Often described as the Gateway to the Amazon, Banos is a small city in the Ecuadorian Andes. This is the last large town before the Amazon region. With an altitude of 5,971 feet, Banos sits at the foot of the Tungurahua volcano. Banos is a hub of outdoor adventure activities like zip-lining, white water rafting, hiking and many more. However, the town of Banos gets its name from the various hot water springs which can be spotted throughout the city. The water of these springs is believed to have medicinal properties. They are said to be an effective remedy for your aches and pains.
Most of the springs are open from early morning till about 9:00 p.m. or 10:00 p.m. in the night. They usually close an hour daily for cleaning. You can also avail the spa services which are available near some of the springs. There are hot water springs as well as cold pools. You can also take your pick from the different springs with varying temperature of the water.
Banos is a thriving town full of natural beauty for a relaxing vacation. The therapeutic waters of the springs are sure to bring relief to many of your maladies.
• Hike to the most spectacular Pailon Del Diablo waterfall. The sight of the water gushing down the black basalt cliff in the lush jungle is quite a treat
• Bring back your childhood with some of the biggest swings in the world in Banos. Swing away and experience some unadulterated joys and laughs. The swing areas offer some of the best views of Banos
• Looking for some affordable adventure? Head to the outskirts of Banos for some exciting zip lining activities. Canopi Banos adventure park offers you zip-lining and cable car rides along with an incredible view of 2 connecting waterfalls
• Soak your tired muscles in the hot spring waters of Banos. These thermal waters are known to have healing properties
• Looking to make the most of the scenic beauty? Rent a bike and cycle around taking in the panoramic scenery and waterfalls
• Pamper yourself with various luxury spa services at Luna Volcan Adventure Spa followed by a sumptuous brunch overlooking a hilltop
• Tickle your taste buds with some authentic local food at affordable prices
• Satisfy your sweet tooth with some of Banos’s homemade Taffy. It is mainly cane sugar made tempting with various edible colours and flavours
Distance from Cotopaxi International Airport to Banos is 58.6 km
Bus
Travel Time: 1 h 30 min
Fare: $ 3 to $ 4
Taxi
Travel Time: 1 h 23 min
Fare: $ 29 to $ 36
• Shower caps are mandatory always everywhere in Banos. Choose to either buy or rent them at reasonable prices. You can also carry your own
• It’s hard to find transportation while leaving some of the hot water springs. In such cases, it pays to have the phone number of the taxi which drops you off. You can later call the same person to pick you up
• Banos is always upbeat with festivals and celebrations year-round. The place also has an abundance of outdoor activities
• There are a lot of transport options to get here. You can take a bus from Quito’s Quitumbe Station or opt for a shared van or a private taxi
• There are a lot of restaurants around the area for a meal. On the contrary, you can opt to try the local cuisine as well
• Banos is generally warm and humid throughout the year. Hence, you can plan a visit at your convenience
• Visiting the hot springs at night is recommended as they are relatively less crowded during that time
• Banos has plenty of accommodation options suiting all budget ranges. Take your pick from luxury hotels to cheerful dorm rooms.
Sunday: 4:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Monday: 4:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Tuesday: 4:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Wednesday: 4:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Thursday: 4:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Friday: 4:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Saturday: 4:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Please note that the place is closed from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily
Waiting Time
No
Entrance Fee
Morning
$1.50 per person
Evening
$2.50 per person
Time you can spend
1 to 2 days
Weather
Be the first one to start a thread.
Videos 