20 Thrilling Things to Do in Baños, Ecuador’s Adventure Capital

Looking for the best things to do in Baños? Discover everything Baños has to offer with our complete travel guide.

The tiny South American country of Ecuador might be most famous for the Galapagos Islands, but there is so much more to Ecuador. Home to stunning beaches, the Amazon jungle, and the Andes Mountains, the country packs a huge variety of environments and experiences. One unmissable experience in Ecuador is discovering the unsung adventure town of Baños.

Beneath the watchful gaze of the Tungurahua volcano lies Baños de Agua Santa. Referred to simply as Baños, this small yet vibrant city offers a unique blend of breathtaking natural landscapes, adventure sports, soothing thermal springs, and a deep cultural heritage. Whether you’re seeking the thrill of adventure, the serenity of nature, or a deep dive into local customs and cuisine, Baños is a destination that promises unforgettable experiences. With a diverse range of attractions, ranging from swinging over the abyss at the edge of the world to basking in the healing waters of thermal springs, Baños invites adventurers, wellness seekers, and culture enthusiasts alike to explore its many wonders.

So, exactly what’s Ecuador’s adventure capital all about? From the thunderous roar of Pailon del Diablo Waterfall to the tranquil ambiance of its thermal baths, Baños is a city that offers something for every traveler. Read on to discover exactly what to do in Banos.

Is Baños Worth Visiting?

Yes! For those looking for a mountain getaway with plenty of outdoor activities, Baños is the perfect destination.

Baños is Ecuador’s gorgeous ‘adventure capital’ in the foothills of the Ecuadorian Andes. The town itself is charming in places but obviously geared toward the many national and foreign tourists that flock here every year. Within the town, you will find plenty of hotels, restaurants, bars, and tour operators.

Surrounding the town are the waterfalls, canyons, and mountains for which the area is known.

How Long Should I Spend in Banos?

You could easily spend a week or more here to experience every adventure, hike, and waterfall Banos has to offer. But an action-packed weekend will let you tick off a couple of awesome experiences and leave you pretty wiped out.

If you’re short on time it is possible to see Banos and some of the highlights in a single day trip from Quito.

Adventurous Things to Do in Baños

Visit the La Casa del Arbol and the Swing at the End of the World

Perched on the edge of a precipice, with the breathtaking backdrop of the Tungurahua volcano La Casa del Arbol is one of the most popular stops in Baños. Great fun for all ages, La Casa del Arbol is famous for sweeping views and a very special swing, the original Swing at the End of the World. This simple yet iconic swing invites the brave to swing out into the abyss, with only the magnificent vista of the Andean landscape for company.

For $1 dollar, you can enter a maintained garden with four extra-size swings built on the side of the mountain, providing spectacular views of the volcanic valley below and impressive photos.

Throw in the little cafe serving cheap beers and empanadas, and it makes for a fun afternoon.

Take the bus from town for just $1 dollar more, and you will have a very affordable afternoon out.

If you are camping, you can camp overnight in the garden’s car park for just $3 USD. This basic campsite is clean, quiet, and with beautiful views over the Baños region. 

If you are short on time you can a day trip from Quito.

Cycle the Ruta de Las Cascadas – The Baños Waterfalls Trail

One of the best things to do in Banos is to hire a bike and cycle the Ruta de las Cascadas. You can rent bikes for a self-directed adventure or take a guided tour.

From Baños, there are ten waterfalls, or cascades, in easy riding distance from the town. A 16km (downhill) ride along the Rio Pastaza will take you past eight waterfalls of various sizes. Two of our favorite of all of the waterfalls were the Pailon de Diablo and Cascada del Rocio.

Pailon de Diablo

You can dismount and walk down into the gorge at the second to last waterfall, Pailon de Diablo. At the bottom of the falls, a $2 USD entry fee grants you access. The winding steps and narrow caves take you right up to a massive and powerful 80-meter waterfall.

Cascada Del Rocio

After hiking back up out of thePailon de Diablo gorge, you can catch one of the many white trucks that ferry riders and bikes back to the town for $2 USD or ride on to Cascada Del Rocio. For (another) $1 USD entry fee, you can walk down into the gorge and swim under these falls. It’s a great way to end a sweaty bike ride.

After hiking back out of Cascada Del Rocio, you can peddle back to Pailon de Diablo to catch a ride home or ride your bike all the way back.

Ride a Tarabita Cable Car

The cascades provide plenty of photo opportunities as well as a number of zip lines and tiny cable cars known as tarabita, which cross the gorge for a true birds-eye view of the valley and river below.

While there are plenty of restaurants and even a trout farm where you can catch your own lunch along the way, we opted to take some sandwiches and save a few bucks on the touristic and overpriced lunch options en route.

Go White Water Rafting or Tubing

One of the best things to do in Banos is to head out to the Pastaza River for some white water rafting! Just 45-minutes out of the city, you can feel the thrill of class 3-4 rapids on the primary tributary of the Amazon River.

There are plenty of agencies in town offering white water rafting. From around $30 per person, you can experience the thrill of white water rafting with a half-day tour. Tours include a professional guide, rafting gear, transportation, photos, and lunch.

Canopying (Ziplining)

Any adventure capital is bound to have ziplining, known locally as canopying, in its lineup of adventure activities. The nature that surrounds the mountain town of Banos is no exception.

Enjoy the thrill of Ecuador’s longest zip-line at Putzan Canopy as you sail through the lush mountains of Banos. Putzan Canopy has six lines where you can soar over rivers, waterfalls, and some of the prettiest scenery around.

Canyoning

There is a reason why Banos is considered the adventure capital of Ecuador. The range of outdoor adventures is seemingly endless, and one such activity is canyoning. Canyoning is essentially following a river by whatever means possible without a raft. Scrambling, abseiling, jumping, swimming, and whatever else you need to do.

It takes a whole lot of courage and effort to go canyoning, but those up for the challenge usually find it exhilarating.

Numerous tour operators in Banos offer canyoning tours. Upon arrival, shop around in the town square for the best deals.

Hike to Mirador Bellavista

Mirador Bellavista offers panoramic views over the beautiful valley that engulfs Banos. The 2.7-kilometer return hike begins at the end of Maldonado Street near Hotel Monte Selva and ends at the La Cruz Bellavista viewpoint.

Hike the Tungurahua Volcano

Tungurahua in Quechua, the native language spoken throughout the region, means “Throat of Fire” an apt name for one of the most active volcanos in South America in the late 90s. The Tungurahua Volcano is located in Sangay National Park just 45 minutes from Banos.

Climbing the Tungurahua Volcano is one of the most rewarding ways to experience the beauty of the area, but also one of the most challenging.

The climb to the summit of Tungurahua Volcano is for experienced hikers only, as the 11-mile round-trip hike is grueling. The two-day hike should be completed with a guide as the hike, especially after the refugio, is challenging, unmarked, and exposed to incremental weather.

Imagine Ecuador runs guided overnight tours, which include transportation, dinner, breakfast, accommodation in the refugio, and certain climbing equipment such as sleeping bags and, weather permitting, ice axes.

Go Paragliding Above Banos

If you still haven’t had your fill of hair-raising experiences in Banos, then paragliding can round out your epic adventure in Banos. There are few better ways to experience the grandeur of a city than with a bird’s eye view.

From the skies above Banos, you will be able to truly appreciate the mountainous region and have stunning views over the nearby Tungurahua Volcano.

Paragliding tours run regularly and include 15-20 minutes of air time.

Horse Riding Tours in Banos

Discover the Tungurahua Volcano on a guided horseback riding tour in Baños. Saddle up and spend a full day exploring some of the most stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.

Take a Jungle Tour

Take a guided tour into the jungle and discover the culture of tge local indigenous community. Canoe the river swimming at waterfalls and learn jungle flora and fauna.

Rock Climbing in Banos

Discover the best rock climbing in Ecuador in the basalt of Tungurahua in Baños, formed by volcanic rock on the banks of the San Martin Canyon.

Hike or Bike Chimborazo Ecuadors Highest Volcano

Take a hiking or biking expedition to the impressive Chimborazo, an inactive volcano above 6,000m high.

Take a Fishing Tour

Try catching catfish using traditional methods with nothing but a wire and your hands. Travel from Baños to Rio Zunac with a guided fishing tour and take the opportunity there to go fishing with locals in the river.

Relaxing Things to Do in Banos

Visit Baños’ Hot Springs

Baños ain Spanish means bath, so it should come as no surprise that there are a few thermal pools here. The nearby active volcano, Tungurahua, heats the thermal pools in Baños. Visiting the hot springs is the perfect activity after cycling the Ruta de Cascadas.

Baños has three thermal pools to choose from, from local spas to spas geared at tourists.

• Termas de la Virgen: The most touristic of all of the thermal baths due to its proximity to town. Termas de la Virgen has the advantage of a beautiful waterfall as a backdrop. The cost to enter is $3 for a full day.
• Balneario El Salado: Popular with the locals, Balneario feels a bit more like you are in nature. The cost to enter is $3. Swimming caps are essential but can be rented for $0.5 upon entry.
• Piscinas Termas De La Virgen: More of a waterpark capitalizing on the tourists coming to Banos for the thermal pools. The Piscinas Termas De La Virgen is closed on Monday and Tuesday, open from 2:00 pm – 9:00 pm on Wednesday to Friday and from 10:00 am – 8:00 pm on the weekends. The Piscinas Termas De La Virgen also are a bit more pricey than the other more original thermal pools.

There are also a few spas in town, such as the Luna Volcan, Adventure Spa and the El Refugio Spa Garden, that offer other well-being amenities such as massages.

Check Out Baños’ Town Square

The town center of Baños is beautiful, especially the town square, which is often busy with tourists and locals.

A number of food vendors surround the square. At the central plaza, you can stop in and sample Ecuadorian food staples.

One of our favorite snacks here was the chulpe, bags stuffed with large toasted corn kernels, garnished with boiled white corn called choclo, onion, tomato, coriander, and lime juice, are served with charred pork rind for $1 USD. Best served with a cold beer.

Enjoy the Baños Nightlife

There are a number of bars in ‘downtown’ Baños and enough backpackers and visitors to make for a good night out, especially on the weekends. Some popular bars include:

• Nünna Chill Garden – A modern and trendy cocktail bar with light food optuions. Later at night, the bar gets busy with tourists enjoying games and a great atmosphere.
• Crater Rooftop Bar – With awesome views of the central plaza and the surrounding mountains, this rooftop bar is the perfect place to grab a drink after a day of adventures.
• Mocambo Rock & Roll Bar – Great atmosphere and music Mocambo attracts a fun crowd.
• Ayahuasca bar – Cozy spot for artisanal beer

Treat Yourself to Hot Chocolate

The small country of Ecuador is throwing its hat in the ring for the world’s best hot chocolate, so grabbing a cup of hot chocolate here is a no-brainer.

Despite only producing a fraction of the world’s chocolate production, Ecuador produces a lot of high-quality chocolate. Ecuadorian cocoa is known as Arriba or Nacional and grows only in Ecuador.

Grab a cup of hot chocolate from one of the many cafes around the historic town center.

If you are looking for another adventure destination in Ecuador, consider visiting Mindo in Ecuador’s cloud forest!

How to Get to Baños?

Banos is easily accessible by bus or car from most major towns and cities in Ecuador. Popular routes include:

• Quito – 3.5 hours
• Guayaquil – 7 hours
• Cuenca – 7 hours

When to Visit Baños?

The weather in Baños is mild and temperate, making it a great place to escape from the equatorial heat of Ecuador’s coast. Temperatures in Baños are between 12 and 20 degrees Celcius year-round. The long wet season runs from October through June, and it rains about fifty percent of the time. However, if you don’t mind getting out in your raincoat, the waterfalls for which Baños is famous are all the more spectacular in the rainy season.

Where to Eat in Baños?

Cheap Breakfast

For a cheap breakfast visit one of the many bakeries or Panadarias in town first thing in the morning for warm pastries sweet or savory and usually involving queso.

Cafes

Since this is a tourist mecca, serious espresso machines are not hard to find. Drop into Ponche Suizo for a real coffee for $2 USD and a game of chess or relax with a book.

Useful Information

• Address: Eloy Alfaro 4-24
• Hours of Operation: 8:00 am – 11:00 pm
• Cost: $

Baños Street Food

Lining the central plaza are dozens of food stalls all serving one thing chulpe. Bags stuffed with large toasted corn kernels, garnished with boiled white corn kernels called choclo, onion, tomato, coriander, and lime juice are served with charred pork rind for $1 USD.

Restaurants

Craving some western staples? Everything from full English breakfasts to Greek mezza can be found in town, for a price. Check out the Straydog Pub for buffalo wings with blue cheese dipping sauce.

Useful Information

• Address: Rocafuerte y Maldonado
• Hours of Operation: 4:00 pm – 2:00 am
• Cost: $$

Where to Stay in Baños

Accommodation

As a backpacking and tourist hotspot, there is a great selection of accomodation to select from.

Mama Tungu Hostel $ – With a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere and a spectacular setting Mama Tungu is some of the best value accomodation near Banos with dorm beds starting from $10 per night.

Hotel Casa Santa Lucía $$ – Views, comfortable rooms with modern amenities and free bikes, this hotel offers great value under $30 per night.

La Casa Verde Eco Guest House $$ – With fantastic views, free breakfast and eco-friendly practices, the guest house is great value from $50 per night,

Hotel De Mi Pueblo $$$—With wonderful views in the heart of Banos and comfortable beds, Hotel De Mi Pueblo is a popular choice for travelers seeking comfort. Rooms start around $100 per night.

Finca Chamanapamba Guest House $$$—About 4 kilometers out of town, this farmhouse turned guest house offers rustic yet comfortable accommodation in a truly spectacular setting. Rooms start at $120 per night.

Samari Spa Resort $$$$ – Beautiful historic buildings, lush gardens, well-appointed rooms, and attentive staff set this luxury hotel and spa apart. Rooms from $250 per night.

If none of those float your boat, there are heaps more hostels, guest houses, and small hotels in Banos to choose from to suit any style or budget.

Check out availability and prices on your favorite platform below.

Overlanding and Camping in Baños

Overlanding is easy in this small town. Camp in the hills outside of town (with a camper van or a tent) in the Casa del Arbol car park. It is $3 to park overnight. The park is clean, green, and very quiet, with spectacular views of the valley. The GPS coordinates are here.

Get closer to the action on a Saturday night. We camped in town for free and felt very safe. Make sure you’re not parked on a blue line, as this is paid parking. We parked outside the electricity company, where the night guard was more than happy to keep an eye out for us. The GPS coordinates are here.

Connectivity in Baños

Mobile Internet in Baños

4g+ mobile service is available within the town with Claro.

Wifi in Baños

Wifi is widely available throughout the town.

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Hopefully, you found some awesome things to do in Baños for your next trip! If you have a question or a comment, be sure to let us know in the comments below!

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