Baños

Baños is a place you may find difficult to leave. This small town in the Andean foothills has everything — thermal baths, spectacular surroundings, adventure sports and a very good selection of hotels and restaurants. Most people come here to relax in the baths — there are several sets of pools around town and many hotels have their own spas. Massage and pampering are widely available. If you're looking for more action, the surrounding hills and Pastaza River offer all types of activities from gentle hikes and bike rides to bungee jumping, zip-lining and whitewater rafting. There is also a dramatic Waterfall Route down the valley which ...

Baños is a place you may find difficult to leave. This small town in the Andean foothills has everything — thermal baths, spectacular surroundings, adventure sports and a very good selection of hotels and restaurants. Most people come here to relax in the baths — there are several sets of pools around town and many hotels have their own spas. Massage and pampering are widely available. If you're looking for more action, the surrounding hills and Pastaza River offer all types of activities from gentle hikes and bike rides to bungee jumping, zip-lining and whitewater rafting. There is also a dramatic Waterfall Route down the valley which contains half a dozen waterfalls, including Manto de la Novia (bride's veil) and Pailon del Diablo (devil's cauldron). Note that Baños is only eight miles from the highly active volcano Tungurahua, but the town is situated on the opposite side from the crater, so has remained unscathed in recent eruptions.

About the Expert

Ben Westwood is a former Daily Telegraph (London) travel journalist and author of several guidebooks including Moon Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands and Moon Cusco & Machu Picchu. He is also coauthor of the Rough Guide to South America.