Cidade Turismo
Ecuador

Before you go

Your trip to Baños de Agua Santa.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

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Baños de Agua Santa – Tungurahua Destination Baños and the Avenida dos Vulcões

How to get there

  • Aeropuerto Internacional Mariscal Sucre (UIO) Quito · 180 km
  • Terminal Terrestre de Baños 1 km

Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.

Check before booking. The most used airport is Mariscal Sucre in Quito, about 180 km away. From Quito, buses depart from the Quitumbe terminal and take three to four hours to Baños terminal, often passing through Ambato, the capital of Tungurahua, about 40 km away. The region’s volcanoes go through active phases: check before you go whether the park and trails are open.

How many days

Two days are enough for the Basílica, the hot springs, the Ruta de las Cascadas with the Pailón del Diablo and the Casa del Árbol. With three days you can add river adventure sports and a trip to Puyo, at the entrance to the Amazon.

When to go

The climate is mild and humid, warmer than Quito’s, with frequent afternoon rain. From June to September the skies usually clear more for viewing Tungurahua. In October the festival of the Virgem do Agua Santa takes place.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

Do you need a car?

No. The town center is done on foot; bicycles, chivas, buses and taxis take you to the Ruta de las Cascadas, the Pailón and the Casa del Árbol.

Suggested itinerary

An order that works

Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.

One day in Baños de Agua Santa
  1. Morning
    Casa del Árbol

    By taxi or bus, go up early to the Casa del Árbol to see Tungurahua and the swings over the valley.

  2. Afternoon
    Ruta de las Cascadas

    Rent a bike and ride down the Ruta de las Cascadas to the Pailón del Diablo; return by pickup/truck.

  3. Late afternoon
    Basílica

    Visit the Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Agua Santa and try the melcocha.

  4. Evening
    Termas

    End the day at the Termas de la Virgen, at the foot of the waterfall.

2 days in Baños de Agua Santa

Day 1

  1. Morning
    Termas early

    Termas de la Virgen early in the morning, with refreshed water.

  2. Afternoon
    Ruta de las Cascadas

    Bike the Ruta de las Cascadas to Río Verde.

  3. Late afternoon
    Pailón del Diablo

    Trail to the Pailón del Diablo, with the bridge and the Paso del Cura.

  4. Evening
    Center

    Dinner in Baños town center.

Day 2

  1. Morning
    Casa del Árbol

    Ascent to the Casa del Árbol with the volcano ahead.

  2. Afternoon
    Basílica and town center

    The basilica, the Virgin’s museum and the streets of the town center.

  3. Late afternoon
    El Salado

    Termas de El Salado, 2 km from the center.

  4. Evening
    Departure

    Bus to Quito or Latacunga, or one more night.

Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.

Before you go

Frequently asked questions

How to get from Quito to Baños?

By bus from the Quitumbe terminal, three to four hours, often passing through Ambato.

What to eat in Baños?

Trout, tilapia, roasted cuy and melcocha, pulled cane-sugar candy; and sugarcane juices.

Why is the town called Baños de Agua Santa?

Because of the thermal baths of volcanic water and the devotion to the Virgin of Agua Santa, patron saint of the town. It's the name that appears on signs; many people just say Baños.

Is the Tungurahua active?

The volcano has periods of activity. Check before you go whether the hillside trails are open.

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