An Adventurer’s Paradise: Baños, Ecuador

In a lush valley between the Amazon Jungle and Volcano Avenue, Baños is ripe for adventure. HoneyTrek travel experts Mike & Anne Howard share seven ways to get an adrenaline kick.

Baños de Agua Santa is where the Andes slope into the Amazon, waterfalls gush from the mountains, and adrenaline junkies play in their wake. River rafting, kayaking, canyoning, zip-lining, rock climbing . . . just about every adventure activity seems to be on tap in this spunky central-Ecuadorian town. Setting the stage for thrills, the highly active Tungurahua volcano towers over Baños and a 260-foot waterfall cascades right into downtown. Legend has it the Virgin Mary was seen near the falls, and she protects the region from volcanic activity (the cathedral has frescoes depicting La Virgen combating eruptions). The extreme landscape and affordable prices bring backpackers, while the hot springs draw locals and luxury lovers. After an action-packed day paddling Class IV rapids and “swinging at the end of the world,” you can retreat to one of the boutique hotels tucked in the mountains with rejuvenating spas, gourmet restaurants, and suites with valley vistas.

Here’s how to get your thrills in Baños: The Adventure Capital of Ecuador.

Bike the Waterfalls Route

Photo by: HoneyTrek.com

Follow the new Baños-Puyo road, hugging the cliffs of the Pastaza Valley, and watch dozens of waterfalls plummet into the serpentine river. If you are feeling ambitious, pedal the full 39-mile Ruta de Las Cascadas, or opt for an 11-mile highlights ride to the thundering Pailon del Diablo waterfall (see below). To make it a little easier, trucks in Rio Verde will take you back to town for a couple bucks.

Peer Into The Devil’s Cauldron

Photo by: HoneyTrek.com

Cutting through canyon like a corkscrew, Pailon del Diablo (“The Devil’s Cauldron”) is the most dramatic fall along the Waterfalls Route. Hike 15 minutes down a steep winding path to reach a little ticket booth (once you see what the community created, you’ll want to pay them double). This 100-foot waterfall creates such wind and spray it’s literally hard to walk, yet the villagers managed to build balconies into the cliff face and even behind the falls. Crawl through the narrow rock tunnels to witness the torrent of raging water inches from your face . . . it’s a giggle-inducing rush.

Go Canyoning

Photo by: Geotours

Join the top-notch Geotours team for a day abseiling the waterfalls. Rio Blanco is a great entry-level trip, or you can up the ante with the full-day Cashuarco Adventure to combo your rappelling skills with swimming, jumping, and jungle hiking. TIP: Sign up the day you arrive; trips run only when river conditions are optimal.

Swing at the End of the World

Photo by: HoneyTrek.com

Hike or bus to a seismic monitoring station turned extreme playground. The resident scientists originally built a treehouse swing for a little diversion, though with a dramatic drop-off and perfect views of Tungurahua volcano, it’s become a must-do Baños attraction. Climb the tree, brave the swing, ride the zip line, and watch for double rainbows over the Andes.

River Raft the Pastaza

Photos by: Geotours

We’ve been river rafting on four continents, and this was by far our wildest ride! Due to the constant fluctuation in rainfall, the Lower Pastaza is a new river every time you run it, with whirlpools and rapids ranging from Class II to IV. From the raging waters to gorgeous scenery to super-fun guides, this is a river rodeo you don’t want to miss. (VIDEO: See this rafting trip in action)

Soak in the Hot Springs

Photo by: HoneyTrek.com

In Baños, it’s all about the hot springs. For a fun cultural experience, visit the wildly popular Piscina de La Virgen in the heart of town. Dip into pools of ice-cold river water followed by 130-degree volcano-heated cauldrons and try to focus on the health benefits as you shock your system. For something more romantic, try the secluded pools and soothing services at El Refugio Spa Garden and their signature steam bath, Baños de Cajon.

Soar Over Bridal Veil Falls

Photo by: HoneyTrek.com

Skip the zip-lining set up all over the valley and take the locals’ cable car (tarabitas) to go eye-to-eye with Bridal Veil Falls (Manta de la Novia). Run off an old bus engine, we won’t lie, it’s a little makeshift, but that adds to the excitement as you glide by the 130-foot fall. Pack a picnic and take a river walk on the other side. At $1.50, it’s hard to beat this cheap thrill.

BAÑOS MINI-GUIDE

Timing:

June-December offers a lower chance of rain in this lush locale, but still enough water for roaring rapids.

Lodging:

Hotel Samari Spa: Luxurious with local Andean flair and central but outside the hustle and bustle.
La Floresta: A vibrant and charming mid-range option, well located by the plaza.

Dining:

Casa Hood: Solid international options while still retaining an Ecuadorian vibe.
Chévere Comida Latina: Upscale Ecuadorian fusion serving hand-crafted cocktails and salsa de la casa you’ll want to bring home.
Mercado Central: Incredible fresh-fruit salads and smoothies for breakfast and hearty plato del día deals for lunch—an essential cultural experience.

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