Baños Ecuador is very popular with tourists for several reasons. The natural beauty of this little town found next door to the Tungurahua Volcano make it highly attractive. Beautiful waterfalls pouring into deep river gorges are surrounded by lush vegetation.
- Mountain bike the road to Puyo. You’ll traverse through tunnels, overhangs, and suspension bridges on the road from Baños to Puyo. For most of the journey, the “Road to Puyo” is narrow, winding, and fast, with no shoulders and few guardrails – enough to satisfy any risk-taker.
- Canyoning. You can experience Chamana , Rio Blanco or Cashurco.
- Paragliding. This is one of the popular activity as well practice in the Niton hill near Pelileo at 45 minutes by car from Banos.
- Zip Lining. One of the most popular activity, which is highly recommend.
- Bathe in the local hot springs. There are plenty of them, ranging from public bath houses to spas, the latter of which are more catered to the international visitor. Locals prefer the public hot springs. All the springs’ water contain a high mineral content abundant with restorative and healing properties. And fortunately, most of the baths are in walking distance from downtown.
- Horseback ride or hike in the Andean hills, and explore the surrounding countryside.
- Raft the Pastaza River. The Pastaza River offers Class III and IV whitewater rafting.
- Visit the famous basilica dedicated to Nuestra Señora de Agua Santa, or “Our Lady (the Virgin Mary) of Holy Water.” The basilica was built at the turn of the last century from volcanic rock sourced near Tungurahua. The Virgin is credited with many miracles in the area, and it is said she appears by the waterfalls from time to time. The neo-gothic interior of the basilica is decorated with her stories and the site is a pilgrimage for those wishing to thank the Virgin for her many miracles.
- Taste the melcocha, and watch how this sweet taffy is made from sugar cane. In most mom-and-pop shops, visitors can watch the melcocha artisans wrap the taffy around a wooden peg on the inside of a door frame, and repeatedly beat and stretch the taffy into perfection. Try it fresh off the peg, but beware, some melcochais very tough and not for the weak-toothed.
- Rent an ATV or Jeep (all terrain vehicle) and hit the three routes.
- Explore Llanganates National Park. Considered one of the most diverse ecosystems in the world, Llanganates is divided into two regions – the dry, high-elevation Andean side to the east, and the more lush and wet Amazonian side to the west. Spectacled bear, alpacas, and condors are often seen roaming in the park, and the mountains here are thick with cedar and cinnamon trees.
- Hike Cerro Hermoso. Don’t be deceived by almost 15,000 ft. of elevation – Cerro Hermoso is one of the more manageable peaks to mount, and is a popular 4-day trek for those aspiring to conquer the highest peak in the mysterious Llanganates mountain range. Backpackers usually hire a guide, as getting lost is all too easy.
- Canyon down one of Baños’ several dozen waterfalls, including Manto de la Novia, Pailón del Diablo, or Cashaurco.
- Rockclimb. For an adventure with a view, there a few places outside of Baños to scale some vertical terrain. Or test your skills at the local indoor rock wall first.
- Take in the views of Tungurahua. The disaster in October 1999, and subsequent, frequent, eruptions have discouraged hikers from ascending the 16,452 ft. of elevation. For those not willing to take the risk, walk to Luna Runtún Spa on the hillside or take a cab out of town for a more brilliant view of the ash and lava, which is very much alive, and erupting today. Tungurahua is a Quechua name meaning “throat of fire.”
