Baños Travel Guide

Baños, Ecuador: Our 2021 detailed guide from how to get there, where to stay, what to do and much much more!

Baños, Ecuador Brief Summary

  • The full name of the town is Baños de Agua Santa, meaning “Baths of Holy Water.”
  • Located at the foot of an active volcano called Tungurahua.
  • Found at an elevation of 1,820 meters (5,971 feet) above sea level.
  • It is known as the “Gateway to the Amazon.”
  • Baños is home to more than 60 waterfalls.

Baños Guide Contents:

  1. How To Get To Baños – Compare transportation options.
  2. Sightseeing & Tours In Baños – Most popular activities for travelers.
  3. What to Do in Baños – The sights you cannot miss.
  4. Nightlife In Baños – Good places to go for a drink.
  5. Baños Safety Tips – Safety issues to be aware of.
  6. Where To Stay In Baños – A few of the best options in Baños.
  7. Photo Gallery – A few of the best photos of Baños.

Below, we have created our extensive guide to Baños based on our expert local knowledge and experience transporting countless people in Ecuador each year.

HOW TO GET TO BAÑOS

The town of Baños is located in eastern Ecuador on the edge of the Amazon Rainforest. The best way to get to this scenic town is to take an Ecuador Hop bus. Our hop on hop off service helps you safely travel safely throughout the country and see some real hidden gems along the way. With Ecuador Hop, you’ll experience the best of the real Ecuador, including many unique free stops, all on your own flexible schedule.

SIGHTSEEING & TOURS IN BAÑOS

THE BRIDE’S VEIL WATERFALL

On the way to the Pailón del Diablo, you can visit this waterfall that flows into the Pastaza River. You can take a cablecar across the falls to see them closely. This is one of Baños’ most popular attractions.

brides veil waterfall ecuador
brides veil waterfall ecuador

THE MAGIC VILLAGE

A theme park that recreates the popular myths and legends from the area, confirming that Baños is full of elves and fairies. It’s a great place to take kids, but there is plenty for adults to enjoy too.

the magic village
the magic village

RAFTING IN THE PASTAZA RIVER

A favorite activity for travelers who love extreme sports. These powerful currents make for a great day of excitement. There are varying levels of difficulty for adventure seekers to take on.

rafting in the pastaza river
rafting in the pastaza river

ROUTE OF THE WATERFALLS

If you take this walk then you can experience a good selection of some of the 60+ waterfalls that can be found in Baños. From the Agoyan and the Guamag falls, to La Esperanza, Puertas del Cielo, all the way to the Río Blanco. Spend the afternoon immersing yourself in one of the most scenic walks that Baños has to offer.

route of the two levels waterfalls
route of the two levels waterfalls

WHAT TO DO IN BAÑOS

Widely considered to be the adventure capital of South America, there are almost unlimited options in Baños for those who love outdoor activities. Below is just a small selection of the most popular past times you’ll find in Baños:

SWING AT THE END OF THE WORLD - $10

The Casa del Arbol is a very popular attraction for visitors to Baños. Swing from a tree swing hanging over an epic cliff with gorgeous landscapes surrounding you.

PAILON DEL DIABLO WATERFALL - $10

See this spectacular waterfall from a nearby viewpoint or take the stairs all the way down to the bottom for a close-up view. This is one of the most impressive sights in all of Ecuador!

TARABITA CABLE CAR OVER RIO PASTAZA

Ride a cable car over the Pastaza River for incredible 360-degree views of waterfalls, mountains, and gorgeous jungle scenery. This is a must-do on any trip to Baños!

VISIT THERMAL BATHS

Baños is home to a number of natural thermal baths and hot springs. There is no better way to relax after a day of hiking or cycling than to take a dip in one of these all-natural jacuzzis.

GO RAFTING

The Pastaza River, which runs through the center of Baños, happens to have some of the best rafting in Ecuador. If you love adventure sports, don’t miss the opportunity to experience this adrenaline-pumping activity.

GO ZIP-LINING

Zip-lining was originally invented as a quick way to travel through the thick jungle canopy, and Baños has the perfect terrain for you to experience this thrilling mode of transportation. You will find a number of different zip-lines in the area, make sure to take part in this fun activity while you’re in town!

OTHER OPTIONS

CANOPY WALKS

Take a walk above the trees and get the chance to see the jungle from its best vantage point. There are several different canopy walks available to do in the Baños area.

CYCLING

Rent bicycles and go riding on some of the many trails around town, including the famous “Ruta de las Cascadas,” which takes you past some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the area.

MASSAGES OR SPA TREATMENTS

Baños is home to a treasure trove of health and wellness centers. Take advantage of the many options and go for a massage or spa treatment while you’re in town.

CANYONING

This hybrid sport involves using a number of techniques to traverse a canyon, including walking, climbing, jumping, rappelling and swimming. Join a canyoning tour in Baños to experience this ultimate adventure sport!

HIKING

Baños is a wonderful place to go for day hikes or treks, and there are many different established trails of varying difficulty. Take in some of the amazing scenery in Baños on foot.

NIGHTLIFE IN BAÑOS

Nightlife in Baños

Leprechaun Bar: With all types of music and a really merry environment, this bar/club literally has “Duende”. It is the favorite partying destination for tourists.

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Goodbar: Fun, with good music and a relaxed environment, it is ideal for those who want to grab a drink (or two), chat and meet new people. Popular among national and foreign tourists.

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Mocambo Rock & Roll Bar: All-time Rock and Roll, mojitos and friends, sounds like a great plan, doesn’t it? This is an alternative bar with a pool table, live rock bands, and great promotions on cocktails.

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Rincón del Gato: Offers a variety of cocktails, great ambiance, and good music. Don’t miss the opportunity of tasting the canelazo.

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BAÑOS SAFETY TIPS

  • Make sure to use mosquito repellent. While Baños is not located in a malarial area, there have been rare cases of yellow fever reported. Aside from that, it’s just good practice to protect yourself against mosquitos so that you’re not covered with itchy and uncomfortable bug bites.
  • Wear sunscreen every day. Even when you don’t feel like you’re getting burned, the equatorial latitude and relatively high altitude of Baños can do a lot of damage to your skin without you noticing.
  • Baños is a pretty safe town and petty crime is rare, but it’s still a good idea to avoid carrying too much cash on you.
  • Don’t flash valuables like expensive cell phones or jewelry in public.

WHERE TO STAY IN BAÑOS

where to stay Baños

SELINA – BAÑOS

This hostel located in the best area of Baños offers single or shared bedrooms, a large terrace to practice yoga or grab a drink in its bar, and the works of local artists all around the place. It also has a restaurant that is open until 23:00. Breakfasts are not included.

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Tripadvisor

HOTEL CASA DE PIEDAD – BAÑOS

A really comfortable hotel with all the necessary facilities. Near the Ecuador Hop meeting point,  the staff is always willing to help you to find out all about the available activities. The breakfast is good, and is included if you’re traveling with Ecuador Hop

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WHERE TO EAT?

Honey Coffee and Tea

Located on the corner of Ambato and Pedro Vicente Maldonado, you’ll find one of the best coffees in Baños prepared by professional baristas, and delicious breakfasts.

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The Magic Bean – Baños

Highly recommended, not only the food but the service and the atmosphere. Be sure to get the coconut breaded shrimp and their delicious hamburgers.

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