Anyone been to Banos, Ecuador?

Question

If so...
1) How do you get there from Quito?
2) What are some must see/or must do activities in Banos?
3) Any hotel recommendations?

Thanks!

Answer 1

from quito by car, is about 3 hours, by bus around four hours,

Baños - A Paradise in the Mountains

With its friendly people, well developed tourist infrastructure, lush surroundings, ideal location, and delicious cuisine, Baños de Agua Santa is one of the nation’s most popular destinations and gateways to the Amazon. Located on the eastern slopes of the Andes, Baños is the departure point for trips to jungle destinations such as Puyo, Misahuallí, and the waterfalls of Agoyán, Inés María and the famous Pailón del Diablo, as well as to the Andean peaks of Tungurahua and El Altar. Offering endless opportunities to the ecotourist, Baños is a center for various adventure sports such as kayaking, trekking, and mountain biking. Other attractions include the Virgen de Agua Santa Sanctuary and the various thermal hot springs in the area.

Sightseeing

The Basílica.- Inside this church there is a collection of murals with paintings of miracles performed by Nuestra Señora del Agua Santa (Virgin of the Holy Waters).

Manto de la Virgen waterfall.- (a symbol of Baños) Located at the southeast side of town.

There are several thermal baths in town. Note: The brown color of the water is due to a high level of mineral content.

Piscinas Modernas.- Located next to Baños de la Virgen, it also has a water slide.

Baños de la Virgen.- These baths are located opposite the Hotel Sangay, by the waterfall.

Santa Clara baths, located at the south of Rafael Vieira street. They also have sauna and a gym..

El Salado baths located 1 1/2 km from the center, off the Ambato road.

Santa Ana baths, located east of town on the road to Puyo.

Eduardo's baths are located next to Santa Clara baths.

Activities

Horse riding

Hotel Isla de Baños.- Has good horses for rent.

Caballos José.- On Maldonado and Martínez, Tel. 740746.

There are several others, but check the horses.

Climbing

See under Climbing Tungurahua. For companies offering climbing & trekking, see Tour operators.

River rafting

Although the rivers Patate, Pastaza and Chambo are excellent for River rafting they are polluted, also there have been fatal accidents on these rivers although the listed operator below was not involved in this fatality. Always check closely the helmets, vests and rafts before embarking on a trip. See also the rafting section.

Rio Loco.- On Maldonado and Martínez. Tel/Fax: 740929

Hiking

The surrounding areas of Baños are excellent places for peaceful walks while listening and seeing nature. Check with the local tour operators for some alternatives.

Cycling

Mountain biking around Baños, east to the jungle and surrounding areas is great fun but always check breaks, tires, helmet and insist on a pump and if possible a repair kit. If you are several miles away and have an accident or the bike wont function, there are always taxis on the road to Puyo. Here are a couple of recommended bike renters as follows:

Hotel Isla de Baños.- They run professional cycling tours.

HoteI Charvic.- Rents mountain bikes and motorcycles.

Check at least with two renters as the quality in bikes can vary.

Top of page
Ecuador and Galapagos Travel Tour operators

Before booking and deciding on a trip to the Jungle, visiting an indigenous group, or going up to a volcano; do take your time to select the right tour operator who can make or break the trip.
As in every other subtropical type expeditions journeys and operators around the world it pays due to misrepresentation to take a minimum of 3 quotes as they will vary in service, style, places you visit and equipment. You must always pre-check your equipment before traveling, whatever you do always get your final agreements in a contract form so there will be no additional costs after the event to argue over.
A final way to evaluate a good operator would also be to ask on the street, or over a meal in a restaurant, or in your hotel with other travelers, tourists who have already been on a tour and may give you their own personal independent opinions and references giving you further advantage of whom to choose!

Vasco Tours.- Day trips available, a group of 6-8 people is needed, excellent service, up to 4 guides per tour. Address: Alfaro and Martínez, Tel. 741017.

Córdova Tours.- They run tours on board of their "chiva" (an open sided bus) to: The Puyo road to Río Verde (waterfall tour); Baños surrounding areas; night Chiva tour (mentioned in our fun section). Address: Maldonado and Espejo, Tel. 740923.

Tsantsa Expeditions-Yawa Jee.- Good jungle guides and tours. They also arrange fly-in trips. Address: Oriente and Eloy Alfaro, Tel. 740957.

Answer 2

From Quito are 3 hours by bus...

I suggest this site http://www.iloveecotourism.com/eng/ecuador/ecuador_tours_traditional_Quito_Banos_Quito.asp

or www.iloveecotourism.com

Answer 3

No, have you? Any good? Or is that what you're asking me? Sorry, no answer.