13 Best Things to Do in Banos, Ecuador: Adventure & Fun

13 Best Things to Do in Baños, Ecuador

Walk Across the Glass Bridge in Baños

For a thrilling experience, visit the glass bridge in Baños, where you can walk high above the stunning landscape. The bridge offers breathtaking views of waterfalls, mountains, and deep canyons. It’s a perfect spot for adventure lovers and a great place to take unforgettable photos.

Go Canyoning

Canyoning in Baños is an exciting adventure where visitors can climb down waterfalls using ropes. The experience includes five descents, each one more thrilling than the last. The biggest waterfall is 30 meters (98 feet) high, making it a fun challenge. The tour lasts about four hours and includes all the necessary gear, a guide, photos, and snacks.

Try Whitewater Rafting

The rivers around Baños are great for whitewater rafting, with rapids ranging from class 3 to 5. A popular rafting tour on the Pastaza River takes around 2.5 hours on the water and lasts 5 to 6 hours in total. The tour includes a fun guide, beautiful views, and lunch at a local restaurant. Rafting in Baños is one of the most affordable and exciting experiences for adventure lovers.

Go Paragliding

Baños is a fantastic place for paragliding because of its deep valleys, green landscapes, and perfect winds. The experience includes 15 minutes of flying high above the town, offering amazing views of the Tungurahua volcano. The whole tour lasts about one hour, but good weather is needed to fly. Paragliding is a bit expensive, but for those who love adventure, it is an unforgettable experience.

Try Rock Climbing

Baños has natural rock walls that are perfect for climbing. The volcanic rocks in the area have created climbing routes for beginners and experts. Beginners can take a guided lesson, while experienced climbers can rent equipment or hire a climbing partner. Rock climbing tours include a professional guide and safety gear, and the price is lower for groups.

Visit the Swing at the End of the World

One of the most famous attractions in Baños is the Swing at the End of the World. It is located at Casa del Árbol, about 45 minutes from town by bus. The swing offers breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys. The entrance fee is only $2, and visitors can take a local bus for $1 each way. Private tours are also available for those who want a more comfortable trip.

Take a Tour to Puyo and the Amazon Jungle

Day trips to Puyo offer visitors a chance to explore the Amazon Rainforest. The tour includes stops at an animal rescue center, a beautiful waterfall, and a canoe ride on the Puyo River. Visitors also visit a Quichua indigenous village to learn about local traditions and even try a blowpipe hunting technique. The tour lasts 11 hours, includes lunch, and offers a unique look at Ecuador’s wildlife and culture.

See the Tungurahua Volcano

The Tungurahua Volcano, also called the “Throat of Fire,” is an active volcano near Baños. Sometimes, it even erupts! While the volcano can be seen from town, the best views are from places like Casa del Árbol or the Mirador Las Antenas viewpoint. On clear days, visitors can see smoke and steam coming from the volcano. For experienced hikers, it is possible to climb to the top in a two-day guided tour.

Get a Massage and Spa Treatment

Baños is named after its hot springs, and the town has many spas and wellness centers. A popular spa, El Refugio Spa Garden, offers massages, mud baths, steam baths, and even foot treatments using lava rocks. Prices range from $35 to $55 for massages, while access to their indoor pool costs $17. After an adventurous day, getting a massage in Baños is a great way to relax.

Bike the Ruta de las Cascadas (Waterfall Route)

One of the best ways to explore Baños is by renting a bike and riding along the Ruta de las Cascadas. This 17 km (11 mi) route is mostly downhill and passes many waterfalls, including Cascada Manto de la Novia. The final stop is Pailón del Diablo (Devil’s Cauldron), one of Ecuador’s most powerful waterfalls. After visiting, visitors can take a truck ride back to town for $2, so they don’t have to bike uphill.

Visit the Zoológico de San Martín

For those who love animals, the Zoológico de San Martín is a great place to see wildlife rescued from illegal pet trade and poor conditions. Many of the animals are native to the Amazon Rainforest, making it a great option for those who can’t visit the jungle. The zoo works to educate visitors and promote animal conservation. The entrance fee is $4 for adults and $2.50 for kids.

Go Ziplining Through the Jungle

Ziplining is a fun way to see the jungle from above. The best place for ziplining near Baños is Puntzan Adventure Park, which has six different zipline routes through the forest and mountains. Visitors can zipline in different positions, including upside-down, Superman-style, or sitting. The entire tour lasts 2.5 hours and costs $26, including transport from Baños.

Relax in Natural Hot Springs

After a long day of adventures, visitors can soak in natural hot springs to relax and heal sore muscles. The Terma El Salado hot springs are set in a beautiful mountain area and offer different pools with varying temperatures. Some pools are very hot, while others are cooler. There is also a bar nearby for those who want a drink. The entrance fee is $4 for adults and $2 for kids.

Getting in and out of Baños, Ecuador

The main bus station in Baños is right in town, so most people can walk to their hotel easily after arriving. To get to Baños from Quito, buses leave every 30 minutes from Terminal Terrestre Quitumbe. The trip takes 3 to 4 hours and costs $5. Travelers coming directly from Quito Airport will need to take a taxi to the bus station, which costs $25.

For those traveling from Guayaquil, the best way is to take a bus to Ambato and then transfer to another bus to Baños. Buses leave every 15 minutes, and the total cost is about $10. The journey is simple and convenient.

What to Eat in Baños

Food in Baños is delicious and unique. Ecuador has different foods in each region, and Baños has some special dishes to try. Trout, or trucha, is one of the most popular foods in Baños. Since the town has many freshwater streams, trout is easy to find. It is usually fried and served with rice or potatoes.

Another local dish is librillo, a tripe dish that is common in Ecuador’s mountain regions. It is served with rice and seasonings. For those with a sweet tooth, Baños is famous for melcocha, a handmade sugarcane candy. This thick, chewy candy is a traditional treat in the town.

What to Pack for Baños

Baños is a town for adventure and outdoor activities, so packing the right items is important. The dry season is from October to February, but rain can happen at any time, especially in the afternoon.

For outdoor activities like hiking and biking, it is best to bring a comfortable daypack, a rain jacket or poncho, and hiking boots. Since many activities involve water, a waterproof dry bag, and water shoes are helpful.

No matter the season, it is important to bring sunscreen, bug repellent, and a water bottle with a filter. Even in the wet season, Baños is a great place to visit because the rivers and waterfalls are even more powerful after rain.

Travel Resources

When looking for hotels and hostels, websites like Booking.com and Hostelworld can help find the best places to stay. For tours, many people use GetYourGuide or Viator to book activities. Some places in Ecuador are easier to visit with a guide so that these services can be useful.

For those planning a road trip, Rentalcars.com is a good website for booking rental cars in advance. When searching for flights, Skyscanner is a helpful tool for finding the best prices. Travel insurance is always a good idea for safety. Companies like World Nomads and SafetyWing offer coverage for travelers in case of unexpected problems.

Is Baños, Ecuador Worth Visiting?

Baños, also known as Baños de Santa Agua, is a beautiful town in Tungurahua Province and a gateway to the Amazon Rainforest. It is famous for its natural hot springs, where both locals and visitors enjoy soaking in the warm, healing waters.

One of the biggest attractions near Baños is Tungurahua Volcano, which is active and sometimes even erupts. The town is also surrounded by huge waterfalls, giving it a magical feel. Visitors can choose from many outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, and exploring nature.

Baños is also a great place for people who eat plant-based foods, as there are many vegan and vegetarian-friendly restaurants. The town has a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere, and many visitors love it so much that they want to come back again.