BAÑOS | ECUADOR

The ramshackle town of Baños in Ecuador is not much to write home about, but the setting is spectacular and the surrounding area is beautiful. Situated in the central highlands, this is a mountainous region just east of Chimborazo and north of Riobamba. The town is famous for the much photographed ‘swing at the end of the world’ which is a rope swing up above the town with great views of the valley below. The road from Baños to Puyo is known as the Ruta de las Cascadas which translates as the waterfall route. This dramatic road goes past more than 12 waterfalls, the highlight being the spectacular El Pailón del Diablo (The Devil’s Cauldron). Baños is also often referred to as the ‘gateway to the Amazon’ as it sits on the edge of the Amazon basin. Most of our Ecuador private tour clients will stay near to Patate, a lush town on the banks of a river with views of the nearby Tungurahua volcano.

Baños can be visited all year round, however, there is more rain from January until March. The driest months are June until August, which we would recommend as the best time to go.

This lush area of Ecuador is known for its wealth of outdoor activities. Below are some of the best things to do and natural highlights of the region.

★ Travel the Ruta de las Cascadas to the Devil’s Cauldron waterfall

★ Visit the iconic ‘swing at the end of the world’ in Baños

★ Discover Patate and the Tungurahua Volcano

★ Go rafting, rappelling, hiking, cycling or rafting

★ Relax in the natural hot springs in Baños

Browse the incredible destinations we cover in Ecuador from the Cloud Forest, a bird watcher’s haven, to the Amazon jungle and the quaint colonial cities of Cuenca and Quito. In between you will find the legendary Avenue of Volcanoes, the unexplored coast and the cacao plantations of the south. Get in touch to start planning your tailor made tours in Ecuador!