Top Things to do in Banos
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What to do and see in Banos, Tungurahua Province: The Best Free Things to do
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. Free Biking Tour Ecuador
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 40 reviews
Free Biking Tour Ecuador Enjoy the city and the various natural attractions of Banos de Agua Santa from a different perspective. Free Biking Tours shows you a fun way to explore the place, run by expert guides who will show you all the nature and culture of this beautiful area of Ecuador.
2. Barahona Galeria de Arte - Hospedaje
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 11 reviews
Hospedaje Daily or weekly rates. Includes: Kitchen- Clining Room- Lounge- Wifi- Hammocks- Garden- Washing Machine.
Reviewed By 740mias
This gallery is amazing and has a beautiful selection of works from different artists. I was drawn in by the Palo Santo that was wafting from within the gallery, so I knew it must've been a good place. Marcel has such an imaginative eye and you will surely enjoy the beautiful art on display. If you're lucky he will be inside working on his newest masterpiece (:
3. 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.
4. Camara de Turismo de Banos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Electronic shopping and tourist guide of Banos town, offers information about hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, tourist activities and much more.
5. Church of the Virgin of the Holy Water (Nuestra Senora del Agua Santa)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 492 reviews
The town of Banos is famous for this magnificent Basilica, a place of pilgrimage for those seeking to thank the Virgin of the Holy Water for her many miracles.
Reviewed By SLBHAM1960
I feel Banos is situated in a remote part of Ecuador. It is a delightful town. The church is located in the downtown area with shops, restaurants, and markets around. A very peaceful place to visit and beauty abounds with the grounds and the structure. A must see!
6. Mundo Verde
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
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 ????
