Adventure in Baños.

Ziplining in the jungle.

Baños – was my favourite place on my entire 2-months trip to South America. The town is known for two things: nature and adventure sports!

Baños is fully immersed in nature, surrounded by green mountains, rivers, waterfalls, and hot springs. The town sits at the foot of the Tungurahua volcano, which has been steadily flowing with hot lava and ash since a big eruption in 1999.

Also known as the “Gateway to the Amazon,” Baños is the starting point to explore the indigenous tribes of the Andes — ‘llamas’ and ‘Vicuñas’.

My favourite activity was the zipline circuit in the jungle — an adrenalinic day, with spectacular views overlooking the lush valleys and waterfalls. I went with the tour company called Puntzan Canopy, located in the centre of Baños.

If you are an adrenaline lover, there are more adventure activities that you can do — paragliding, rafting, canyoning and more..

‘Pachamama’.

Mother Earth.

Hike to the waterfall ‘El Pailon del Diablo’.

‘Pailon del Diablo’, is located 17 kilometres from Baños, in a small settlement called Rio Verde. You can reach it with the line bus, which drives every hour from Baños to the parking near the waterfall.

From the parking, you’ll see the marked trail going to ‘Cascada el Pailon’. The hike only takes 30 minutes. You have to pay an entrance fee on the way, it only costs $2.

‘Pailon del Diablo’, is one of the most powerful waterfalls you can find in Ecuador — 80 meters high. You can admire it from different viewpoints: from the top - from a staircase below, or from the Tibetan bridge.

Where to stay in Baños.

Wake up with a view in Aldea Real Eco Friendly.

Aldea Real Eco Resort Hotel is the perfect place If you are a view lover and you want to enjoy nature from your balcony. It’s located in front of the Pastaza River, and surrounded by majestic lush mountains — you can enjoy the view from the comfort of your bed, or relax on the hammock.

Breakfast is included in the room price, and is located next to a beautiful avocado garden.

 

Best Restaurants & Cafés in Baños.

What makes Baños so special — is the peaceful atmosphere in the city, the surrounding green mountains with waterfalls everywhere you look, and most of all — the different restaurants and café selections with a hipster vibe.

Below, you can find a list of my favourite Restaurants & Cafés in Baños.

  • Café Hood.

    An enchanting Hindu-inspired restaurant, my favourite place in Baños - located next to a waterfall. The food is delicious, with big portions. The cuisine ranges from Thai, Indian, Mexican, to Continental.

  • My favourite dish was the vegetarian ‘Buddha Bowl’. A mix between Ecuadorian and Indian Cuisine. With very simple and tasty ingredients: chickpeas, guacamole, mango, rice, cucumbers, and potatoes.

  • I’m not the biggest fan of nachos, but I got addicted to these ones, literally the best cheese nachos I’ve ever had. Accompanied by a delicious guacamole and tomato sauce.

  • Sativa Studio Café.

    Sativa Studio Café, is a bohemian restaurant inspired by the Afro-Caribbean cuisine. It offers vegetarian food, with very fresh ingredients. All the dishes are made with organic food, that they pick directly from the garden of their restaurant. On the menu, you can find a veggie burger, an organic salad, chocolate and carrot cake, and they also make smoothies and artisan fruit wines.

  • A delicious infusion of berries from the Andes.

  • If you want to stay light and choose a healthier meal, I recommend this organic salad, made with fresh ingredients, that they collect directly from the garden.

  • Honey Coffee & Tea.

    Located in the center of Baños - Honey Coffee & Tea, is a bakery/café, with one of the best coffee, that I’ve tasted in Ecuador. They have a very good sweet assortment, and you can chose your cappuccino with different flavours: caramel, chocolate, or vanilla - my favourite.

How to reach Baños?

 

Baños is located in Tungurahua province, in the middle of Ecuador. To reach it, is very easy. Take the direct bus from Quito (Estación Terminal Sur) - to Baños. It takes only 3 hours and it costs $10/person one way.