Even though the small town of Baños de Agua Santa is quite pleasant, the surrounding area around the once-active volcano Tungurahua and the Pastaza river offer plenty of activities for all those adventure junkies looking for some adrenaline. A swing on the top of the world, plenty of zip lining, hiking, canyoning, rafting, rock climbing and thermal baths are just few of the many things once can do around this tucked away heaven in the heart of Ecuador.
Swing on Top of the World (Casa del Arbol)
Honestly, who hasn’t seen the instagram/facebook pictures of the famous swing on top of the world? Since its early years, the small “adventure” park of the Casa de Arbol has increasingly become famous among the passing by tourist and its now the unmissable activity to do.
Getting there: local bus (1$) or chiva tour (4$) | Entrance Price: 1$/pp
Discover the Ruta de las Cascadas
This route stretches from the town centre up until the small city of Puyo all along the river Pastaza and encompasses many gorgeous waterfalls. Even though riding a bike until the worldwide known Pailon del Diablo waterfall (read our article on Cycling Around Baños: Ruta de las Cascadas) and then heading back up with a small truck is definitely a great experience, other options e.g. buggies, motorbikes or chiva tours (starting at 5$) are widely available.
Getting there: rent bike (5$) or chiva tour (5$) | Entrance Price: 2$/pp (at Pailon waterfall)
Go on a Chiva Tour
Ever seen those lousy colourful buses opened on the sides that kind of look like toy buses on a bigger scales? Well, those are the Chiva buses! In town, the thousands of agencies organise tours to the volcano mirador at night (3$) & during the day at the Casa del Arbol (4$) and Ruta de las Cascadas (5$). The experience is pretty touristy but can also be a cheap fun way to see around!
Getting there: Pick up in front of the agency | Price: 3-5$/pp
Take a dip in the Thermal Baths
Whenever you’ll go to visit the Cascada la Virgen (the huge waterfall just in the town outskirts), you’ll see that just beneath it there are some local thermal baths. Beware that these are the “public” ones (entrance at 2 day and 3$ night) and can be pretty busy, especially on weekends; another more fancy option is going to the small community of Luna Runtun (just above Baños) which offer a variety of services e.g. thermal baths, pools etc… but at a more expensive price.
Getting there: on foot for public ones or by local bus for Luna (1$) | Entrance Price: 2-3$/pp (public) or 20$ (Luna Runtun)
Try adventure sports
Canyoning, rock climbing, rafting, zip lining and much more are all extreme activities offered in the surrounding area. Just make sure to choose the right company and then go with it!
Getting there: organised by company | Price: 15-50$/pp
Discover the Jungle
Baños is also a great place for organising tours to the amazon jungle in Cuyabeno, Coca or Puyapungo. If you’re only looking for day trips or short tours then nearby Puyapungo is a good option (one day 25$, more at 40$/day); on the other hand, if you’re looking for longer trips deeper in the jungle (4 days to a week) then head to Coca or Cuyabeno (70-80$/day).
Getting there: organised by company (ca. 10$) | Daily Price: 25-80$/pp
Stroll around town
After having visited all the things Baños has to offer, don’t forget to have a long walk around town. The beautiful central park and cathedral, the La Virgen Waterfall, the Puente Santo Domingo and even an interesting candy factory are all nice stops en-route.
Getting there: On foot | Entrance Price: FREE
PLANNING A TRIP TO ECUADOR? CHECK MORE POSTS BELOW!
[pt_view id=”5006ac3gqi”]