10 Amazing Things To Do in Baños, Ecuador

Ecuador is one of the best countries in South America if you are looking for fun and adventure. There are many famous hikes, such as the Tungurahua Volcano. This volcano is located next to the town of Baños and is considered the adventure capital of Ecuador. I did not have trouble finding things to do in Banos.

Although my time in this country was cut short due to some unforeseen circumstances, it left a mark on me. From ziplining to whitewater rafting and hiking, you will never run out of things to do in Baños.

How to Get to Baños, Ecuador

Ecuador has a fantastic bus system, making it easy to get around. Most travelers fly into Quito, the capital, which is the most popular airport. After that, many people head to Cuenca or Guayaquil. Let me guide you through the options and how to find the bus that will kick off your advent

Quito to Baños

This is the option that I took as I flew into Quito. It is quite easy to get from Quito to Baños by bus. Below will be a set of steps to take to get there.

• If you’re staying north of Quito, where most hostels are located, you’ll need to take an Uber or taxi to the Quitumbe bus terminal.
  • This ride will cost around $4-$5. Quitumbe is situated more to the south of Quito.
• Once you arrive at the bus terminal, look for the yellow Baños office. The bus ticket to Baños costs $5, and buses run all day.
  • The journey takes about 3 to 3.5 hours, with only one stop in Ambato.

Cuenca to Baños

Cuenca is a favorite town of many travelers to Cuenca. Although much farther away from Baños than Quito, it is still a very easy journey.

• Make your way to Terminal Terrestre in Cuenca, conveniently near the airport.
  • Look for the bus company Amazonas.
• They have three buses a day, including a night bus that leaves at 11 pm and arrives in Baños at 6 am.
  • Taking the night bus can save you money on accommodation. Tickets cost between $7 and $11.

10 Amazing Things to do in Baños, Ecuador

Finding out what to do in Banos wasn’t that difficult. In fact, it was hard trying to fit everything in!

I volunteered in Baños for a little over a month. It was an interesting time, as I arrived only a few days before Ecuador’s longest protest in its history.

Unfortunately, this meant I couldn’t do as many activities as I would have liked to but I still got to do a handful of them.

I have done all of the hikes myself, and I was told about other things on this list but wasn’t allowed to go. It is tough, but I will be back.

1. Hike to Sendero de la Virgen

Mirador de Baños or Sendero de la Virgen hike is very popular amongst locals for its ease of access and good workout. This was perfect for me as the starting point for this hike was right next to my hostel.

The main part of this hike is along multiple sets of stairs that eventually lead to the statue of the Virgin.

Many people sit and hang out here, taking in the views of Baños below.

Hiking details of Mirador de Baños:

• Distance: This hike is around .8 miles to la Virgen or 3 miles to the swing at the end of the world (out & back). This depends on if you take the easier route, take a car halfway up, or do the loop.
• Duration: It will take between 1 to 4 hours depending on how far you end up going. 
• Difficulty: I’d rank this hike as moderate to difficult depending on your fitness level. The first part of the hike was 500 feet of straight incline along stairs until la Virgen.
• Incline: The elevation for this hike is around 500 feet to la Virgen and another almost 2000.
• Hiking Guide: A guide is not needed for this hike and is easily accessible by the public.

2. Continue to Casa del Arbol

Casa del Arbol is one of the more famous activities in town. It is also called the “Swing at the End of the World” and is a popular Instagram photo location.

If you want to hike here, you can continue onwards past the Mirador de Baños and follow the trail up. I suggest downloading Mapsme as this will have offline maps of the trail you will need to follow.

You will also get views of the Volcan Tungurahua (if the clouds don’t cover it).

The entrance is $1 and is solely for the purpose of the swing.

3. Go White Water Rafting

No adventure is complete without some white water rafting. You will be rafting down the Pastaza River during your 5-hour excursion.

This is considered the gateway of the Amazon and you will come across many waterfalls and other attractions.

If you would rather book this in person, I would suggest finding a tour company in town or asking your hostel.

4. Animalpark Parque Tematico

This park was unfortunately closed during my stay due to the protests. Parque Tematico has many amazing reviews and is great for children of all ages.

The animals here range from horses and cows to even a few African lions.

It is a great place to spend a couple of hours with the family!

5. Pailon del Diablo

Pailon del Diablo is potentially Ecuador’s most famous waterfall. Its sheer strength and power will shock you.

This waterfall is located slightly out of town, only around 16km. Because of the blockades, it was difficult to get a taxi to take us there, but we ended up getting there.

The waterfall is a staggering 80 meters high and gets its power from Rio Pastaza. The entrance is only $2 and is totally worth it.

Along the way to Pailon del Diablo, we stopped at Cascada Manto de la Novia and paid to take a cart up close to this waterfall. I’m not sure if the price will be the same now but we paid $3 to get on this.

Hiking details of Pailon del Diablo:

• Distance: This hike is a 1.3-mile out & back trail. This depends on if you decide to stop by the cafe/bridge leading to it.
• Duration: It will take around 1 hour to complete this but more time will be spent at Pailón del Diablo.
• Difficulty: I’d rank this hike as easy to moderate as there isn’t much incline or long stretches of hiking.
• Incline: The elevation for this hike is around 446 feet or 135 meters.
• Hiking Guide: A guide is not needed for this hike and is easily accessible by the public.

6. Cascada del Silencio

One of the best activities I could do during my stay here in Baños was hiking to Cascada del Silencio. This a 40-minute walk outside of town or a 15-minute drive if you would rather do that.

Once you arrive at the gate, you may have to pay an entrance fee. I was told there would be one but I saw no one and paid nothing.

If you follow this path straight, you will eventually reach the Ulba waterfall. You can then turn around and follow a different path to Cascada del Silencio.

This is a very fun and cheap activity that will scratch that adventure in you’s itch.

Hiking details of Cascada del Silencio:

• Distance: This hike to Cascada del Silencio is around 2.5 – 3.5 miles, depending on whether you decide to walk from Baños or take a taxi to the entrance.
• Duration: It will take between 1 and 4 hours, depending on how far you go and how long you stay at each waterfall.
• Difficulty: I’d rank this hike as easy to moderate. There is barely any incline throughout the hike, but my route requires some river crossing.
• Incline: The elevation for this hike is around 377 or 112 meters.
• Hiking Guide: A guide is not needed for this hike and is easily accessible by the public.

7. Bike the Ruta de las Cascadas

The Ruta de las Cascadas is a famous bike route starting in Baños that hits the waterfalls mentioned in this blog plus a few more.

This route is around 25km long and takes you toward the town of Puyo. You can rent a bike in town fairly cheaply. It shouldn’t cost more than $10.

I highly suggest this as a top thing to do in Baños as it is packed with adventure.

8. Relax in the Hot Springs

The name baños in Spanish means “bathroom,” and you might be thinking, why is a town called a bathroom? This town is most famous for its hot springs which the locals love to hang out at.

One of these hot springs is the Termas de la Virgen, and it is an experience. You might want to temper your expectations because it isn’t the prettiest-looking water.

The entrance fee is $3 and hundreds of locals sit and bathe in this thermal bath.

9. Day Trip to Amazon

While these activities technically aren’t in Baños, the tour leaves from here. Enjoy the day paddling down the Puyo River in a canoe and visiting waterfalls.

While in Puyo you will visit an animal sanctuary with animals ranging from monkeys, ocelots, and caimans.

These tours have really great reviews and you will not be disappointed.

10. Go Canyoning

Have you ever wanted to grapple down a powerful waterfall in the middle of Ecuador? Well now is your chance!

While volunteering in Baños, one of the most popular tours purchased was the canyoning tour.

Here is the chance to explore the eastern Tungurahua and climb through the water that is fed by the Amazon and Pastaza Rivers.

This tour is only 5 hours long and costs around $30. If you would rather purchase it in person then I would suggest talking to the reception at your accommodation in Baños.

Things to Know

Where to Stay in Baños, Ecuador

• Papachos Hostel: This is where I volunteered and I loved it. If you’re looking for a laidback vibe then this is the place. Located on the outskirts of town, in a quiet area for $7.50 a night.
• Great Hostels: The most popular sport in the town, the Great Hostels are perfect for socializing. The cost is amazing too. For $8 to $10 you get free breakfast and a place to sleep.
• Erupcion Art Hotel & Hostel: Considered to have one of the most iconic rooftops in all of Baños, this is a place not to miss. Great location as it is located in the square downtown for $9 to $10 a night.

How to Get Around Baños

You might wonder how to get around Baños, especially if you didn’t rent a car in Ecuador. There were a few options I took at different periods of time during my visits. All of which were affordable.

Taxi

Finding a taxi in Banos is easy. They’ll take you wherever you need to go. If you are afraid of getting scammed, make sure you agree on a price.

Sometimes taxis have a meter and sometimes they don’t but I never had an issue with overpaying. Make sure the taxi looks legit before getting in no matter what country you’re in.

Uber

When I visited Banos in June of 2022, there weren’t many Ubers for obvious reasons. Travel was near impossible.

Uber is always the safest option in any country and the price is shown before you request a ride. I’ve heard of people who have taken them recently and the experience was good!

Bike

Renting a bike is another popular option. We rented a bike for $10 per day and it’s possible to see a lot of the town and beyond while riding!

Final Thoughts

Baños is considered the adventure capital of Ecuador and I can see why. There is so much nature to explore and that you will never want to leave Baños. With its ease of access from Quito, many adventurers flock here. I highly recommend this location to anyone who wants to visit Ecuador. I must return soon to make up for lost time and fill out this blog more.