photo on the very same spot.
But this became the case of La Casa del Arbol, a place where you can take a photo literally at the end of the world.
When in Baños, it is a must to have an iconic photo of yourself swinging on this tree high above a lush green valley that is often hidden in the clouds and creates a mysterious atmosphere.
Even though we are not exactly fans of overly popular photo spots, our travel souls did not let us miss one of the supposedly best things to do in Baños as we like to make our own opinion based on the experience rather than based on internet reviews.
So we hiked to the La Casa del Arbol, and definitely do not regret it.
Yes, we paid a $1 fee to get to a small park, and yes, while there, we must have tried the swing (nowadays, there are more swings and zip lines).
To be honest, this place is not that awesome, and it is a great example of how well-taken photos can sometimes modify and exaggerate reality.
We wouldn't go to the park again, but the hike to this area is worthwhile because the views are stunning, so while in Baños, make sure you visit this place and make your own opinion whether this is a must-see or not.
You have two options on how to get to La Casa del Arbol.
You can either take an irregular bus from Baños, which goes up (but then you'll arrive with many people at the same time - there are records of people waiting up to 45 minutes only to swing on the tree), or you can hike to the top on own.
We chose the hike, and although it was a strenuous and not easy one, we are glad we did it this way.
The last option is to take a Casa del Arbol Tour from Baños that includes the swing at Casa del Arbol and also another must-visit site, waterfall Pailon del Diablo.
HIKE AROUND BAÑOS
Unsurprisingly, the city in such a nice surrounding offers a large number of treks.
Some of them are close to the city, some of them can be reached by public transport, but what is most important, every traveler can choose the hike according to the level of fitness, because alternatives range from a couple of hours to full-day hikes.
If the weather is fine, you can go for an even more challenging trek to get closer views of Tungurahua Volcano, but the summit of Tungurahua was in the cloud for the entire period we stayed in Baños, which was four nights, so we focused rather on the activities closer to the town.
On the other hand, if the weather forecast looks promising, we are sure this adventure is worth trying.
If you are looking for more adrenaline activities and want to test your body and mind, one of the most popular things to do in Baños is Tungurahua Volcano hike, which is recommended with an organized tour and experienced mountain guides.
Ecuador is a great place for outdoor activities; read our other hiking articles: Laguna Cuicocha near Otavalo, Cajas National Park near Cuenca, or trekking the Quilotoa Loop.
VISIT EL VIRGEN VIEWPOINT
If you want to get a perfect photo of Baños from above, take a short hike to the viewpoint towering above - El Virgen or Bellavista.
You must conquer several steps, but in about 30 minutes, you should reach the statue and see the city from a different perspective.
This is also the way you should take while hiking to the La Casa del Arbol.
By the way, hiking in Baños is one of the best budget-friendly activities, so if you travel long-term like us and do not have a high daily budget, or simply do not feel like being part of an organized tour, go and explore the hills around the town.
BIKING RUTA DE LAS CASCADAS
There are not many better places in Ecuador where to see several waterfalls along the road's short stretch than Ruta de las Cascadas. Similar might be only the waterfall hike in Mindo's Cloud Forest.
Rent a bike, and follow the road from Baños to Puyo. First, though, read our guide on biking Ruta de las Cascadas.
You don't need to bike all the 60 kilometers to Puyo; the first 20 kilometers are rewarding enough - we saw at least seven waterfalls, although it was a dry season (it must be even more spectacular in the wet season as new waterfalls can appear on the slopes).
There is regular traffic on the road, but we had a feeling that drivers know this part of the drive is popular among bikers, and they by-passed us slowly and from a safe distance.
It became popular to build cable cars or zip-line stations across the gorge; the easiest way to do it is to combine this activity with the biking trip.
In Baños, there are numerous tour operators where you can rent a bike, but every hostel or hotel offers this service.
Bike rental for a day costs $5. Our bike wasn't in perfect shape, and we wouldn't want to pedal uphill on this machine, but it was enough for this route. Just make sure your brakes work well.
It is convenient that from the last (and the biggest) waterfall we visited - El Pailon del Diablo - you can take a bus or truck to get back to Baños. It cost us $3 each.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
EL PAILON DEL DIABLO
The most spectacular waterfall along Ruta de las Cascadas, but also in the area, is undoubtedly El Pailon del Diablo.
The waterfall is located 17 kilometers from Baños in a small village called Rio Verde. The entrance fee to the waterfall is $2, but it is well worth it.
There are two entrance gates - one will take you to the upper viewing platform that offers a panoramic view from a distance. The other entrance will give you a more raw experience.
You will get close to the waterfall and get wet too, but the photo opportunities are hard to miss.
This path also gives you an option to cross a suspension bridge to see the enormous mass of water fall down the gorge, or you can follow steps carved in the cliff to get a more intimate experience.
For us, El Pailon del Diablo was the last stop on the biking trip, but you can consider taking a bus, Pailon Del Diablo Tour, or taxi, depending on your travel schedule.
EXPLORE THE TOWN OF BAÑOS
It would be weird to create a list of top things to do in Baños and barely mention the town itself.
Admittedly, the top attractions lie outside the town's limits; it is not the architecture why people visit the town, but still, you should stroll around the town at least for an hour or two to get the sense of the place.
As we spent four days in Baños, we had a routine that after lunch (menu del dia is cheap in every restaurant in the town), we walked to the supermarket to shop for dinner, and we always took a different street to see the most of Baños.
You should definitely not miss Parque la Basilica, home to Basilica Reina del Rosario de Agua Santa, the most interesting city structure. Even though it might sound weird, the local cemetery is quite photogenic too.
WHERE TO STAY IN BANOS
There's no shortage of accommodation in Baños. The hostel scene is very strong, but even those looking for a more luxurious experience will find perfect hotels here.
We stayed close to the town's center and within walking distance of the bus terminal, which was very convenient.
We've handpicked the best three hotels in Baños for every type of traveler.
Feel free to get inspired and make a reservation for your upcoming trip.
Budget | Hostal D'Mathias - We stayed in this nice and clean hostel close to the bus station and city center, and it was great value for money.
Mid-range | Selina Baños - If you like light interiors and modernly furnished rooms, you are going to love it in Selina. The central locations and great vibe are the main selling points here.
Luxury | Sangay Spa Hotel - Nice modern and clean rooms, good amenities, buffet breakfast is included, and the hotel has one of the best locations in the town right next to the Cascada de la Virgen.
CHECK OUT LOCAL MARKET
As we traveled long-term around South America, we could not afford to shop on every interesting market as we would simply not be able to fit everything in our backpacks.
Which is a shame because Ecuador actually has many amazing market towns.
Close to the main square is a street full of stalls, where local people sell handicrafts, and it is a place where to buy a souvenir.
If you are looking for more market towns in Ecuador, we have a few more tips for you.
One of the most popular market towns is Otavalo. It is actually so popular that it is one of the best day trips from Quito.
And if local markets are something you like, make sure to visit Latacunga, villages close to Quilotoa Loop, or even Baños.
ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES
Ok, so far, we've been chasing waterfalls, climbing hills, biking, or relaxing in the spa; now it is time for the serious stuff.
We know that most of the travelers have Baños on their travel itinerary because of the number of adventure activities.
Without exaggerating, you could spend in Baños over a week, and you would still not be able to try it all.
But now comes time to prioritize - we are very well aware that your budget won't most likely allow you to take action every day, so you will have to choose what interests you the most.
Best Baños Tours
There's a travel agency on almost every corner in Baños, so feel free to shop around and choose the activity that excites you and the travel agency you find reliable.
Here are some of the best-rated tours in Baños.
Canyoning | Canyoning in Baños is a perfect adventure for all thrill seekers!
White-Water Rafting | Pastaza River, with Class III and IV rapids, offers the best rafting adventure in Baños.
Paragliding | There is no better way to admire Baños's stunning landscape than from above.
Zip-Lining | Whether you're a seasoned zipliner or a first-timer, Baños is sure to provide an unforgettable ziplining adventure.
AMAZON
Baños can easily be your base for visiting the Amazon. We did a 7-day camping trip in the Peruvian Amazon, and it was one of the best adventures we've ever had.
This is why we wholeheartedly recommend the Amazon trip to anyone willing to listen.
Personally, we do not think it matters whether you visit the Amazon in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, or Brazil - nature, and abundance of unique flora and fauna will blow you away.
If you have more time, Baños is certainly a place where you can think about this detour.
If you are pressed for time but still want to learn more about this habitat, check out this 1-day Amazon Tour from Baños.
HOW TO GET TO BAÑOS
Baños as a destination is on every traveler's itinerary.
Thanks to this fact, getting to and from Baños is simple, and the city is well-connected with other tourist places in Ecuador.
Bus from Quito regularly goes from the south terminal, costs $4, and the ride takes around three hours.
From Baños, we took a bus to nearby Riobamba (where we biked down Chimborazo, the highest mountain in Ecuador) for $2.
But you can carry on even further, for example, to UNESCO town of Cuenca.
Always check out the bus schedule at the bus terminal as it changes quite often. The bus terminal in Baños is close to the center and within walking distance to most hotels and restaurants.
WHAT TO PACK
Baños is not only a touristy spa town, but it is also the adventure capital of Ecuador, so pack accordingly. The dry season in Baños lasts between October and February, but it still can rain any time of the year, especially during the afternoon.
As visiting Baños is more about the great outdoors than exploring the town, make sure you have a good quality daypack (or a waterproof dry bag for water activities), rain poncho, rain jacket, hiking boots, and swimsuit.
If you want to try any watersport, pack water shoes.
No matter what you want to do in Baños, bring sunscreen with high SPF, bug repellent, and a water bottle with integrated filter.
Feel free to visit Baños even in the wet season
First of all, it should not rain all day. Secondly, as many activities are closely connected to the waters in the area, it is actually better when it rains, and rivers and waterfalls are mightier.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
