Town · Ecuador · South America
Thermal baths, waterfalls and adventure sports at the foot of Tungurahua
Photo: K / Pexels
Baños de Agua Santa is a small town in Ecuador's Tungurahua province, at the edge of the Andes and the Amazon basin. It is known for thermal baths, waterfalls and adventure activities.
You’ll complete your booking with Hostelworld. We may earn a commission from qualifying bookings.
Best for: Restaurants, tour agencies and walkability
The central park and its surrounding streets hold the basilica, restaurants, bars and many adventure operators. Most hostels are within a few blocks. It is the easiest area for arrivals at the bus terminal and for early pick-ups for tours, though the main streets can be busy in the evening.
Best for: Easy access to the baths and waterfall
The best-known thermal baths sit at the foot of the hillside on the edge of town, close to a waterfall. Accommodation nearby is a few minutes' walk from the centre and often calmer at night. Expect queues at the baths at weekends and holidays.
Best for: Views and quiet
Some hostels sit on the slopes above town, with views over the valley. They are quieter but involve a climb or a short taxi ride. They suit travellers who want a rest between activities rather than the centre of the action.
Live rooms and prices
See live dorm beds, private rooms, prices and cancellation terms for your dates on Hostelworld.
You’ll complete your booking with Hostelworld. We may earn a commission from qualifying bookings. You’ll choose your dates and guests there.
Baños de Agua Santa sits in a valley in Ecuador's Tungurahua province, below the active Tungurahua volcano. The town is known for its thermal baths, waterfalls and the roads that drop towards the Amazon basin. It is a small place, with the main sights and most hostels within a short walk of the central park.
Backpackers come for activities. Walking and cycling routes follow the Pastaza valley past waterfalls, and operators in town offer canyoning, rafting, bungee and zip-line outings. After a day out, many people visit the thermal baths, which are a long-standing part of the town's identity. Guided outings can be arranged at the hostel or at agencies on the main streets.
Baños is lower than Quito and Cuenca, at around 1,800 metres, so the climate is milder. The UK government advises checking its Ecuador travel pages for volcano and weather information before travelling in the highlands. Check local updates for trails and roads, since conditions can change.
Baños is on the road between the Andes and the Amazon, and is reached by road. Quito's airport (UIO) is the main gateway; from Quito, direct coaches typically take around 3 to 4 hours. Coaches also run from Ambato, Riobamba and Puyo, and the town's bus terminal is a short walk from the centre. Travellers heading to Cuenca or the coast usually change in Ambato or Riobamba. Check timetables locally, as services vary.
Baños has a mild highland climate. The drier period, typically June to September, brings more sunshine for waterfalls and cycling, though it is also busier in holiday periods. Rain is possible all year because the town sits close to the Amazon basin; the wetter months are usually from around October to May, when trails can be muddy. Ecuadorian holidays and weekends are busy, so check local conditions.
Baños de Agua Santa is known for thermal baths, waterfalls and adventure activities such as canyoning, rafting and cycling along the Pastaza valley. It sits below the active Tungurahua volcano in Ecuador's Tungurahua province. Most visitors stay a few nights, using the town as a base for outings and relaxing in the baths between them.
Direct coaches run from Quito to Baños, typically taking around 3 to 4 hours depending on traffic and the departure terminal. Quito airport (UIO) is the main international gateway. You can also change buses in Ambato. Check current timetables and the terminal for your departure, since services change and Quito has more than one terminal.
Two to three nights is typical. That allows time for a waterfall route by bike or on foot, a canyoning or rafting outing and a visit to the thermal baths. If you want to try several activities or add trips towards the Amazon, you may want longer. Weather can affect plans, so some flexibility helps.
Yes, Baños lies below Tungurahua, an active volcano. The UK government notes there are many volcanoes in the Ecuadorian highlands and that ashfall can disrupt flights and close airports. Check the FCDO safety and security page and local official updates before travelling, and follow any local guidance.
Baños has a mild highland climate at around 1,800 metres. June to September is typically drier, with more sun for waterfalls and cycling. Rain can occur at any time because the town is close to the Amazon basin. The wetter months are usually from around October to May. Pack a waterproof layer and layers for cooler evenings.
Reviewed by the HostelConnect editorial team on 8 November 2026. Check entry rules, transport and conditions with official sources before you travel.
