 | Baños Things To Do | Tips 1 - 10 of 62 |  |
Popular Things To Do | Other Things To Do Tips | All Tips (62) A wonderful network of trails criss-crossing the mountains surrounding Banos is available from the city center. Nearby Tungurahua Volcano, at 5016 meters, is known as "Little Hell" and attracts hundreds of climbers every year (there are, however, easier tours to be made...) Leave a Comment
|
Visiting Baños?
Read reviews about Baños Hotels
Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.
One of Baños’ top attractions is the “Avenue of the Waterfalls” which runs along the road from the city to Puyo, a gateway town into the jungle. Most people either do this on bike or take an open air tour bus, both of which are surely good fun if you are in the mood for it. We saw lots of people on the tours and they seemed like a good time. We were in a more relaxed mode and not feeling overly energetic so we jumped on a local bus and got off in a couple of choice spots. One is Machay where we did a five kilometer walk through a lush forest teeming with butterflies which passes a series of waterfalls. We eventually turned around as there was a cow on the path and it seemed we’d already seen enough waterfalls for the day. The small restaurant where the bus left us off was very friendly and we went in for something to eat mostly because the owner went out of her way to show us the trail head. We had a soup and fruit drink before jumping on the bus back towards Baños. On the way back we stopped at Rio Verde to see the biggest waterfall in Ecuador, Pailón del Diablo (Devil’s Cauldron). Leave a Comment Directions: Just jump on the road from Baños to Puyo and you're on it!
|
 | |  |
The driver who was contracted for me by the Hacienda Manteles in Patate recommended this outfit to rent a mountain bike. The bike was old but in fine condition. The cost for the day, with a helmet and a lock, was $7. The assistant supplied me with a photocopy of a map to the cascades, which was useful for the fist few blocks. Once you're out of town, there's only one way to go: down.
If the idea of sharing a vertiginous road - including a tunnel - with trucks barreling down does not appeal to you, there are open-sided buses doing the same itinerary. Leave a Comment Address: Ivagatours. Rocafuerte 2 - 14
|
The Town Hall Clock Tower is another interesting building in Baños and good for orientation since it is right on the Parque Central. It's also right next to a very helpful tourist information which hands out free maps of the town that also gives you an idea of where everything is including the surrounding area. They also provide basic hiking information. Leave a Comment
|
Baños is primarily noted for its thermal baths and La Piscina de La Virgen is the most famous and easily accessible as it’s the only one actually in town. The three pools vary greatly with one ice cold, one very warm and the other scalding hot. Many people complain that it’s less than sterile but we went and didn’t get sick or any kind of infection so I guess it’s not too bad. It has a nice setting, right next to a big waterfall and it’s certainly an authentic Ecuadorian experience. When we were there we were two of only a handful of gringos. We didn’t venture into the cold pool as it was overcast and not too hot out but we did do a few circuits between the warm pool and very hot one (and it IS VERY hot) with a rinse off under the icy waterfall in between. It was about $2 to get in per person and you can rent towels for a nominal fee as well. It’s cheap entertainment when you consider we were there for a good couple of hours. It wasn’t too crowded but it was an off time, not early morning but before lunch. From what we saw it gets very busy in the evenings and I believe it’s a bit more expensive then too. We found it very relaxing and glad we went when we did. Leave a Comment Address: MontalvoDirections: Just look for the most visible waterfall in town and head that way.
|
| | |
Visiting Baños?
Read reviews about Baños Hotels
Real Reviews from Real VirtualTourist Members.
Though most people come to Baños for the thermal baths and nature that surrounds it, there are a few man made sights to take in and the best one has to be the Basilica de Nuestra Señora de Agua Santa. Built in the neo-Gothic style from volcanic rock courtesy of nearby Tungurahua, it is obviously a place of pilgrimage for those so inclined looking for forgiveness from the “Lady of the Holy Water,” after which it is named. It was packed every time we went by the place and we never got a good look at the impressive looking interior. It certainly took us by surprise from the exterior and we spent lots of time in the park in front of it admiring its exterior. Leave a Comment Address: Ambato at 12 de Noviembre
|
It is easy to find a truck going back to town. Children and snack vendors in Rio Verde are most helpful.
The ride back to Baños takes about half an hour, and you review - going backwards - all the marvels that you first encountered going downhill.
The price for the return is $1.35 Leave a Comment
|
While the Basilica proper was always full of people the beautiful convent courtyard next to it seemed empty and serene both times we stopped in to have a look. The garden is tastefully landscaped and there are small benches on which you can sit and reflect. It was our favorite spot in Baños. Leave a Comment Directions: Adjacent to the basilica.
|
Bicycles are not allowed in the tunnels on the road from Baños, bar the first one. Instead, you ride on older sections of the road. The surface of such segments is poor, as the road is reverting to dirt and gravel. But the sights are impressive, and you have the whole world to yourself.
Some parts are quite muddy, and it is prudent to dismount briefly.
Toward the end of such a section, the main road and the bicycle path cross a canyon on separate bridges. These parallel bridges are a prime spot for bungee jumping. I saw younger bikers jump (see photo), and I believe the price quoted to them was $15. Leave a Comment
|
From Rio Verde, a steep path takes you down to the Devil's Bucket waterfall. The path goes through what is still technically cloud forest habitat, but it is not the same cloud forest as in Patate. It feels like rain forest instead.
It is interesting to see impatiens, the quintessential flower of American suburbia, growing wild in its original habitat.
The path is steep, as I said, and it takes about half an hour to reach the falls. You can hear them long before you get to them. Far from being a hurdle, the path is part of the attraction: magnificent nature and stunning geological features. Leave a Comment
|
|
|
on June 9, 2004
on February 18, 2008
on September 16, 2007
