Since we only have about 3 weeks left for the Ecuador portion of our Gap Year, we made a last minute decision to plan a couple of days in Baños, Ecuador. Second to the Galapagos, this is the most suggested place outside of Quito. All we ever hear are stories about this little town on the edge of the Amazon that has an endless supply of outdoor activities.
To get there we decided on a rental car, which took right at 3 hours. Just the drive alone was an interesting experience since it let us see many different parts of Ecuador. Our favorite things were probably the highway-side animals. We saw everything from pigs to llamas to horses to cows and beyond.
We got in around 2pm, which gave us enough time to wander around town and admire the beautiful mountains that surround it. In every direction we saw green mountain backdrops with clouds caught in the trees. One mountain even has a super high waterfall that comes down about 50 feet from one of the Baños roads. It is said that the Virgin Mary appeared at the bottom of this waterfall making its water holy. Plenty of pilgrims make their way to the spot.
The big in-town waterfall: Cascada Cabellera de la Virgen
While meandering we also got a chance to stumble upon the Church of the Virgin of the Holy Water. We really like this one since the interior of the chapel was covered in tile, carrying the town’s thermal bath theme.
The square in front of the Church of the Virgin of the Holy Water
Day 2 started off with a quick 30 minute car ride to see one of the area’s most popular sites - the waterfall called Pailon del Diablo. Once we got to the parking lot all we had to do was strap Scout in the hiking carrier and walk about 15 minutes to the waterfall. Very glad we had this carrier because it would have been super precarious to have her walking alongside us while we crossed rope bridges that hang 200 feet in the air.
With Scout safely strapped in we were able to experience what this waterfall is known for - the fact that you can walk right behind it! Once behind the the Pailon del Diablo you can really feel the power of a 262 foot waterfall. It’s a roaring wall of water that’s so thick light can barely get through.
Jess right behind the Pailon del Diablo waterfall
Next up was a visit to this adventure area called Casa del Arbol, which is perched atop one of those aforementioned mountains that surrounds Baños. It has the typical adventure fare like a zip line and sweeping views, but it’s most known for having one of the most Instagrammable spots in Baños, if not Ecuador. Here is where you can find a tree house right on the edge of the mountain that has a swing that takes you out and over the steep drop.
Best part of the park? Access to the entire Casa del Arbol is only $1 per person.
Swinging above the mountains at Casa del Arbol
View from one side of Casa del Arbol
To end the day we tried out a thermal spring-fed bath / water park called Termas de la Virgen. For only $6 per adult (Scout was free) we got to choose from several outdoor pools ranging from tepid to way too hot. Once we found the right pool we got to relax while surrounded by 1,000 foot mist covered mountains.
In the end we were happy with the decision to make the trip. It put us a little over our July budget, but we found it to be totally worth it. If you are in Ecuador for 2 weeks or more it should certainly be on your itinerary.
Baños’ Termas de la Virgen are a wonderful way to end a day
