Things to Do in Baños
49 curated spots from Baños itineraries
Activities & Attractions
29 curated experiences
Termas de la Virgen (Hot Springs)
Soak in several hot and cold mineral pools tucked beneath the La Virgen waterfall, especially atmospheric after dark when the surrounding cliffs are lit.
2h · $4-8 plus $1-3 for cap/locker
Baños Central Park (Parque Palomino Flores)
Stroll the main square framed by trees and views of the surrounding green mountains; sit on a bench, people-watch, and get a first feel for the town’s layout.
45m · Free
Baños Town & Basilica de la Virgen de Agua Santa
Stroll the compact center, visit the basilica that honors the Virgin of Holy Water, and check out murals and small plazas; let the kids look at the paintings inside showing old miracles and eruptions.
1h 30m · Free (small donation for basilica optional)
Bike the Ruta de las Cascadas (Short Family Route)
Rent bikes in town and ride the mostly downhill road towards Río Verde, stopping at viewpoints like Agoyán and Manto de la Novia; younger kids can share a tandem or use a smaller bike.
3h · $10-15 (bike rental)
Casa del Árbol (Swing at the End of the World)
Take a taxi or local bus up to Casa del Árbol to ride the famous swings over the valley, walk small forest paths, and admire views of Tungurahua volcano if skies are clear.
2h 30m · $2-5 entrance plus $5-10 transportCasa del Árbol & Swing at the End of the World
Ride the simple swing over a steep green valley with Tungurahua volcano in the distance, wander the small grounds, and enjoy the cool morning mountain air.
2h · $2-3 entry plus $5-10 taxi each way
Cascada El Pailón del Diablo (Devil’s Cauldron)
Walk an easy but sometimes wet trail through dense greenery to platforms right beside the roaring waterfall, where mist, mossy rocks, and suspension bridges create a powerful jungle atmosphere.
1h 30m · $2-3
Cascada Pailón del Diablo
Walk the lush trail down to one of Ecuador’s most powerful waterfalls, crossing hanging bridges and feeling the mist from multiple viewpoints.
2h · $3-5
Church of the Virgin of the Holy Water
Visit the ornate basilica that gave Baños its name; check out the paintings of miracles and the small museum if open.
45m · Free or small donation
Evening Soak at Termas de la Virgen
Bathe in hot volcanic pools at the base of a waterfall, with steam rising against the cliff walls—bring swimwear, a swim cap (or rent), and sandals.
2h · $6-10 entry plus cap rental
Luna Volcán Adventure SPA Pools (Day Visit)
Spend the afternoon soaking in hot pools perched high above Baños, with panoramic views of mountains and valley that shift as clouds roll through.
3h · $20-35 day pass
Mirador de la Virgen Viewpoint (or Similar Town Viewpoint)
Back in Baños, walk or taxi up to a nearby viewpoint above town to see the valley, waterfalls, and lights if you stay towards dusk.
1h 30m · Free or small fee
Night Soak at Termas de la Virgen or El Salado
Return to your preferred baths in the evening for another relaxing soak, trying different pools or a quieter facility like El Salado if you prefer.
2h · $5-8
Pailón del Diablo Waterfall
Walk well-marked jungle paths, stairs, and suspension bridges to thunderous views of the waterfall, with optional tunnels and closer platforms where you may get soaked.
2h 30m · $2-3
Pailón del Diablo Waterfall (Lower & Upper Entrances)
Take a bus or taxi to Río Verde, then walk the trail with suspension bridges and stone tunnels to the roaring base of the falls; if time/energy allows, visit both entrance routes.
3h · $2-3 entry + transport
Pailón del Diablo Waterfall (Río Verde)
Walk the lush, misty trail and cross bridges to marvellous viewpoints of the roaring waterfall, with the option to get drenched in spray if you take the lower path.
2h · $2-3 entry
Pailón del Diablo Waterfall Hike
Walk down lush, dripping paths to one of Ecuador’s most powerful waterfalls, cross suspension bridges, and get close enough to feel the spray; choose the shorter or longer route depending on your energy.
2h · $2-5
Pailón del Diablo Waterfall Visit
Continue the Ruta de las Cascadas (by returning vehicle or an afternoon tour) to the powerful Pailón del Diablo, where short jungle paths and bridges lead to roaring viewpoints and wet, misty photos.
2h · $6-10 including entrance and local transport
Parque Central & Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Rosario de Agua Santa
Stroll around the main square, step inside the basilica to see paintings of local miracles and Baños’ waterfalls, and enjoy the mountain backdrop.
1h · FreePiscinas Termas de la Virgen
Soak in naturally heated volcanic pools right under a small waterfall on the edge of town; bring a swimsuit, flip-flops, and a towel, and rotate between hot and cooler pools for deep relaxation.
2h · $5-8
Ruta de las Cascadas by Bike (Baños to Río Verde)
Rent bikes in town and roll gently downhill along the road following the Pastaza River; stop at viewpoints for Agoyán and Manto de la Novia waterfalls and enjoy lush canyon scenery.
3h · $10-15 bike rental plus $1-2 per miradorRuta de las Cascadas by Bike or Jeep
Follow the road east out of Baños along the Pastaza River to see multiple waterfalls like Agoyán and Manto de la Novia; you can rent a bike in town or join a half‑day truck/jeep tour that stops at viewpoints and cable cars over the canyon.
3h · $10-25 depending on bike rental or tourRuta de las Cascadas by Chiva or Bike
Join a morning chiva truck tour or rent bikes to follow the waterfall route along the Pastaza River, passing Agoyán, Manto de la Novia, and other cascades with short photo stops.
3h · $10-20Ruta de las Cascadas by Chiva or Bike (Short Version)
Follow the Pastaza River canyon past multiple waterfalls like Agoyán and Manto de la Novia; ride a chiva (open bus) or rent bikes, stop for viewpoints, and take one of the tarabita cable cars across the gorge for dramatic jungle views.
3h · $10-20 (transport + cable car + small fees)
Self-guided Cycling on Ruta de las Cascadas (short version)
Rent a bicycle in town and cycle the gentle downhill road past multiple waterfalls, stopping at viewpoints and a short jungle trail, then return by truck or pickup that shuttles bikes back.
3h · $10-15 bike rental plus $3-5 return transportTermas de la Virgen (Evening Visit)
Soak in hot mineral pools at the foot of a waterfall as the town lights come on; bring a swim cap or rent one at the entrance.
2h · $5-8Termas de la Virgen Evening Hot Springs
Soak in hot mineral pools at the base of a waterfall on the edge of town; evenings often feel more atmospheric with steam, lights, and cool night air.
2h · $5-8 plus optional towel/locker rentalTermas de la Virgen Evening Soak
Public thermal baths set right below a waterfall and steep green cliffs; bring swimwear and a towel, rotate between hot and cold pools, and soak while looking up at the illuminated cascade.
2h · $5-10Termas de la Virgen Hot Springs (Afternoon Soak)
Public thermal pools at the base of a waterfall; bring swimwear, flip flops, and a towel, and rotate between hot and cold pools.
2h · $4-8Restaurants & Food
20 local favorites
Casa Hood
Cozy, plant-filled spot with world-music vibes; order vegetarian curries, veggie quesadillas, falafel-style plates if available, and pastas without meat, plus fresh juices and herbal teas.
1h 15m · $8-14 per person
Cafe Hood
Cozy, green-feeling café with a garden vibe and backpacker atmosphere; order the vegetarian breakfast plates (eggs, bread, fruit), fresh juices, or pancakes, and avoid dishes with alcohol or pork. Confirm they cook your eggs/vegetarian options separately and without alcohol-based sauces to keep it halal-friendly.
1h · $8-12 per person
Sativa Studio Café
Modern café-bar with leafy décor and a chill vibe; halal-friendly options include vegetarian pizzas, pasta with pesto or tomato, salads, and smoothies—avoid meat toppings.
1h 15m · $8-14 per person
Café Hood
Leafy, bohemian spot with a garden feel and eclectic menu. For halal, focus on vegetarian choices like veggie fajitas, vegetable curry, pastas without meat, salads, and smoothies; confirm no alcohol or pork in sauces for your dishes.
1h 15m · $10-15 per person
Arepas To Go Baños
Casual spot specializing in Venezuelan-style arepas. For halal, choose vegetarian or cheese arepas (like reina pepiada without chicken, pure cheese, or veggie fillings), and ask to avoid any pork or alcohol-based sauces.
45m · $6-10 per person
Aromi Café & Brunch
Cozy greenery-filled café with good coffee and hearty breakfasts just off the main square. For halal needs, order vegetarian or seafood dishes such as the veggie omelette (request no ham), avocado toast, pancakes, fruit bowls, and coffee or fresh juices.
1h · $8-12 per person
Blah Blah Café
Casual, greenery‑filled spot popular with travelers. For halal, focus on vegetarian sandwiches, salads, and plates, and smoothies or juices; confirm no ham, bacon, or meat in what you choose and skip any dishes cooked with wine or beer.
1h · $9-15 per person
Café Ali Cumba
Chilled café with lots of wood and plants; have pancakes with fruit, muesli with yogurt, or a veggie sandwich and coffee—verify no meat products and no alcohol in sauces or syrups.
1h · $6-9 per person
Café del Cielo (at Luna Volcán Adventure Spa)
Glass-walled café with sweeping valley and jungle views. For halal dining, select vegetarian options like salads, vegetable pastas, soups without meat stock, and desserts, and verify ingredients with staff.
1h 15m · $15-25 per person
Cafe Good
Casual café with wood and plant accents near the town center. For halal, focus on vegetarian pizzas, vegetable pastas, soups, salads, and fresh juices; double‑check that the tomato sauce and dough contain no pork products and avoid meat toppings and alcohol‑based sauces.
1h · $10-18 per person
Café Good
Bright, casual café with natural-wood décor and plants. For halal: choose vegetarian breakfasts (eggs, pancakes, French toast, fruit, yogurt, breads) and fresh juices, avoiding pork or mixed meat platters.
1h · $7-10 per person
Café Good Coffee
Small specialty coffee shop with simple breakfast items. For halal, go for pastries without meat, fruit bowls, granola and yogurt, and high-quality coffee or hot chocolate.
45m · $5-8 per person
Cafe Good Feel
Casual café with plants and wood accents near the main plaza; for halal, stick to vegetarian options like fruit bowls, pancakes, veggie omelettes (no ham), and fresh juices.
1h · $6-10 per person
Café Good Feel (Return Visit)
Back in town after the jungle, return for familiar vegetarian and fish dishes like veggie omelettes, pasta, and trout, plus fresh juices.
1h · $8-13 per person
Café Good Karma
Casual café with lots of plant décor; choose veggie burgers (confirm no alcohol in sauces), falafel-like patties if available, or salads and rice bowls—ask for no meat and no alcohol in preparation.
1h 15m · $8-13 per person
Café Good or Similar Chill Café
A laid-back café with greenery where you can order vegetarian sandwiches, salads, soups made without meat broth, and smoothies or hot drinks.
1h 15m · $8-15 per personCasa del Árbol Kiosko (Snack Kiosk at Casa del Árbol)
Basic kiosk at the viewpoint; get coffee or hot chocolate, packaged biscuits, and simple empanadas de queso (cheese only, confirm no meat and no lard in the dough) to snack while enjoying views.
45m · $3-5 per person
Casa Hood (Dinner Menu)
By night the greenery, books, and lamps make it extra cozy. Stick to vegetarian mains (veggie curry, stir-fried vegetables, veggie burgers, pastas without meat) and confirm with staff that no meat stock or alcohol is in your dish.
1h 15m · $10-16 per person
Casa Hood (Dinner Visit)
Return to Casa Hood in the evening when it’s cozy and social. For halal, choose vegetarian curries, veggie burgers (confirm no bacon or lard in bun), salads, and smoothies; avoid meat dishes and anything cooked with alcohol.
1h · $10-18 per person
Casa Hood (Farewell Dinner)
Return here for a final relaxed meal; stick to vegetarian curries, veggie quesadillas, pasta, and fish dishes for halal, along with juices and desserts.
1h 15m · $8-14 per person