If you’ve been following along on my Instagram, you know I recently spent some time in Ecuador (specifically Quito and Baños). During my 7 day trip, I spent 3 days in Baños, Ecuador, and 4 in Quito. I’ll be sharing my extensive Quito guide in the coming weeks, so stay tuned! In the meantime, let’s talk about the town of Baños de Agua Santa, also known to locals as “Baños.” The area is known to be a mecca for outdoorsy people – whitewater rafting? check! ziplining? of course! waterfalls? there are dozens. But not to worry if you’re not that outdoorsy (like me), there’s still lots to see and do! Keep reading for my 72 Hours in Baños, Ecuador Itinerary.
72 Hours in Baños, Ecuador Guide
Getting to Baños, Ecuador
From Quito (3.5 -4 hours):
- By Car: You can rent a car from $25/day. I would only recommend this option if you’re familiar with driving in South America.
- By Bus: Bus tickets are ~$4 each way. Head to the Terminal Terrestre Quitumbe to buy your tickets and depart from there. This will be the most cost-effective option.
From Guayaquil (~6 hours):
- By Car: You can rent a car from $25/day. I would only recommend this option if you’re familiar with driving in South America.
- By Bus: Tickets are ~$10 each way. Head to the Guayaquil Terrestre Bus Terminal to buy your tickets and depart from there. This will be the most cost-effective option. There are 2 main companies to choose from that will take you directly. According to Trip Advisor, both are comparable.
Where to stay in Baños, Ecuador :
Luxury Hotel Option
Luna Volcán is located in the hills of Baños, overlooking the town. I gave a detailed review of my one-night stay here.
- Price: Rooms start at $127 per person and include breakfast and entrance to their pools.
- Location: outside of town
- Vibe: Spa-like and relaxed.
- Amenities: pool, spa, restaurants, bar.
Mid-Range Hotel Option
I would refer to Le Petit Auberge as a mid-range bed and breakfast. We stayed here for one night, and it was clean and cozy. They are centrally located in town, and a five-minute walk from the thermal baths.
- Price: Rooms start at $14 per person. Great if you’re wanting a private room and on a budget.
- Location: center of town
- Vibe: Tropical plantation vibes.
- Amenities: restaurant serving breakfast and snacks, game room, large gardens
Low Budget Hostel Option
One of my Ecuadorean friends who had been to Baños before mentioned Hostal León as a low budget hostel option.
- Price: Rooms start at $10 per person
- Location: center of town
- Vibe: multiple floors in building (This video will give you a good idea of the ambiance)
- Amenities: washing machines, on-site restaurant
Getting Around Baños:
We drove to Baños, which was actually really nice to work at our own pace and visit all the different waterfalls and things to do at our own pace. Had I not been touring with a local, I wouldn’t have gone with that option. As Baños’ main attractions (outside of the downtown) are spread out and uphill, I would opt for a tour company if you’re on a quick 3 day trip. You can also hike, or bike.
- On Bike: This is a great option if it’s not raining and if you’re not in a huge rush. Note, some reviewers mentioned that the ride can be rough and not for beginners. Cost is about $5-$10 per person (there are plenty of rental spots in town and don’t forget to haggle).
- With a Tour: We noticed that the tour company “Chiva los Osos” appeared to be the primary tour company in Baños. They are colorful open-aire buses that take you to all the main attractions. Cost is about $6 per person.
- Private Taxi: Another option if you’d like a more work at your own pace option is to hire a taxi for a couple hours. The average payment when negotiating would be about $8-$10 per hour.
What to do in Baños, Ecuador:
What to do in Baños, Ecuador (In Town):
Tourists tend to start their day (and end their day) in downtown Baños.
Nuestra Señora del Rosario de Agua Santa Church
I’ll be honest, after seeing what churches Quito had to offer, the Nuestra Señora del Rosario de Agua Santa Church wasn’t nearly as impressive. That being said, you’ll likely walk right by it, so it is worth taking a quick peek inside.
Pasaje Artesanal (Artisan Passage/Market)
Looking for a souvenir? Baños’ Pasaje Artesanal has some unique items, some specific to the area that you may not be able to find in other parts of Ecuador. Hours are 8 AM-8 PM daily.
Thermal baths
To be completely honest, we didn’t visit any thermal baths in or around town as I already knew I was going to be hanging out at Luna Volcán. However, if you’re interesting in planning to visit the baths, this blog post is really informative.
Spa/ Massages
After a long day of outdoorsy activities (even if you’re trying to avoid hiking at all costs, you’ll still end up walking a lot), there’s nothing better than a little massage situation. Walking around the center you’ll see plenty of spa/ massage places. The average massage ranges from $25-$35.
What to do in Baños, Ecuador (Outside/Around Town):
Casa del Arbol Swing
Let’s start with the Casa del Arbol since it’s literally all over Instagram. The photos make it look like you’re swinging on the edge of the world, but in reality it’s all about the perception. It’s fun to swing on, but not as impressive as the photos make it look. I would say it’s worth a visit if you’re into fun photos and if you have extra time in Baños.
- Getting to the swing: You could take a taxi or the bus. The bus is $1 each way, or $5 each way with a taxi to and from the center of town.
- Entrance fee: $1
- Hours: 6:30 AM – 7 PM daily
- Pro Tip: Arrive early to avoid crowds. I got there around 9 AM, and as I was leaving at 9:30 AM, there was already a big line!
Ruta de las Cascadas – 7 waterfalls
In most hotels you can find a map of the Baños, as well as the route of the waterfalls. This will be helpful if you’re doing a solo bike ride or drive without a tour company. I’ll be mentioning a few of my favorite below.
Cascadas Ulba and Silencio
These two waterfalls get a special shout out as I had a chance to speak to the person attending the site. He mentioned how these two weren’t nearly as recognized as some of the other sites. Personally I thought it was super peaceful and my second favorite waterfall stop in Baños (after Pailón del Diablo).
- Entrance Fee: $1 USD
Pailon del Diablo
El Pailón del Diablo (in English translates to “Devil’s Cauldron”), is probably Baños’ most popular tourist attraction. It might actually be tied with the Casa del Arbol. There are two entrances to the pailón– one from above, which is how you get that shot of the stairs, and one from below the waterfall. If you have time, I would recommend visiting both as they’re unique in their own way.
From below:
- Entrance fee: $2
- Hiking amount: You’ll end up walking about an hour roundtrip. 30 min to the waterfall and 30 min back.
- Pro Tip: Pick up a poncho at the market at the entrance. You’ll get completely drenched walking under the waterfall.
From above:
- Entrance Fee: $2
- Hiking amount: Significantly less than visiting the waterfall from below. If you’re in a rush, I would skip the below and only visit this one.
Adventurous Activities
As part of your 72 Hours in Baños, Ecuador experience, zip lining or white water rafting is highly recommended for the more outdoorsy folks. I had the intention of zip lining but honestly didn’t plan my second day properly.
- Zip lining
- Cost: $10-$15 USD
- Where to zip line: along the “rutas de las cascadas” there are plenty of stops to choose from.
- Pro Tip: If zip lining makes you a little nervous, they have these little gondola-like things that cost $2-$5 which will give you the same (less scary) views.
- White water rafting
- Cost: ~$30 USD
- Where to white water raft: There are different spots to do this activity (with a guided tour, see some options here).
- Pro Tip: People I know that have gone before recommend booking your tour before getting to Baños as they can get booked quickly especially in the busy season.
Where to Eat in Baños:
In a couple of days, you can do pretty much eat your way through town! A couple of must try items:
- “Melcocha” – You’ll likely see people in the tienditas hand pulling the strings of the local taffy that Baños is known for.
- Trout – Trout is caught right in Baños and extremely fresh. Have some at a local restaurant. You can even go and fish your own in certain places!
For Ecuadorean Hot Chocolate: Aromi Chocolate & Coffee
- Hours: M- Sat 8 AM – 9 PM, Sun 7:30 AM – 7 AM
- Price: $$
- Order: the hot chocolate (duh)
For coffee & breakfast: Honey Coffee & Tea
- Hours: 8 AM – 9 PM daily
- Price: $$
- Order: “brunch” item best bang for your buck!
For Italian Food: Pappardelle Restaurant
- Hours: 12- 11PM daily
- Price: $$
- Order: the pizza & house wine
For great views of Baños: Cafe del Cielo
- Hours: 1 – 9:30 PM daily
- Price: $$$
- Order: really anything… but you’re going for the view.
Eating like a local: Mercado Central
- Hours: 6 AM – 6 PM daily
- Price: $
- Order: llapingachos, fresh fruit juice, and really anything traditional Ecuadorean
For Traditional Ecuadorean Food: Mestizart Cafe
- Hours: Hours change daily, visit their website for the latest hours.
- Price: $
- Order: the trout
Stay tuned for more Ecuador travel content!
Honey Coffee & Tea looks like such a cute place to eat 😍
It was really cute!
The mid range hotel looks so quaint! I’d love to stay there.
it was super quaint and adorable!
This is an INCREDIBLY detailed post about your travels — in a good way!! I’ve never been to Banos or Ecuador so if I was traveling there; I’d be SO set with the details and suggestions you gave! Thank you!
Your photos are so beautiful! I had never considered Ecuador before, but after reading this, it sounds like there’s so much to do and there’s so much stunning scenery! Thank you for sharing!
Rhianna x
http://www.tsundokugirl.com
I want to visit here so bad! My grandpa is from Quito Ecuador and this been a drew since I was little
No way! You should totally go on your next visit to Quito.
I really feel as though I have a sense of your travels from this! I went to Peru and Bolivia many moons ago and would love to return to South America one day.