Baños de Agua Santa is a city in Ecuador’s Tungurahua province and a gateway to the nearby Amazon Basin. It’s known for access to trails on the active Tungurahua volcano just south, and for its mineral-rich hot springs. The central Church of Our Lady of Holy Water has paintings depicting miracles attributed to the Virgin Mary. To the east, El Pailón del Diablo and Agoyán are dramatic waterfalls on the Río Pastaza. ― GoogleBaños de Agua Santa is a city in Ecuador’s Tungurahua province and a gateway to the nearby Amazon Basin. It’s known for access to trails on the active Tungurahua volcano just south, and for its mineral-rich hot springs. The central Church of Our Lady of Holy Water has paintings depicting miracles attributed to the Virgin Mary. To the east, El Pailón del Diablo and Agoyán are dramatic waterfalls on the Río Pastaza. ― Google
May to October (Dry Season): Best for outdoor activities like hiking, ziplining, and biking.
November to April (Rainy Season): Still visitable — rain usually falls in the afternoon or evening. Fewer tourists and lush greenery.
Baños has a mild, spring-like climate year-round due to its location in the Andes at ~1,800 meters (5,900 ft) altitude.
No airport in Baños – travel by bus or car.
From Quito:
~3.5 to 4 hours by bus or car.
Frequent buses from Quitumbe Terminal.
From Guayaquil:
~6–7 hours by bus.
Overnight buses available.
La Casa del Árbol (Swing at the End of the World) – Iconic treehouse with a thrilling swing over the cloud forest.
Ruta de las Cascadas – Scenic waterfall route (by bike, bus, or buggy).
Pailón del Diablo – Massive, thunderous waterfall you can walk behind.
Termas de la Virgen – Natural hot springs near the town center.
El Santuario de Nuestra Señora del Rosario de Agua Santa – The famous church in town, with murals of local miracles.
Mirador Bellavista – Viewpoint for amazing panoramas of Baños.
Canyoning – Rappelling down waterfalls.
White-water rafting – Río Pastaza offers Class III and IV rapids.
Ziplining – Multiple high-altitude lines with jungle views.
Hiking – Trails to volcano viewpoints and waterfalls.
Mountain biking – Ride down the “Ruta de las Cascadas.”
Bungee jumping, paragliding, or ATV rentals for adventurers.
Relax – Soak in thermal baths or get a massage/spa treatment.
Luxury:
Samari Spa Resort – Top-rated, peaceful setting, excellent spa.
Luna Volcán Adventure Spa – On the mountain with hot tubs and epic views.
Mid-range:
Hosteria Monte Selva – Pool and wellness center.
Hotel Alisamay – Comfortable, good location.
Budget:
Selina Baños – Social, stylish hostel with co-working.
La Casa Verde – Eco-lodge near the river.
Must-try dishes:
Trucha (trout) – Fresh from mountain streams.
Melcocha – Traditional sugarcane toffee.
Empanadas de viento – Cheese-filled, deep-fried snacks.
Recommended Restaurants:
Café Hood – Latin fusion, vegetarian-friendly.
Casa Hood – International menu, cozy vibe.
Leoni Pizzería – Great pizza and pasta.
Arome – Local coffee and homemade desserts.
Baños blends indigenous, Catholic, and eco-tourism cultures.
The town is named for its holy baths and is a pilgrimage site for many Ecuadorians.
Sugarcane (caña) and melcocha shops are everywhere — try pulling your own!
Locals are welcoming and used to tourists; the vibe is chill and friendly.
Festivals:
Virgen de Agua Santa Festival (Oct): Religious processions, fireworks, and music.
Carnival (Feb/Mar): Wild water fights and parades.