A small town at the base of Tungurahua volcano, known for its thermal springs, canyoning spots, and adventure sports. Gateway to both the Andes and Amazon basin.
In central Ecuador, Baños de Agua Santa sits at the base of active Tungurahua volcano. You can swing above the valley on Casa del Árbol's famous "Swing at the End of the World", soak in 55°C volcanic hot springs, or rappel down the 80-meter Pailón del Diablo waterfall. The surrounding mountains contain more than 60 waterfalls, while the rushing Pastaza River cuts through deep canyons below the town.
Adventure Activities in Baños
You can rappel down 30-meter waterfalls at Río Blanco, paddle through class III and IV rapids on the Pastaza River, or glide across 500-meter steel cables between mountains. Local guides take climbers to nearby basalt cliffs, and you can rent mountain bikes to explore the valley's waterfall routes.
Waterfalls and Hot Springs
The Ruta de las Cascadas connects seven major waterfalls along a 10-kilometer route. The 80-meter Pailón del Diablo (Devil's Cauldron) thunders into a misty canyon, while the twin streams of Manto de la Novia (Bride's Veil) drop 40 meters into the valley. The volcanic hot springs range from 35°C to 55°C. Las Piscinas de la Virgen, the main public bath house, sits beneath a large waterfall in the center of town.
Local Food and Crafts
On Ambato and Oriente streets, you'll see vendors making melcocha (taffy) by pulling and twisting sugarcane syrup on wooden posts. Local woodworkers create parrot sculptures from balsa wood, while farmers from both Amazon and Andean regions sell their produce at the central market.
Getting to Baños
Buses depart every 30 minutes from Quito's Terminal Terrestre Quitumbe, with a 3.5-hour journey to Baños. From Guayaquil, the trip takes 6 hours. The town spans just 2 kilometers, making it easy to walk between most locations. Taxis run regular routes to waterfalls and thermal baths outside town.
Weather and Practical Information
At 1,820 meters elevation, temperatures stay between 13°C and 25°C throughout the year. Fog typically covers the town in early morning but clears by midday, revealing Tungurahua volcano. You'll find 4G internet coverage, two medical clinics, and ATMs that accept international cards. Pharmacies line the main square, and the local hospital handles emergencies 24 hours a day.
