Things to Do in Baños Ecuador: Hot Springs + More

From paragliding above volcanic landscapes to canyoning through waterfalls, there are a ton of fun things to do in Baños Ecuador, a walkable town located between the Andes mountains and the Amazon jungle.

While the hot springs in Baños have always drawn people here, this tourist town has also evolved into a paradise for adventurous nature lovers thanks to its location between two national parks.

I honestly had trouble deciding what to do in Baños. So I’ve included my top picks after spending four action packed days here. I’ve also detailed the 3 main Baños hot springs so you know which ones to visit.

And I randomly found a unique Baños activity called El Bosque Encantado (The Enchanted Forest). If you like the magical world of elves, mushrooms, and dragons, you don’t want to miss it. It was a highlight for my friends.

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10 Fun Things to Do in Baños

Baños might be best known for its waterfalls and hot springs, but spend a little time here and you’ll find the town is an adventure lover’s dream located between the Llanganates and Sangay National Parks with the gateway to the Amazon located just 90 minutes east.

From navigating the rapids and canyoning down rushing waterfalls to soaking in thermal waters, these are the best things to do in Baños Ecuador.

1. Explore La Ruta de las Cascadas

One of the most popular activities in Baños is following La Ruta de las Cascadas, a scenic stretch of road dotted with waterfalls. I spent a day exploring it with friends, saving the most famous waterfall, Cascada El Pailón del Diablo, for last. The sheer volume of water here is incredible, especially after a rainy season.

Some travelers opt to explore the route by bicycle but we didn’t feel comfortable on the road, especially since there were a lot of people in town at the time. Hiring a driver or joining a tour makes it easier to reach more of the viewpoints and try a zipline along the way.

This Full-Day Waterfall Tour from Baños is a great value and covers not only the most impressive waterfalls but also several of the other top attractions in the area. It’s a private tour so it’s also customizable. In my opinion, it’s a better option for most travelers than chiva buses, which I thought were fine but a bit impersonal.

2. Swing at La Casa del Arbol 

Also known as the Swing at the End of the World, this spot combines a quirky treehouse with some of the most dramatic views in Baños. Perched in the foothills of Volcán Tungurahua, which last erupted in 2016, it looks out over lush green mountains and deep valleys – a landscape shaped by fire and ash.

The treehouse itself is simple, but the two swings hanging from either side are the real draw. Sitting on the seat, you push off and feel yourself glide out over the edge of the cliff, with nothing but open air and sweeping scenery in front of you. It’s both peaceful and a thrilling at the same time.

I visited as part of a trip that also included La Mano de la Pachamama which made the travel time worthwhile. The Full-Day Waterfall Tour in Baños includes these two stops plus several waterfalls, which really helps to maximize the itinerary.

3. Las Manos de la Pachamama + Flight of the Condor

La Mano de Pachamama is a work of art. Two massive hands extend 25 m (82 ft) from the mountainside connected by a crystal bridge. Walking across the glass bridge gives you sweeping views of the valley and Llanganates and Sangay National Parks.

The artwork here goes beyond the hands themselves. Between them sits a 3-D anatomical heart that beats when you step inside. I loved this part – there’s something powerful about standing inside a beating heart surrounded by this artistic tribute. And vibrant murals depicting local flora and fauna cover the structure in honor of Mother Earth. 

Their other attraction is for the more adventurous. Flight of the Condor, launches you out over the edge with those same valley views as your backdrop. It’s one of the extreme swings in Baños, offering a serious dose of adrenaline while you take in the scenery.

We decided to visit by chiva bus which we booked in town since it combined this with Casa del Arbol. But this private, customizable tour give you the option to visit both of those plus the waterfall route or other sites around Baños.

4. Go White Water Rafting on the Pastaza River

White water rafting on the Pastaza River takes you through Class III and IV rapids while navigating through beautiful landscapes. The journey starts with a drive in a private van, passing by several waterfalls including Agoyán, Manto de la Novia, and El Pailón del Diablo along the route.

You’ll get a safety briefing and opportunity to practice paddle commands on land. Then you’re ready for an hour of navigating powerful rapids as the river flows through from the Andes towards the Amazon basin.

My friends and I did have time and it wasn’t high on our list. But this white water rafting experience offers an action-packed way to experience challenging rapids and Ecuador’s stunning scenery. It includes all equipment, safety instruction, lunch at a local eatery, plus photos and videos of your adventure.

5. Soak in the Hot Springs of Baños

I absolutely love soaking in thermal waters, so I visited all of the three main hot springs in Baños. But we had some confusion which I want to clear up. Two locations close to each other have “virgen” in the name. And on the first day, my friends and I went to what I would consider the wrong one.

Piscinas Termas de la Virgen

Piscinas Termas de la Virgen is only open weekends and attracts families with kids thanks to its large slides. Great if you have children, terrible if you want to relax. Plus we visited the day after a major pilgrimage from Ambato. It was absolutely packed.

Termas de la Virgen

The next day I discovered the name difference. Termas de la Virgen sits under the tall skinny waterfall you can see throughout the town. So we spent a couple of hour here one morning. But next time I’d swap it for an evening soak.

When my friend from nearby Ambato Ecuador met us to soak in the aguas termales, I got the feeling from him that this is the spot to be at night. Nonetheless it was peaceful but busy during the day. I found myself just sort of staring at the tall skinny waterfall flowing down the mountain while I was soaking. It reminds me of Santa Rosa hot springs in Colombia.

El Salado Hot Springs

When we told my friend that we wanted to go to Balneario El Salado he said it’s the termales all the locals soak in the early mornings. I immediately envisioned watching the mountains light up with the morning sun and suddenly wished to return the next day. But we had to catch the morning bus from Baños to Cuenca.

So off we went in the early evening, a couple of hours before closing time. Either way I would describe this as a low key hot spring with several different pools and cold plunge showers. You can also jump between the hot baths and the cold river like a natural cold plunge but only if the river conditions are safe at the moment.

6. Recharge with a Glass of Jugo de Caña

After soaking in the hot springs, you should order one of the most popular drinks in Ecuador: a glass of jugo de caña to recharge. My Ecuadorian friend introduced me to this tradition, and it became a part of my Baños hot springs ritual.

You’ll find stands throughout town where they press fresh sugar cane through machines, often mixed with orange and lime. The sweet, refreshing drink hits differently after you’ve been soaking in the mineral-rich water.

7. El Bosque Encantado

El Bosque Encantado feels like stepping into a fantasy book. The creativity here is incredible. Illuminated pathways lead you through interactive exhibits, spiritual messages, and art installations that blend nature with imagination.

You’ll discover elves (duendes), fairies, giant colorful mushrooms, and mystical creatures hidden throughout the trees. I recommend visiting at night when the illumination transforms the forest into something otherworldly.

If you’re drawn to fantasy worlds you’ll agree with my friends: this is one of the top things to do in Baños. You can easily spend an hour or longer here especially since there are some fun picture opportunities.

8. Go Canyoning at Rio Blanco Waterfall

Canyoning at Rio Blanco is one of the more adventurous things to do in Baños. It combines rappelling down waterfalls with navigating through narrow canyon walls while surrounded by lush vegetation and carved rock formations.

The experience takes you through several waterfalls, from smaller practice runs to more challenging descents. Between rappels, you’ll navigate through pools and rocky passages, making it as much about exploration as the adrenaline rush.

If this sounds like your idea of adventure, this half day canyoning experience offers the right mix of adventure and safety for those ready to try something beyond typical Baños activities. All equipment is provided, and certified guides lead you through each step. 

9. Go Paragliding

Ever since I went paragliding through the Chicamocha Canyon in Colombia, I’ve been hooked. It’s an incredible feeling to fly through the sky with endless views. In Baños, the highlight is soaring above the valley with views of Volcán Tungurahua and Sangay National Park.

The thermal currents around Baños create ideal conditions for paragliding, and you’ll launch from an elevated point that gives you immediate views of the valley below. Flying here means watching the patchwork of green fields, winding rivers, and volcanic slopes unfold beneath you.

I booked this paragliding experience in Baños. It’s a tandem flight with a certified instructor, so no prior experience is needed. The flights typically last 15-20 minutes, which gives you plenty of time to take in the scenery.

10. Ziplining in Baños

Ziplining at Puntzan Adventure Park takes you soaring through a lush cloud forest canopy at the edge of Sangay National Park.

The 6 ziplines cover a total of 2000 meters and give you the freedom to try different zipline styles: traditional, upside down, or superman. The highlight is a cable that stretches across a gorge with incredible views as you fly from one side to the other.

11. Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth with Melcocha

As you wander the streets of Baños Ecuador, you’ll notice candy makers stretching long ropes of taffy on hooks in their doorways. This is melcocha, a sweet treat made from sugar cane juice that has been a local specialty for generations.

The rhythmic pulling and folding isn’t just for show — it gives the taffy its texture and shine. Buy a piece fresh off the hook for the full experience, though be warned: it’s not the easiest snack if you have sensitive teeth.

Hotels in Baños

I’ve included a few of the top hotels in Baños Ecuador from a modern spa resort to and eco‑friendly guesthouse. They offer a range of experiences to match different styles and budgets. 

Sangay Spa ($$$$) – A luxurious retreat right across from the main hot springs, featuring modern rooms, an Ayurvedic spa, and a peaceful pool area to unwind after a day of adventure.

Hotel de Mi Pueblo ($$$) – Bright spacious rooms with a jetted tub and balcony area with views of Cascada la Virgen . Family run with a shared kitchen and hand painted doors.

La Casa Verde Eco Guest House ($$) – An eco-conscious guesthouse just outside of town with river and mountain views, a communal patio, and personalized hospitality.

Hostal Timara ($) – A colorful family run hostel in Baños with private rooms and a shared kitchen for an incredible price.

Restaurants in Baños Ecuador

There are so many great places to eat in Baños it was hard to choose. I’ve included the places where my friends and I ate, including some vegetarian options.

• Casa Hood (map) – Longtime Baños staple with a diverse international menu and plenty of vegetarian and vegan options.
• ¡Epa! La arepa (map) – Casual Venezuelan arepas made to order with hearty fillings at an incredible value.
• Más Vida Restaurante (map) – Small vegetarian restaurant serving simple, healthy plates with vegan options on request. 
• Crater Rooftop Bar (map) – Open‑air rooftop with panoramic views over Baños, cocktails, and traditional Ecuadorian food.
• Soma Beer Garden (map) – A central courtyard with a broad menu from burgers to asian bowls, plus vegetarian options.
• Andes Cafe (map) – Specialty coffee shop known for quality beans, breakfasts, and fresh bakes in a bright, modern space.
• Baking Partners (map) – Bakery for coffee, artisan bread, and decadent cookies.

How to Get to Baños from Quito

Baños is about 3.5 to 4 hours from Quito, and there are a few different ways to make the trip depending on your budget and travel style. Buses are frequent and affordable, while private transfers and tours offer more comfort and flexibility.

For a full breakdown, including bus tips and safety advice, check out my guide to how to get from Quito to Baños.

Questions About Visiting Baños Ecuador

Final Thoughts About Baños Ecuador

Baños Ecuador proves that adventures can come in small packages. This compact town delivers everything from river rafting and canyoning to peacefully rejuvenating in the hot springs. 

The range of things to do in Baños go beyond the typical tourist experiences. The combination of volcanic landscapes, powerful waterfalls, and quirky viewpoints have created one of Ecuador’s top destinations.