{"id":57916,"date":"2023-11-03T08:07:33","date_gmt":"2023-11-03T07:07:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/comeamaviaja.com\/que-ver-en-banos-ecuador\/"},"modified":"2025-09-23T15:38:23","modified_gmt":"2025-09-23T13:38:23","slug":"things-to-do-in-banos","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/comeamaviaja.com\/en\/things-to-do-in-banos\/","title":{"rendered":"10 things to do in Ba\u00f1os de Agua Santa, Ecuador"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Things to do in Ba\u00f1os, Ecuador<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Ready to discover everything that Ba\u00f1os has to offer? Let’s get started!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Pailon del Diablo Waterfall, the most beautiful spot in Ba\u00f1os<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"things
Pailon del Diablo<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Starting with the primary tourist destination in Ba\u00f1os, Ecuador. Pail\u00f3n del Diablo is a must-see in this Ecuadorian town, and it’s sure to become one of your favorite spots in the country. I’m certain of it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We stand before one of the most breathtaking waterfalls you’ll ever see in your life. It’s not just the result of remarkable natural beauty but also the influence of human intervention. Hand-carved stone steps lead you alongside this 80-meter high cascade, allowing you to get closer to its base. Here, you can genuinely experience the sheer force of the water. Be cautious if there’s a lot of water flow, as you might end up soaked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are two entrances to visit Pail\u00f3n del Diablo, the main entrance and the new entrance. Both entrances cost $2, and each provides a different experience. I visited both, and in my opinion, if you have enough time, you should go to both entrances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the main entrance allows you to explore the stone stairs and a highly photogenic wooden suspension bridge, the new entrance offers incredible panoramic views of the entire Pail\u00f3n del Diablo. From this vantage point, you’ll have the best view of the waterfall alongside the stone stairs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"ban\u0303os
Things to do in Ba\u00f1os, Ecuador<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Opting for the new entrance requires minimal walking, with little elevation change. On the other hand, if you choose the main entrance, be prepared for a 30-minute downhill walk and another uphill journey, featuring a substantial elevation change. If you have time for only one of the entrances, you’ll have to decide which experience you prefer: enjoying an incredible view or becoming part of the landscape?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udca1 If you don’t have your own vehicle, the best way to visit Pail\u00f3n del Diablo and other waterfalls is by booking the popular Waterfalls Route tour<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Manto de la Novia waterfall, another breathtaking waterfall<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"ban\u0303os
Ba\u00f1os, Ecuador<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Manto de la Novia is another one of Ba\u00f1os’ most spectacular tourist attractions. However, it does require a bit of physical effort, but it’s absolutely worth a visit. The first treat this place offers is an incredible view from the metal suspension bridge, which stretches over 100 meters and must be crossed over the Pastaza River.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once you’ve crossed the bridge, there’s a small restaurant where they serve drinks and some food. Right here, you pay the entrance fee for the waterfall, which is $2 per person. Now, at last, you’ll have the waterfall just a few meters away from you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Feeling up for a good dose of adrenaline? Take a ride on the zip line that crosses the Pastaza River alongside Manto de la Novia. If you prefer a milder version, you can cross it on the tarabita.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2708\ufe0f Spending 14 days in Ecuador? Don’t miss my 2-week Ecuador itinerary<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. La Casa del Arbol, one of the top things to do in Ba\u00f1os<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"la
La Casa del Arbol<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

You’ve likely come across photos of this place already because La Casa del \u00c1rbol (The Treehouse) is one of the most renowned attractions in Ba\u00f1os, Ecuador. It’s a private venue that boasts multiple viewpoints, a bar, zip lines, and a delightful wooden treehouse with a pair of swings. Here, you can swing while enjoying incredible views of Tungurahua, a volcano that reaches an elevation of 5,023 meters above sea level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you don’t have your own vehicle, it’s possible to get there by bus. The entrance fee is $1, and it’s open from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Another option is to book this tour to the Treehouse<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\ude97 Need a car for your trip to Ecuador? To find the best deals, I recommend checking out Discover Cars<\/a>, a highly-rated car rental search platforms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. El Roc\u00edo Machay, an amazing waterfall in Ba\u00f1os<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"turistic
El Roc\u00edo Machay<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Eager for more waterfalls? Here’s another one that’s a must-see: El Roc\u00edo Machay Waterfall. It’s located a bit further from Pail\u00f3n del Diablo, approximately 19 km from Ba\u00f1os. This waterfall features a 40-meter drop. Just a few meters downstream, you’ll come across another smaller waterfall, forming a beautiful landscape, as you can see in the photo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The entrance fee is $1. By the way, be ready to burn some calories because the ascent is quite challenging! If you’re up for exploring even more waterfalls, you can take on the complete bike waterfall route<\/a>, which includes visits to 4 waterfalls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udca1 Ba\u00f1os de Agua Santa is one of the must-visit destinations if you’re visiting Quito surroundings. However, if you plan to visit Ecuador’s capital, there are many other things to do near Quito<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Tungurahua Viewpoint, gazing at the 5,023 meter volcano<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"tungurahua\"
Tungurahua<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you cross San Francisco Bridge, located within the town of Ba\u00f1os, and start ascending the road, you’ll encounter numerous viewpoints overlooking Ba\u00f1os and the Tungurahua volcano. This 5,023-meter high volcano is active, with its most recent eruption occurring in 2016. Its name is of Quechua origin, meaning “throat of fire,” although it’s also referred to as the “black giant.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some of the viewpoints of Tungurahua that you shouldn’t miss are Mirador Las Antenas, Mirador Ojos del Volc\u00e1n (located just a few meters from the first one mentioned), and Mirador Las Manos de Dios. Make sure to double-check the locations of each place, as Google Maps may have duplicate or inaccurate addresses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’d like to get even closer to the volcano, take a look at this tour of Tungurahua<\/a>. You’ll hike up to the shelter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. La Virgen Viewpoint, the best views of Ba\u00f1os<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"views
Ba\u00f1os, Ecuador<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

On the opposite side of Ba\u00f1os, Ecuador, nestled on the slopes of Tungurahua, you’ll discover La Virgen Viewpoint, which provides stunning views of the town and the surrounding mountains. To reach the Virgin statue, you’ll need to climb about 400 steps, but don’t worry; the effort will be well worth it. Another viewpoint you can visit on this side of Ba\u00f1os is Cruz De Bellavista Viewpoint.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83c\udfe5 Remember, it’s highly important to purchase travel insurance for Ecuador if you don’t already have medical coverage in the destination. I personally use and recommend Heymondo, where I can offer you a 5% discount on your next travel insurance policy<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Rosary of Holy Water<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"things
Basilica Park<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Beyond Ba\u00f1os de Agua Santa’s incredible natural surroundings, the town itself has its own charm. There are numerous shops, restaurants, parks, and a vibrant street atmosphere. One of the places you must visit in Ba\u00f1os is Bas\u00edlica Park, home to the Sanctuary and Catholic Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Holy Water of Ba\u00f1os.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The construction of the building began in 1904 and was finished in 1944. It boasts a semi-Gothic style and consists of three naves. Inside, you’ll discover a collection of murals depicting the miracles that have taken place in the town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. Adventure sports in Ba\u00f1os de Agua Santa, Ecuador<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\"que
Rafting<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Another draw of Ba\u00f1os is the variety of adventure sports you can enjoy in the area: rafting, zip-lining, paragliding, canyoning… there’s something for all tastes and levels of bravery! I must admit I didn’t do many adventure sports when I visited Ba\u00f1os, but if I return, I’d love to try paragliding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some of the best activities to do in Ba\u00f1os:<\/p>\n\n\n\n