The Swing at the end of the World called us to pay a visit. Besides the world-famous swing, Banos is also known as a Gateway to the Amazon. So, after 2 weeks in Quito , we decided to head to the swing at the end of the world at Banos de Agua Santa. There are two places called Banos in Ecuador.  One is the Banos de Agua in Tungurahua and the other one is near Cuenca. Please make sure when you buy your bus ticket, to stress that you want  Banos, in Tungurahua province.

 

How do you get to Baños de Agua Santa?

We took a taxi from La Floresta, Quito to the Autobus Terminal Quitumbe. The taxi cost to the terminale cost 10 USD. It is far from town, and takes 35 mins to get there. You will be confused when you arrive at the Terminal because there are actually Terminals adjacent to each other. One is for city buses and another one is for longer routes heading to the South of Ecuador.  You want the one behind the city bus terminal. Just say “Banos” to the police out front and they will point you to the side street you need to get to the back terminal. The terminal is BIG and clean. The ticket booths are separated into each province category, so it is easy and convenient for you to buy tickets. Just go to the Tungurahua province area and ask for Banos.  There was even a bus strike in Ecuador they day before our departure. Thank God it only lasted 24 hours and we were able to get our tickets.

 

The bus from Quito to Banos departs every hour so you don’t need to worry about buying ticket in advance.

Bus Company: San Francisco

Ticket: 4.25 USD

Time: 4 hours

Tips: 1. Choose the right side seat for the better view.

2. Try to travel in the daytime because the buses in South America usually will pick up passengers along the way to the destination.

 

Where to stay in Baños?

Banos is a small town. The bus terminal was just 5 mins walking to our hostel. We choose to stay in Hotel Amazonia Y Sol because it had superb 9.0 reviews, plus it was in the centre of town and included a great breakfast. (Yummy!!)  The breakfast served was different every day, so you won’t get bored. The room for 2 people cost 22 USD. The nightlife street is just 2 blocks from the hotel but you won’t hear any noise from the disco bars.  Besides that, the healing thermal baths, the Church, and literally everything else is within walking distance.

 

What to do in Baños?

Termas de la Virgen – Definitely cannot missed the healing thermal baths when you are in Banos. It is next to Cascada de la Virgen, another famous waterfall in town. Just look up at the mountains around you, walk towards the waterfall.  As you get close, the first thermal baths place is on your left. It is new and beautiful pools. The second thermal baths place is just under the waterfall. It has and older pool, but is cheaper and just as hot!! After the 4 hours bus ride from Quito, it is very nice to relax in the thermal pools.  All your stress will melt away as you sink into these thermal baths and observe the beautiful waterfalls.

New pool : Its has 7 multiple warm & hot pool, and is friendly for kids as they can play in the pool with the large tubing water slides. It is totally a Water Park.

Fee : Adult 6 USD; Children 3.50 USD.

Hours : Wed-Fri 2pm to 9pm; Sat-Sun 10am to 9pm; Closed Mon-Tue.

 

Old Pool : It has cold, warm and hot pools. When you compare it with the new pool, it looks old but you get the better view of the waterfall because you are right under it.  Oh ya! You need to wear a cap but you can buy it from them for 1 USD per cap.

Fee : Day time: Adult 2 USD; Children 1 USD; Night time: Adult 3 USD; Children 1.50 USD

Hours : 5am to 4pm; 6pm to 8.30pm

La Casa del Arbol : The famous Swing at the end of the World has spread virally on social media throughout the whole world. Not only is the swing fun but you can also enjoy the view of the active volcano. The last eruption of the volcano was in the year 2014. With 1 USD entry fee you can access both the swing and the stunning and gorgeous view.  They also have a restaurant and zipline for kids to have fun.

 

We arrived at the top at almost 5pm and there still were people lining up for the swing. They have 4 swings and the staff to push you. The line moves fast to get to your turn and the staff will push you as hard as you want. I screamed as loud as I can to let the fear out. The staff pushed me so hard, so I tipped him 1 USD.  He look so surprised. I guess not many of the tourists tip them. Most just pay the $1 entry fee.

This is another view you can have in La Casa Del Arbol.

 

Casa Del Arbol Transportation – Chiva Bus: You can go there by the local blue bus for 1 USD but that will take you 1 hour to there.  You can also take a taxi for 10 USD one way. The smart travelers (like me), took a Chivas bus tour for 5 USD each person, which includes the return ticket.  The whole Chivas tour is about 2-3 hours.  They bring you to Casa Del Arbol, but also to another swing, called Extreme Swing, “El Vuelo Del Condor.”  That swing cost 10 USD for the swing and another 5 USD for a picture if you want.  We just rode the $1 swing shown in the picture above, and were totally happy about our choice.   

Chiva bus  is a traditional, windowless party style bus in South America, that has neon lights, a dance pole, and Latin dance music. At night people hop on and party.  In the day it transports tourists on tours in the area. We didn’t understand the spanish lyrics but we enjoyed the cheers and romantic songs. You can buy your $5 ticket from a tour company or just jump on the bus when it drives by and ask if they are going to the swing.

 

 

 

 

Ruta de las cascadas – This next tour translates into English as “Route of the waterfalls’’.  The Chiva bus tour cost the same 5 USD and took about 3 hours. In this tour, you can see more than 8 waterfalls, have fun with extreme sports along the way (They will wait for you as you ride a zipline), and they will show you the “Face of Christ” stone also.  We really enjoyed all the waterfalls even though we didn’t understand the Spanish tour guide.

 

First , you will see the Agoyan Hydroelectric Dam on the Pastaza River.  Then you will pass by the tunnel to see the “Face of Christ”. Next, you will visit the extreme sports and many other waterfalls. The view of the waterfalls is spectacular. Especially the last waterfall named Pailon del Diablo (Devil’s Cauldron). That waterfall has an entry fee of 2 USD. You will cross the suspension bridge over the Pastaza River as you enjoy a breathtaking view off the waterfall and the fresh misty breezes.

After the guide explained something to everyone  in Spanish, everyone started taking photos in this spot, so we did the same thing. Later I learned that the stone above our heads is called  the “Face of Christ” stone. Lol

 

The above picture is another fun & quick ride.  You ride the “Tarabita” (cable car) to get the closer view of the waterfalls. This cost was 2 USD.

Here is the last waterfall Pailon del Diablo (Devil’s Cauldron). Isn’t that beautiful ?

Santuario Nuestra Señora del Rosario de Agua Santa: Another beautiful Catholic Church in Banos. This Church is located at Parque La Basilica, and just 2 minutes walking from our hotel.

 

Where What to eat in Banos?

Mercado de Baños : Local market place for food, fresh juice and vegetables shopping. It’s not a huge market but you get a cheap delicious local food at 2.50 USD. Don’t be surprised when you see this market full of local people, during the lunch hours. Try the Llapingachos and chorizo!

Jugo de Caña (Sugar cane juice) :  The fresh sugar cane press juice that you can find near the Thermal bath street for 1 USD , 500ml. They are using the recycle bottle so better bring your own empty water bottle.

Melcocha (Sugar cane taffy) : Banos is the main place made Melcocha. You can have lot of choice to eat the Melcocha.

 

There are plenty of western restaurants & nice cafes in Banos. So you don’t need to worry about food if you prefer other cuisines. We had dinner at many different restaurants (I forget the name) and they were all good.

Looking for nightlife? Yes, that happens in Banos , Eloy Alfaro street. Its a street full of disco & bars. Taxi is not necessary in Banos because the interesting  places are all in walking distance.

We only spent a weekend in Banos.  The first day we spent at the above mentioned Casa Del Arbol (The Swing) & Ruta De Las Cascadas (8 Waterfalls).  So the second day we spent on a full day Amazon Jungle Tour.

Please stay tune on the Next Banos Amazon Jungle Tour!