Baños de Agua Santa, Tungurahua, Ecuador
Baños is the last city in the Andes province of Tungurahua before descending to the ecuadorian Amazonia into the city of Puyo, province of Pastaza. There is just so much to see! We have now been to all the natural regions of Ecuador: Coast(Costa), Highlands ( Sierra), The Galápagos Islands & The eastern region ( Oriente/ Amazonía). However we didn’t have the opportunity to visit “La Amazonía” until this trip. We planned this trip well in advance since the region is mysterious and a taboo of adventure even to nationals. I know people as old as my grandfather who have never been there because of the “stories” of wild animals and accessibility that is culturally associated with the challenges of reaching and visiting the jungle. We wanted the full experience so we looked for accommodations who will provide us with a rounded experience. Stella was almost 4 at the time and we all felt like we were in a Dora the Explorer episode; we appreciated her excitement and predisposition to enjoy all the activities on this trip. More details of the experience will be described below for your enjoyment.
Getting there:
It is always easier for travelers to fly into Quito is the plan is ultimately to visit the jungle in Ecuador.
In our case we traveled by car via Guayaquil, Baños, Napo which is a common (and beautiful) route! We recommend car rental, especially if you are a big group traveling together. Other types of arrangements can be made and we can help you through this with our transportation service.
We always try to find places closer to main attractions and we found this particular place really cozy and charming. They have a magnificent garden with orchids of many kinds. The city of Banos has accommodations for all budgets and expectations. We will love to find the perfect one for you!
What to do?
Termas de la Virgen (Hot Springs)
Hot Springs are very popular activity in the Ecuadorian highlands. A territory crossed by volcanoes from north to south is the perfect site for so many springs of natural , pure water to bathe in. Ahhhh Paradise! There are public and private hot springs in the area, and this is the perfect activity to practice to relax after all the adventure activities that Banos offers.
Termas de la Virgen- Hot Springs Complex on the slopes of Tungurahua Volcano
La casa del Arbol
La casa del arbol is also known as “Swing at the end of the world”. It is a small three house at a highpoint in Baños outskirts that faces the void the edge of the mountain. The tree house has two swings that attracts tourists from all over the world with the objective of swinging into the void and back. On a clear day you can swing and see the Tungurahua Volcano in the distance. It is a major attraction for photography. The spot became famous precisely for that reason, when it won a National Geographic photography contest in 2014.
Other Attractions include adventure sports of which Baños is known for around the world, its geography provides for great activities such as canopy, rafting, canyoning and mountain biking among other adventure sports. I have promised myself to go back for this type of adventures and will love to bring anyone along with me. On this trip Baños was a stopover for our jungle trip but the city definitely deserves destination status. Many travelers stay in Banos for at least a week.
Any great places near Baños that you will be interesting in exploring? Please let us know in the comments.
