Pure Adrenalin
Baños de Agua Santa is located between the Andes mountain range and the Amazon jungle, in the province of Tungurahua, this area enjoys a year round average temperature of 64 degrees Fahrenheit
Baños de Agua Santa is the ideal place to practice adventure sports. Located between the Andes mountain range and the Amazon jungle, in the province of Tungurahua, this area enjoys a year round average temperature of 64 degrees Fahrenheit. Baños, baths in Spanish, is close to several cascades and hot springs worth visiting. Magic tunnels through mountains, an active volcano in the distant background and breathtaking views make Baños a thoroughly enjoyable visit. However, for tourists who seek adrenalin rushes, Baños and its long list of activities is a must!
We recommend using a local tourist agency to organize trips and schedule the activities that are available in Baños. Our trip was planned with Imagine Ecuador, which offers tours for all the adventure sports offered in the area.
Rafting
You can raft down more than ten rivers around Baños. The international rating system to determine the level of difficulty ranges between I, in a pool with guides that teach the basic rules and procedures, all the way to level VI for true experts. On the Pastaza river, there are rides at levels III and IV. On the way there, visitors will pass by several cascades, among them Agoyán, Manto de la Novia (bride’s veil) and Pailón del Diablo (the devil’s pot). The all day tour starts at 9:00 a.m. and costs $30 dollars per person, including a certified guide, a security kayak, transportation and lunch.
Canopy
If you wish to feel like you are flying among trees, canopy is your ticket. In Parque Nacional Sangay (the Sangay national park), the Puntzan canopy is one of the longest, extending some two kilometers across six routes. To travel the entire length takes between two and three hours, so the complete tour requires about six hours. The price is $20 dollars per person, including transportation, guide and equipment.
Distance / By Car
- Quito 170km (3.5 horas)
- Cuenca 315km (5 horas)
- Guayaquil 420km (7 horas)
Kayak
For good swimmers with kayak experience, there are level III and IV areas on the Pastaza river, between the Sangay national park and the Llanganates mountain range. A half day tour costs $70 dollars per person, including transportation, meal and equipment.
SALTO DEL PUENTE / BUNGEE JUMPING
Canyoning
On the Blanco river, about twenty minutes from Baños, there are several cascades of differing heights where beginners can practice rappelling. The price is $30 dollars per person, including a certified guide, transportation and equipment. For people with experience, Casahurco is a level IV area. The tour takes about six hours, of which three hours are in canyon. The price varies between $40 and $60 dollars per person, including guides, transportation, meals and photos.
Prices
- Rafting: $30
- Canopy: $20
- Kayaking: $70
- Canyoning: $30 – $60
- Bungee jumping: $20
- Trekking: $60
- Slacklining: $30
Rock climbing
SLACKLINING
The five hour tour usually starts at 9:00 a.m. There are sites for beginners and also for experts. The price is $30 dollars per person, including guides, transportation, snacks and equipment (shoes, harness, helmet, carabiners).
Paragliding
There are several paragliding options, solo flight, tandem flight and a flight school. No experience is needed to enjoy the adrenalin rush of a tandem flight which, if the weather is good, provides one hour of spectacular views of the Andes mountains. The tour starts at 2:30 p.m. and costs $60 dollars per person, including transportation, equipment and an experienced pilot.
Bungee jumping
For a serious adrenalin rush, nothing beats jumping 260 feet from the San Francisco bridge over the Pastaza river. Jumpers must be at least 14 years old and weigh at least 88 pounds. For those with fear of heights, this is the perfect challenge to overcome that fear! The bridge is open for jumping between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The price is $20 dollars per person and includes equipment.
Trekking
A one day trek along the Tungurahua volcano is certainly a worthwhile activity to enjoy the marvelous scenery of the Sangay national park, the Andes mountains and, especially, the volcano itself. The trek starts at 8:00 a.m. and takes nine hours. The price is $60 dollars per person, including a guide, transportation and lunch. Trekkers should take appropriate shoes, layered warm clothing and plenty of water and sunscreen.
Slacklining
To walk on a thin strip, keeping perfect balance, several feet above ground is a challenge. To do the same while crossing a canyon is a unique high adrenalin experience! For beginners there are half day, full day and day and a half classes that use easy paths. For experts, there is a three day tour. Prices start at $30 dollars, including transportation, snacks and equipment.
Besides adventure sports, Baños itself provides an unforgettable trip. Lodging is available in a wide range of prices, starting at 8 dollars per night all the way to 200 dollars. So, there are accommodations suitable for all types of visitors, from backpackers to couples to family groups. As to food, there is also lots of variety: typical ecuadorean cuisine, Mexican dishes, vegetarian menus plus the inevitable pizzas and hamburgers. One irresistible temptation are “melcochas”, toffee sticks made with molasses, a bargain local delicacy that sell for 1 dollar a package of ten sticks, delicious treats for youngsters and elders alike.
The Cathedral is in the central point of the city, next to the park where a handicrafts fair is held every day. Two blocks away, across the street from highly recommended Hostería La Chimenea (The Chimney Inn), is the candy fair. Near the central plaza, as evening arrives, the bars open and music commands the streets. Baños is not only a beautiful setting surrounded by mountains, but also friendly people with warm welcomes for all tourists.
