Baños might be small, but it packs more adventure than places ten times its size: waterfalls around every corner, canyoning, chiva rides and hot springs heated by a volcano. Here's what you absolutely cannot miss, so you can plan it in one go and spend your time actually doing it.
BAÑOS MUSTS AT A GLANCE:
MUST DO ACTIVITY Canyoning in Cashaurco with GeoTours
MUST SEE Pailón del Diablo by local bus (do both entrances!)
FUN ACTIVITY A chiva to Casa del Árbol & Manos de Pachamama (~$10USD)
HOSTELS TO STAY AT Mama Tungu Hostel or Great Hostels Backpackers
1. See Pailón del Diablo on your own
El Pailón del Diablo is one of the coolest things to see in Baños: a powerful waterfall crashing down through the rocks (the name means “the Devil’s Cauldron”). You’ll see tours advertised, but it’s so easy to get there on your own, and it only costs a few dollars.
Getting there: Take a bus from the central Baños terminal, or flag one down heading toward Puyo, and get off in Río Verde. The ride takes about 30 minutes and costs $1–$2. People here are so friendly, so if you’re not sure where to get off, just ask a local or say “¿Pailón del Diablo?” and they’ll point you the right way.
Once you’re there, you have two entrances to choose from, $3 each:
Short route: views of the falls crashing into the landscape.
Long route: a scenic path with views looking straight up at the falls.
My advice? Do both. Neither one is hard, and each view is special in its own way!
2. Go canyoning (this was terrifyingly epic)
Canyoning is so out of my comfort zone. Honestly, if I hadn’t had two Belgian beers at Soma Beer Garden on my way to GeoTours, I never would have been talked into it. Haha. But thank goodness I was! Big jumps, rappelling down waterfalls, zip lines and splashing into clear pools surrounded by vibrant moss… it was such a rush, and so beautiful. Our guide Eduardo was amazing.
Not a strong swimmer? Neither am I. You’re roped in the whole time with two guides, so you’re never on your own.
Besides the Huayhuash trek in Peru, this was my favorite experience backpacking Latin America.
For you: book with GeoTours. They had great reviews, solid equipment and an awesome staff. They also do white-water rafting, which is super popular in Baños. I didn’t have time for it, but if you do, it’s meant to be amazing here.
3. Ride a chiva to Casa del Árbol
Chivas are the colorful, LOUD party buses you’ll see all over Baños. When I first arrived, I thought they looked cheesy… like those cringe tourist buses you see in big cities. But getting to spots like Las Manos de Pachamama and La Casa del Árbol on my own seemed like a hassle, so I played my tourist role and hopped on.
Honestly? It was so fun. Open-air seats, banger music, and I even got the chance to bond with some Ecuadorian travelers who invited me to the hot springs that night to celebrate a birthday. It reminded me that I’m a tourist too, and sometimes the “cringe” tourist things are actually the most fun.
For you: don’t be a travel snob. Do some of the “cringe” tourist stuff because sometimes it leads to the best memories. I did the Chivas ride with Torres Tours, but you can usually hope on any of them. Mine cost $10USD total for both stops.
4. Chase waterfalls on the Ruta de las Cascadas
The road from Baños to Puyo is lined with waterfalls, big and small! They’re one of the biggest reasons this little town is so charming, so definitely make time for them. You can do the whole route by tour, bike or rental car.
I didn’t officially do the route, because my hostel, Mama Tungu, was surrounded by waterfalls and offered a free waterfall walking tour.
For you: short on time? Stay at Mama Tungu, and you can enjoy some of the waterfalls without planning a whole day around them.
WHERE I STAYED
Mama Tungu Hostel
What I loved: waterfalls all around, had a pool & jacuzzi, a tree house, sun beds and I met awesome people here
What to know: it’s outside of the main town. But a taxi is only ~$2 USD, or a bus or camioneta into town costs 50¢.
Public transport stops early evening.
Who it’s for: travelers who want an incredible price in a peaceful area
Rather be in town? My friends also highly recommended Great Hostels Backpackers which is right in the center of Baños.
5. Soak in the volcano-heated hot springs
As if Baños couldn’t be more cool, it also has natural thermal baths that are heated by a nearby volcano. Like what?
I made it to the Termas de Santa Ana which is close to the center of town and only cost me $2 USD to go in!
Go at night after a big adventure day. Your body will thank you.
Termas de Santa Ana
Price: $2 USD per person
WHERE TO EAT IN BAÑOS
Soma Beer Garden
Craft beers and burgers (because sometimes we crave a good burger and beer while on the road— let’s be real).
Viejos Tiempos
Just down the hill from Mama Tunga hostel! I got a home cooked soup, entree, juice, and coffee for $4 USD.
To-Go Arepa
Venezuelan arepas. So good.
Honey Coffee & Tea
Good coffee and sandwiches.
For good local Ecuadorian food look for a menú del día at almost any little shop. So cheap and delicious.
The stuff nobody tells you
You don't need a tour for Pailón del Diablo. A $1–$2 bus gets you there.
Ask about canyoning n Cashaurco even if you came for rafting. It isn't always available, so grab it if it is.
Public transport to the hostels outside of the main town stops early evening. Plan your way home before dark or just grab a taxi.
Book a chiva on the street! They’re so fun and no pre-booking required.
Eat the menú del día. You pay $2–$3 for a full local meal.
WATCH IT
More Ecuador travel tips on TikTok
LONDY’S TRIP KIT
INSURANCE SafetyWing
PHONE DATA Airlo eSIM
PACKING LIST My Amazon storefront
Some links here are affiliate links. I only share what I use and would send my own family to. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Baños is Ecuador’s perfect little adventure town. You should absolutely add it to your list, and tell your friends! It definitely doesn’t get the fame it deserves.
Happy travels,
Londy B
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