48 Hours in Baños, Ecuador: Adventure, Waterfalls and Hot Springs

If you’re in Ecuador and looking for an adventure (or, at the very least, a very lively weekend), I recommend spending 48 hours in Baños de Agua Santa, Ecuador.

This jungle mountain town is named for its thermal baths. Each day, locals and travelers flock to these mineral-rich waters to relax and enjoy the soothing benefits of the hot springs.

But Baños, Ecuador, isn’t just about relaxation. It has also earned a reputation as one of the country’s great adventure destinations.

Here, you can whitewater raft, swing from jungle trees, go canyoning, and zip line through the rainforest canopy.

And between adrenaline rushes, Baños offers plenty of opportunities to slow down. There are waterfalls to explore, volcano views, thermal baths, spa treatments, cafés, restaurants, and plenty of good food and wine.

With only 48 hours, you’ll need to make some choices. This is how I would spend two days in Baños, balancing adventure with a little time to relax.

Day 1: Rafting, Jungle Views and Hot Springs

The first day is all about getting into the Baños mindset: start with an adrenaline rush, spend the afternoon exploring the hills above town, and finish with a soak in the hot springs.

Morning: Whitewater Rafting on the Pastaza River

The best rafting in the area surrounding Baños is, hands down, the Pastaza River. This river is pretty famous within the Ecuadorian rafting scene. It winds its way between Llanganates National Park and Sangay National Park through miles of Amazon rainforest.

If you’re a more experienced rafter, level IV rapids can be reached along the Alto Pastaza segment of the river, between San Francisco and Topo. This section is more dependent on river conditions and seasonal access, so check locally before planning your trip.

If you’re new to rafting or looking for a guide who knows the river well, I recommend signing up for one of Imagine Ecuador’s river rafting sessions. Rafters gather at the company’s offices in Baños before traveling by van to the river.

All equipment, including safety gear and instruction on how to use it effectively while out on the water, is included. After riding the rapids, Imagine treats rafters to lunch and returns them to town. I can’t think of a better way to spend your first morning in Baños.

Afternoon: Casa del Árbol and the Swing at the End of the World

After a morning on the rapids of the Pastaza River, it’s time to check out one of Baños’s most famous attractions: the Casa del Árbol swing.

The swing brings back the thrill and excitement you experienced on the playground as a kid, but at a whole new level.

La Casa del Árbol directly translates to “treehouse,” and that’s exactly what it is. It’s a literal house with an A-frame roof, shingles, and siding, built between two massive tree branches.

You’ll get to ride the sky swing from that house, which provides phenomenal views of the surrounding jungle mountains. On this famous Baños swing, you’ll feel like you’re soaring among the clouds, completely weightless. It’s a true one-of-a-kind experience.

You can reach La Casa del Árbol either on foot, by bus, or by hiring a taxi. The hike can be a fun option if you have more time, but after a morning of rafting, I’d recommend taking a vehicle at least one way. That way, you’ll have plenty of time for the rest of the afternoon.

Sunset: The Luna Volcan Pools

After returning from Casa del Árbol, I recommend seeking out a relaxing spot to enjoy the sunset over Baños and the surrounding mountains and rainforest.

The city has several public baths with affordable entrance fees. But these can be busy, especially in the evening. If you want a more peaceful place where you can relax, chat with friends, and take in the view, I can’t recommend the Luna Volcan Pools enough.

Nestled on a hill above the city, the Luna Volcan pools come with an extraordinary view of Baños and the surrounding countryside.

There are several pools to choose from, as well as a jacuzzi, and the setting makes them particularly appealing after a full day of adventure. The more private atmosphere also makes them worth considering if you want something quieter than the public baths in town.

Dinner at Chozón Bar and Grill

After an evening of lounging in the volcanic waters, grab a bite to eat at Chozón Bar and Grill.

Located within Sangay Spa Hotel, Chozón is one of the places in town I remember for barbecue and grilled seafood.

If you’re hungry, order their ribs. And try a glass of wine here as well—I was quite impressed by their selection. If it’s a weekend, you may even catch some live local music while you eat.

Day 2: Canyoning, Coffee and a Canopy Adventure

After a first day of rafting and hot springs, day two brings another dose of adventure. Start with canyoning, take a well-earned coffee and dessert break, and finish with a zipline ride through the rainforest.

Morning: Canyoning

It’s day two of our trip to Baños, and we’re jumping right back into action. Canyoning is one of the most intense sports I’ve ever taken part in. Imagine rappelling tens of meters down the sheer face of a canyon with only a rope and harness to slow your fall.

Now, imagine doing that soaking wet in the middle of a waterfall.

That’s what you’re in for when you sign up for a canyoning experience. After meeting up again in Baños, we headed out by van toward Río Blanco.

There, our guide talked us through the basics of canyoning, including how to use the equipment and how to control ourselves during descents.

The canyoning took about two hours and ended with a waterslide crafted by Mother Nature. It was quite an adrenaline-fueled experience, and it was made even more memorable by the spectacular waterfall views. I can’t wait to give it another try.

Coffee and Dessert at Picadilly Café

To unwind and warm up after a morning out canyoning, stop into Picadilly Café for a cup of coffee or tea. If you’re hungry, spring for something sweet.

Everything I tried on their dessert menu was absolutely amazing. After a morning of climbing, rappelling, and getting soaked by waterfalls, this is exactly the kind of break you’ll appreciate.

Afternoon: Ziplining Through the Rainforest

After a morning up close and personal with waterfalls and jungle canyons, it’s time to get a bird’s-eye view.

The canopy course I experienced was a 2,000-meter-long zipline course that winds through the rainforest outside Baños. The six zip lines take you above the trees, across a stunning jungle landscape, and along a river and waterfall.

The attraction is located at the base of Sangay National Park and begins in Puntzan, about 15 minutes from Baños. The afternoon tour took between two and three hours to complete the course.

Editor’s note: Check the current operator, route, opening hours, and course details before booking, as adventure activities in Baños can change over time.

More Things to Do in Baños, Ecuador

Two days go quickly in Baños, and you may want to swap one of the activities above for something slower. Here are a few more Baños activities worth considering when planning your own 48 hours.

Thermal Baths

Baños is famous for its hot springs. The town’s many public baths are filled with thermal water, making them a natural place to relax after a day spent hiking, cycling, rafting, or canyoning.

I recommended an evening spent lounging in the water at the Luna Volcan Pools in the itinerary above. These private pools were definitely my favorite in Baños, but the city has many other baths that fit different budgets.

If you’d like to mingle with locals or spend some time in and around the water for less, consider Termas de la Virgen. This large public pool is often busy, but it offers a very different experience from the more private pools.

If you don’t like crowds, try going early in the morning or on a weekday.

Visit the Waterfalls by Bicycle

The area surrounding Baños is ecologically protected by Sangay and Llanganates National Parks. One of the coolest things to do in this mountainous jungle ecosystem is to check out the many waterfalls. There are dozens, ranging from peaceful cascades to impressive falls.

In my opinion, one of the best ways to see the waterfalls around Baños is by renting a bicycle and riding along the Ruta de las Cascadas.

This route runs along steep rocky cliffsides and connects several of the area’s waterfalls. While you occasionally have to share the road with cars and trucks, the route offers spectacular jungle and mountain views along the way.

The ride from Baños runs mostly downhill, which means you won’t have to pedal too much. You’ll be greeted with opportunities to appreciate the jungle mountain views at every turn along the way.

Enjoy a Massage and Spa Day at Sangay Spa Hotel

If a hot springs bath in one of Baños’s pools leaves you looking for another opportunity to relax, consider booking a massage at the Sangay Spa Hotel.

The spa offers a range of treatments, including massages, facials, manicures, pedicures, and other ways to unwind.

When I went for a massage, I was quite impressed by the service. My therapist sat with me and discussed where I was feeling pain and what she could do to relieve it. After the massage, I recommend booking a Turkish bath or spending an hour or two in the sauna.

It’s a great way to unwind after a day of rafting or canyoning.

Café del Cielo

Along the road to the famous Casa del Árbol swing, you’ll find Café del Cielo, a mountain café with a stunning view of the nearby Tungurahua volcano.

It’s worth stopping for a coffee and taking in the views before or after visiting the giant swing.

If you’re looking to make a little more of an event out of the visit, you can also look into the double-decker bus excursions that travel up toward this part of the mountain.

Where to Stay in Baños

Sangay Spa Hotel

Baños offers hotels and accommodations to fit almost every budget. If you’re a solo traveler looking to keep things simple, hostel beds can be found throughout town, while apartments and hotels offer more privacy and comfort.

But for those looking for a more luxurious and relaxing place to stay, I recommend the Sangay Spa Hotel.

This resort and spa combination comes with a range of features that can take your stay from merely memorable to absolutely extraordinary. The hotel is centrally located, right across the street from one of the city’s popular thermal baths and just a few minutes on foot from the central market.

The property is also at the foot of a majestic waterfall, which provides great views from many of the hotel’s common areas, including the pool and jacuzzi.

If you can, try to book a room facing the waterfall. The private view from our balcony made for several relaxing mornings.

If you’re traveling with kids, Sangay Spa Hotel also offers a kids’ club on weekends. This can give parents some well-deserved time to relax while children are entertained.

Apartments and Vacation Rentals

If you’d rather not stay at a hotel or hostel, Baños also offers private apartments and vacation rentals. These can be a good option for couples, families, or travelers who prefer having more space and the ability to prepare some of their own meals.

One note: because Baños is a popular getaway spot for locals, accommodation can fill quickly during busy periods. If you’re able, consider traveling during the week and booking ahead.

How to Get to Baños

From Quito

Bus

Because Baños is a popular getaway spot for Ecuadorians, buses from Quito to Baños are frequent and affordable.

When traveling by bus, keep your belongings close and avoid placing valuables where they can be easily accessed by others. As with bus travel anywhere, basic precautions can make the journey considerably less stressful.

Shared Car

A shared car or private transfer is another option if you prefer a more direct journey from Quito, particularly if you’re traveling with several people or carrying a lot of luggage.

From Other Cities

If you’re traveling to Baños from somewhere other than Quito, Ambato is an important transport connection. Ambato is better served by Ecuador’s intercity bus network, and from there you can continue to Baños by bus.

Final Thoughts: Is 48 Hours in Baños Enough?

Two days in Baños is enough to experience the town’s biggest attractions, but you’ll probably leave wishing you had another day.

That’s part of the appeal. In just 48 hours, you can go from racing through the rapids of the Pastaza River to swinging above the jungle, rappelling down waterfalls, soaking in thermal pools, and finishing the day with a good dinner and a glass of wine.

And if all that sounds a little too energetic, there’s always the other side of Baños: hot springs, spa treatments, mountain cafés, waterfalls, and long afternoons simply taking in the scenery.

For me, that combination is what makes Baños such a memorable stop in Ecuador. It’s a place where adventure and relaxation exist side by side, and where a very full 48 hours can feel like a much longer escape.

This article is also available as a mobile app. Visit GPSmyCity to download the app for GPS-assisted travel directions to the attractions featured in this article.

Disclaimer: I was invited by Sangay Spa Hotel, Luna Volcan, and Bucket Pass. My opinions, as always, are solely my own.

• About the Author
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Tim Kroeger( International Tourism Management Expert )

Tim Kroeger is the founder and editor of Universal Traveller, covering luxury stays and active travel. Based in Bangkok, he draws on 15+ years of travel across 112+ countries, from reviewing luxury hotels to bikepacking through Southeast Asia. He also writes about luxury wellness and longevity travel at tim-kroeger.com, where he developed the Restorative Index.

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Expertises: International Tourism Management, Luxury Travel, Adventure travel, Luxury Bikepacking