Perched at the foot of an active volcano and surrounded by lush mountains, the Ecuadorian town of Baños is the place to be for travelers looking to satisfy an appetite for adrenaline. Though Baños takes its name from its thermal hot springs, the list of things to do in Ecuador’s adventure capital doesn’t stop at soaking—you can swing into the cloud-covered abyss at the Casa del Arbol (nicknamed the “Swing at the End of the World”), hike along a route that features seven waterfalls, go rafting in the Class IV rapids of the Pastaza River, and much more.
Baños’s location in Ecuador’s central highlands makes it a year-round destination that’s always prone to a rain shower—it’s perennially cool, so be sure to bring some warm clothes for the evenings when temperatures plummet no matter what time of year you’re there. The wettest months are January, February, and March, so visit right after these in April or May to see the scenery at its greenest and to experience the most intense rapids for white-water rafting.
The ramshackle town of Baños is small enough to get around on foot—you can walk to some hot springs and the underground theme park of El Bosque Encantado. However, if you’re looking to explore further afield—for activities such as hiking, ziplining, and rafting—you’re best to arrange these as part of a tour, which always includes transport to the start point. You can catch a bus from the town’s main bus terminal to any of Ecuador's major cities and towns, including Quito and Guayaquil.
At a whopping height of 16,479 feet (5,023 meters), the Tungurahua Volcano reigns supreme over Baños. If you’re looking for the ultimate challenge, you can climb to the snow-capped summit of this active volcano, where molten lava bubbles in its crater. Treks typically take two days and include an overnight stay on the side of the volcano and take you through the rugged landscapes of Sangay National Park, which are characterized by tropical rainforests and glacier lakes.
