EC
Banos
Hot springs, waterfalls and adventure sports below Tungurahua volcano
Hot springs, waterfalls and adventure sports below Tungurahua volcano
About 15km east of Baños at Río Verde, this powerful waterfall crashes into a rocky gorge. Paths, staircases and suspension bridges lead to viewing platforms where you can feel the spray up close.
Bring a rain jacket; you will get wet at the viewpoints.
Photo: Pedro M. Martínez Corada, CC BY-SA 4.0
The road from Baños towards Puyo passes a series of waterfalls, including Agoyán and Manto de la Novia, where cable cars and zip lines cross the gorge. Many visitors rent a bike, ride downhill to Río Verde and return by truck or bus.
Rent a bike in the morning and stop at each waterfall on the way.
Photo: David C. S., CC BY 3.0
High above town, a treehouse used as a lookout for the volcano became famous for its swing over the valley, nicknamed the “swing at the end of the world”. On clear mornings, Tungurahua is visible across the valley.
Go early, before clouds hide the volcano.
Photo: Rinaldo Wurglitsch, CC BY 2.0
The basilica in the town centre honours the Virgin of the Holy Water and has paintings of miracles attributed to her. Nearby, the Virgen hot springs below a waterfall are the town’s best-known public baths.
Visit the springs early in the morning or in the evening.
Photo: Elisabetheleven, CC BY 4.0
The 5,023-metre volcano towers over Baños and has had frequent eruptions in recent decades. Viewpoints around town look towards its slopes, and evacuation routes are signposted throughout the town.
Check the current alert level and follow local advice.
Photo: Dabit100 / David Torres Costales, CC BY-SA 3.0
Baños is known for melcocha, a chewy sugarcane taffy pulled by hand in shop doorways, and for local trout. Try Ecuadorian dishes such as llapingachos (potato patties), fritada (fried pork) and fresh juices.
The town has many international restaurants and cafés catering to travellers.
Buses run frequently from Quito to Baños, taking around 3.5 hours, and from Ambato in about an hour. Puyo, on the edge of the Amazon, is about 61km along the waterfall road.
The town centre is small and walkable; bikes, chivas (open-sided party buses), taxis and tours reach the waterfalls and viewpoints.
Ecuador uses the US dollar. Baños is good value, with plenty of cheap hostels and tours.
Almuerzos (set lunches) cost a few dollars.
Shop around tour agencies for prices.
Several hotels have their own thermal pools.
Two days covers the waterfalls and the town.
Rent a bike and ride the Ruta de las Cascadas to Pailón del Diablo, stopping at Agoyán and Manto de la Novia. Return by truck and soak in the hot springs.
Wear rain gear and closed shoes.
Morning at Casa del Árbol, then rafting or canyoning in the afternoon, and melcocha from a shop on the way home.
Book activities with reputable operators.
Check Tungurahua’s alert level and note evacuation routes.
Check safety equipment and guide experience for adventure sports.
Showers are common, especially from March to May.
At about 1,800m, Baños is lower and warmer than Quito.
Quick answers for planning time in Baños.
By bus, around 3.5 hours, or by private transfer.
About 15km, at Río Verde on the road to Puyo.
Tungurahua has been very active in recent decades. Check the current alert level and follow local authorities’ advice.
A treehouse above Baños with a famous swing over the valley and views of Tungurahua on clear days.
June to September and December to February tend to be drier.
Planning a wider trip? Our Ecuador travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.