Top Things to do in Banos
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Top 10 Nature & Parks in Banos, Tungurahua Province
Normally, one wouldn’t equate "relaxing spa vacation" with "hanging out near an active volcano," but if you’re up for something more exotic than facials and massages, Banos might be the perfect place for you. The thermal mineral pools here are heated by the volcano, and while there are several, offering different amenities, the easiest one to visit is Las Piscinas de la Virgen. Banos also has plenty of outdoor activities, like rafting and biking on scenic paths.
Restaurants in Banos
1. Cascada el Pailon (del Diablo)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,122 reviews
Follow the signs to Cascada el Pailon. Look for the colorful Hummingbird and colorful flags. Cascada el Pailón del Diablo is a spectacular natural wonder which lies on the edge of the cloud forest. At an impressive 265 feet, the thunderous waterfall emits high columns of swirling mist and showcases the untouched beauty of Ecuador. Awe-inspiring and breath-taking, the waterfall is named as one of the biggest single-drop waterfalls in Ecuador. However, there is more than just a waterfall! Brave the exciting & uniquely inclined suspension bridges, walk the beautiful riverside, explore the impressive flora and fauna and enjoy incredible up-close balconies! Only from Cascada el Pailon can the falls be seen up close from top to bottom. Come join us for our magical evening hours where nature and art unite in a beautiful light show! This colorful and interactive self-guided pathway will take you on a journey to see the waterfall in color.
Reviewed By global3adventure - Quito, Ecuador
One of the top highlights of both Banos & Ecuador is the Pailon del Diablo (Devil's Cauldron) Mother Nature's spectacular display of 3 thundering waterfalls where the Pastaza River cascades several hundred feet swirling into the rock basin. There are two entrances one from above and one from below. Wear sturdy footwear and a rain poncho as the steep steps, and paths are wet and slippery and filled with obstacles. Traversing the path into the Amazon you will encounter lush green flora, orchids, hummingbirds, and butterflies. You will cross several wooden suspension bridges, and crawl into caves behind the roaring falls. There are several balcony viewpoints along the way. The sheer height and power of the cascading water is breathtaking. Of course at the entrances there are a variety of vendors selling fruit, BBQ skewers, ice cream, & souvenirs.
2. Tungurahua
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 376 reviews
Considered one of Ecuador’s most active volcanoes, this strato-volcano (a volcano that almost constantly emits gas and vapor) towers more than three kilometers above its northern base with a crater measuring more than 400 meters in diameter.
Reviewed By Elias_Rovielo - Sao Caetano do Sul, Brazil
I hired the Ivagatours travel agency to do several tours around Baños. One of the tours was the climb to the top of the volcano for two days. My mountaineer and private guide was Ñato. No one on the trails, refuge or summit. ***** A two day hiking and climbing. It is no longer acclimatization to high altitudes. It's a serious climb with a private guide. There was no one but us for two days. Because of the snow avalanches, it is advisable to get up at dawn, as the snow is still solid and down shortly after the morning sun starts to get strong, shortly after 7:00 am. It's my first climb to mountain peaks or volcanoes in the dark of the cold, starless dawn. ***The FIRST Day of Climbing: Rent appropriate equipment for this volcano (rain, cold, snow, sand, stone, darkness, etc.) The mountaineering guide, Ñato, and I left Baños at 2:30 pm. We arrived at the park entrance, signed the official papers, paid the required and started up the well-marked and steep trail from the park entrance to the Refugio. It is usually 4 hours of trail (5km/3,1mi). We left at 3:28 pm from the park entrance at 2,790 meters (9,153 ft) and arrived at the Refuge at 3,810 meters (12,500 ft) at 6:00 pm. We managed to do it in 2.5h. I stopped several times to photograph the blue sky, mountains, nature, etc. I wanted to see the sunset at 6:20 pm. from the "Refugio" and we saw the beautiful sunset. We had seafood risotto dinner at 6:54 pm. We slept from 7:40 pm to 1:30 am. ***The SECOND day of Climbing: Waking up, light breakfast taken and we prepared with the proper equipment at 1:30 am. We start climbing at 2:00 am from the Refuge at 3,810 meters (12,500 ft) to the summit of the Throat of Fire volcano. At 6:52 am, we reached the summit of the volcano at 5,023 meters (16,479 ft). A few minutes to five full hours of dawn climb, a part with rain, full dark and just a forehead flashlight to illuminate, steep, loose and slippery rocks, soft sand, snow in the final 40 minutes, very cold in the glacial region, 6ºC (42,8ºF) at the summit (but on the way at dawn it was colder), no music to hear the guide's instructions, loneliness, attention, tiredness, fear, new, and an accomplished achievement of a 54-year-old man. My physical and mental limit has been tested again. 36 minutes at the summit of the mega volcano, as the wind is sharp and cold, and the descent before the glacier begins to melt with the Ecuadorian sun. The descent is rapid, but it is much more tiring and the knees have to be physically well prepared to withstand the ligament grip. Go down the volcano seeing the cliffs? You don't see anything rising at dawn, but you know it will rise at 5,000 meters (16,404 ft). * From 7:29 am to 9:09 am (1h: 39m) - 5,023 meters to 3,810 meters (1km21m) (from the summit to Refuge); * From 9:28 am to 11:43 am (3:16 am) - 3,810 meters to 2,800 meters (1km10m) (from Refuge to Park Entrance); There are four quick steps downhill in one go with photo stops, rest and breakfast in the refuge: From 5,023 meters (16,479 ft) to 2,800 meters (9,186 ft) (2km220m/1,37 miles downhill in zig zag and steep in 4h: 45m). 1º) The first part of the glacier with snow. Slippery and loose stones with snow; 2º) The second part of the ash of the volcano, that is, soft sand with loose and hard stones; 3º) Low vegetation until the Refuge. At the Refuge, we change clothes, clean the place, put everything in our backpacks, and go down after a quick coffee to the park entrance; 4º) From the refuge to the entrance of the park the trail is demarcated and the vegetation increases the volume and height. I had the next day the largest volcano in the world, the Chimborazo, the volcano with the farthest peak from the center of the earth and closer to the sun, higher than Everest. I descended this volcano by mountain bike. After Chimborazo, I climbed two more volcanoes. In total there were 8 climbs in Ecuador in 18 days.
3. Ruta de las cascadas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,410 reviews
Reviewed By hjt113 - Boca Raton, United States
If you are staying in Banos, I highly recommend this road. Tons of great viewpoints and waterfalls, as well as ziplines / cable cars across the valley.
4. Cascada el Manto de la Novia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 131 reviews
Reviewed By NousWorldTravel - Colombia, null
I was as amazed at the diesel engine moving the teleferico as the waterfall itself. The coolest view for me was after we crossed the waterfall and were heading back to the gorge. The video of us coming back over the waterfall is very cool.
5. Orquideario Rio Verde
6. Zoologico de San Martin
7. Sendero de la Virgen
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By MumWalsh - London, United Kingdom
When I set off to see the ‘Mirador La Virgen’ I never expected to find myself climbing through narrow and difficult paths as indicated by a ‘kind’ lady, she said it would take me 15 mins. As I left at 17:15, the sun was already going down. A couple of time, I was ready to give up but it meant falling down several times due the steep hill I just climbed. Eventually, I reached the top of the steps, very close to the Virgin image. The view is amazing there and worthwhile the effort. It took me 1 hr and 15 mins in total. I did use the steps to return, I counted 993! Maybe more... my legs are like jelly now. Great challenge for me ????
8. Terma El Salado
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 96 reviews
9. Parque de la Familia Banos
This Agroecological Park is an ideal place to live and breath nature, walking through colorful trails and appreciating the biological diversity of every corner. It is characterized by having a pleasant climate and by the beauty of its gardens and viewpoints. The chirping of the birds and the song of the river that runs through it, make up a harmony of peace and tranquility.
10. Sendero de los Contrabandistas
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
