 Places to go
In this section you will find information about the sights, views and places to visit in this town. You will find a short description of each site, opening hours, fees and special notes. If you need any additional details on a specific location or would like us to arrange a tour to this location please contact us and we will gladly assist you.
Activities
Ruta de las Cascadas (Tour of the waterfalls)
Baños is home to over 60 waterfalls, among which you have Inés María, Pailón del Diablo, Manto de la Novia, Cabellera de la Virgen, San Pedro, Machay, San Francisco and others. They can be visited by several transportation methods; you can also walk through eco-trails and hanging bridges.
Rafting
Baños is a great location for rafting, whether you are a beginner or an expert. The Pastaza River and the Patate River are easier and more accessible and have about a two hour descent, depending on the water level. Contact us for more information on rafting.
Kayaking
Ecuador is considered one of the best countries for kayaking; this is why many tourists travel to Baños to practice this sport.
Canyoning
Canyoning is a sport practiced only on waterfalls; you descend rappel-like with ropes being held by a harness. It is not dangerous, however you should not do it alone, guides are provided for this purpose. Canyoning is usually practiced in the Chamana, San Jorge, Río Blanco and Casahurco waterfalls.
Puenting or Pendulum
This is a sport practiced on bridges. Rope is tied to one end of the bridge while you stand on the other end secured with harnesses and the same rope. As soon as you jump off the edge there will be a few seconds of a free fall and then you will start swinging back and forth in a bungee-like fashion until you reach the bottom. This is probably the most dangerous sport in Baños and should never be practiced without supervision. There are two locations for Puenting, San Francisco Bridge (in front of the Terminal Terrestre Baños) and Río Blanco Bridge.
Rock Climbing
Baños is surrounded by basaltic rocks suitable for rock climbing. There are several natural formations like San Martín or San Francisco which are the known sites; however there are several unexplored locations. There’s also the man made artificial wall located in the Parque Aventura.
Down hill
There are several tracks for practicing downhill in Baños, some are very technical and have even hosted national and international competitions. The main track is located in the Runtún Mountain and it begins in the Ventanas sector. There are also easier, less technical tracks that you can enjoy, contact us for information.
Hot Springs
This is the main reason Baños is known for. “Baños” is the Spanish word for “Baths”, referring to the supposedly body-healing and relaxing hot spings. There are 5 hot spring and mineral water complexes that you can attend, El Salado, La Virgen (includes night service), Santa Ana, Santa Clara and Las Modernas. Most complexes include pools for every temperature, from mild to very hot, there’s also a cold shower if you should need one.
Bicicle Trips
Bicicle trips are very common in Baños, this is the perfect way to get to know all the waterfalls in the Baños-Río Verde route. There are also longer routes like Baños-Vizcaya, Baños-Puyo, Pondoa-Baños and others. Contact us (link: contact us)for more information.
Horseback Riding
There are horeseback riding trips up to about 4 hours in the vicinity of Baños. Also, there are longer trips that can last one or more days to further locations like Viscaya, el Triunfo, Pondoa and more. Contact us for more information.
Ecozoo, Aquarium and Serpentarium San Martín
Location: Some 3km outside Baños in the San Martín sector along the road to the parish of Lligua.
San Martín is perhaps the best zoo in Ecuador, inside it you will be able to find several species of animals, exotic birds and snakes from all over the country. The installations are in very good shape and there have been cases of reproduction in captivity from monkeys, pumas, elks and other species.
Open Hours: 8am – 5pm
Price: $1.50
Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Agua Santa
The town’s only semi-gothic church, it was completed in 1944 after 40 years of construction. Inside you will find pictures displaying the miracles performed by the Virgin of Holy Water. People from Baños like to go there on holidays and Sundays to pray and light candles, it can get pretty crowded.
El Pailón del Diablo (The Devil's Cauldron)
El Pailón del Diablo is one of Ecuador’s most famous waterfalls, enormous in size and power it’s definitely worth seeing. There are two views for this waterfall, one from the bridge and one from the lookout which is closer. | |
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