Baños
Baños is a small city on the foothill of the Tungurahua volcano, known for its waterfalls and hot springs. People also call it ‘the gateway to the Amazon’, being the last city in the mountains before you reach the jungle and Amazon river basin.
The Ruta de las Cascadas will take you past 7 absolutely stunning waterfalls. The easiest way to do so is by bike or jump on and off the bus by every waterfall! If you prefer to go by bike but you don’t want to bike all the way back (30km) you can always put your bike on the bus!
I’m warning you, this place is super touristy, but definitely worth visiting.
Quito – Baños: 200 km, 3 hour drive.
Cotopaxi – Baños: 160 km, 3 hour drive.
Latacunga – Baños: 80 km, 1,5 hours
Cuenca – Baños: 350 km, 6 hours
If there are no direct buses from Baños to your next destination, take the bus to Ambato and change there.
What to do?
Pailón del Diablo
Pailón del Diablo is the most visited waterfall in the area. There are two entrances to visit this amazing place, I would recommend doing both, the experiences are totally different.
The first entrance is called Cascade El Pailón, the easiest way to visit the waterfalls. This place has cool jungle bridges and a nice overview over the waterfalls.
J
The second entrance, Cascada El Rocío Machay, is 5 minutes walking from Cascade El Pailón. The path goes all the way to the bottom of the hill, making it a more challenging visit. There is a restaurant to grab some food with an overview of the waterfalls.
You might get wet, so if you have a poncho or rain jacket, bring it!
j
Entrance is 2 USD at both entrances.
The easiest way to get there is to jump on a local, blue bus which is going to Puyo. Make sure to get off the bus at Rio Verde. Best place to take this bus is at the intersection Pastaza and Luis A. Martinez or in front of the Instituto Técnico Superior at the Parque la Basílica.
Mirador Miramera
Another stop on the route to Puyo is the Mirador Miramera. It is 30 min east from the Pailón del Diablo. There are two places to have a drink and enjoy the view. If you want to use the ‘instagram deck’, you will have to pay 2 USD.
j
Other popular things to do in Baños are
Hanging out at Parque la Basílica
The famous swing at the “End of the World” at Casa Arbol
Rafting
Thermal Baths
Enjoying the nightlife!
