Baños, Ecuador on a Budget (With Kids!)
After weeks in the Andes, we traded mountain air for waterfalls, hot springs, and a town that somehow mixes adrenaline with family downtime. Here’s how we explored Baños, Ecuador on a budget, with kids in tow and snacks always running low.
Baños Without Breaking the Bank
Baños might be Ecuador’s adventure capital, but that doesn’t mean you have to spend adventure-sized money to enjoy it, especially with kids in tow.
Between zip-lines, canyoning tours, and swing-at-the-end-of-the-world selfies, Baños has a reputation for adrenaline and expense. But look a little closer and you’ll find an affordable, family-friendly town that’s surprisingly easy on the wallet.
We spent 30 days here as part of our Ecuador route, determined to keep things fun and frugal. And guess what? We didn’t miss a thing.
This is how we explored Baños on a family budget, what we spent, what we skipped, and the moments that cost nothing but are worth everything.
How Expensive Is Baños Really?
The short answer: not very.
For our family of four, we averaged around $75–$85 per day, including food, accommodation, and activities. That’s less than what a single canyoning tour costs some solo travellers.
Here’s roughly how it breaks down:
| Category | Average Daily Spend (Family of 4) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | $30–$40 (whole apartment) |
| Food | $25–$30 (mix of almuerzos + self-catering/ coffee) |
| Transport | $5–$10 (Sometimes $0) |
| Activities | $15–$20 |
Baños manages to keep adventure accessible. There’s plenty to do that’s low-cost or free, and you’ll rarely feel like you’re being overcharged just for being a tourist, or a parent trying to bribe your kids with ice cream again.
Where to Stay in Baños on a Budget
Baños is packed with hostels and small hotels, many of which are surprisingly family-friendly.
We stayed in a great family-friendly apartment, a laid-back spot near the back of Baños near La virgin walk. It had a a small gym, hottub, big kitchen and garden area. We paid around $35 a night, solid value considering the view alone.
If you prefer something a bit more social, Santa Cruz Backpacker Hostal and Erupción Art Hotel both offer family rooms and easygoing vibes.
Budget tip: Look for places with a decent kitchen and also washer as you’ll save money on food and washing.
Book early via Booking.com or Hostelworld; weekends fill fast when local families visit.
Eating Cheap (and Well) in Baños
Feeding a family while traveling can destroy a budget faster than you can say “another juice please,” but Baños makes it easy.
Almuerzos (Set Lunches)
The holy grail of Ecuadorian dining. For $3–$4, you’ll get soup, a main dish, fresh juice, and occasionally dessert. Our favourites were Mi Vecino,and the small restaurants near the market, no frills, but great flavour and fast service.
Cafés & Treats
For breakfast or a coffee break, try Baking Partners (good pancakes) or Carpe Diem (smoothies + strong coffee).
DIY Meals
Grab supplies from the Supermaxi in town or local bakeries for fresh bread and fruit. We cooked one simple meal each day, usually pasta or rice bowls — and saved roughly $20/day.
Affiliate note: using a Wise card helps dodge foreign transaction fees, especially in cash-heavy Ecuador.
Cheap & Free Things to Do in Baños With Kids
Baños isn’t just for daredevils, it’s paradise for curious, outdoorsy families. Here are things to do in Baños with kids that kept them and our budget happy.
1. Termas de la Virgen (Hot Springs)
Right in town, open day and night, with entry fees around $2–$4. It’s family-friendly (though the water can be hot for little ones) and feels like a mini spa day without the spa prices.
2. Bike the Ruta de las Cascadas
This was our original plan but the guy who owned the tour shop advised against doing this as we have kids and the roads can be dangerous plus the price would’ve cost more than renting the jeep we ended up doing, so we did the ruta de las cascadas by jeep instead and stopped of at Machay.
3. Casa del Árbol (“Swing at the End of the World”)
Small entry fee ($2) for a big view. There’s a playground, swings, and that famous photo op. Pack snacks, stay for a few hours and enjoy the view.
4. Walks & Parks
The Parque Central has a simple playground and street food stalls. The kids played while we sat with coffee from the stand across the street, our favorite kind of free entertainment.
5. Cascada Machay
A 40 min bus ride slightly past Pailon del Diablo leads to this powerful waterfall and some small walking trails. Great picnic spot, minimal cost.
Pro tip: skip the expensive “adventure bundles” you can do most activities independently for half the price.
For more adventure fuled activites read our guide:
The Ultimate Baños Bucket List: 25 Things to do In Ecuadors Adventure Capital
Getting Around on a Budget
Baños is small enough that you’ll mostly walk. But for when the kids hit their “I’m done” phase:
Local taxis: $1.50–$2 anywhere in town.
Buses: $0.25–$0.50 per person to nearby attractions.
Bikes: best for exploring the waterfall route.
Always ask your accommodation for current prices; locals are friendly and happy to help you avoid tourist markups.
Travel insurance note: We use SafetyWing, it covers travel mishaps and even minor medical needs (think scraped knees or twisted ankles from over-enthusiastic swings).
Smart Family Budget Tips
A few simple habits stretched our budget the farthest:
Reusable bottles: Baños tap water isn’t drinkable, but filtered refill stations are everywhere.
Laundry deals: hostels often include laundry discounts if you stay 3+ nights.
Snacks from other towns: prices for basics rise slightly here.
Ask for “almuerzo del día.” It’s almost always cheaper than ordering from the menu.
Share portions: Baños’ serving sizes are generous; one main + side often feeds two kids.
Free fun first: start with walks, swings, and parks before you book any paid activities.
Gear we actually use:
CabinZero backpacks – lightweight, durable, perfect for day trips.
Collapsible bottles – less space, fewer spills.
Universal adapter – We have used this so much, its paid its value far over.
Why Baños Is Worth It, Even on a Budget
Baños taught us that adventure doesn’t need to cost a fortune.
It’s one of the few places where you can mix volcano views, jungle hikes, waterfalls, and family downtime, without overspending or stressing about safety.
We left with tired legs, full bellies, and only one minor meltdown (mine, after the third uphill walk of the day).
If you’re travelling Ecuador with kids, Baños is that perfect balance between adventure and ease, exciting enough for the kids, calm enough for the parents, and kind enough to your wallet.
Free Family Map: Baños on a Budget
We’ve pinned every family-friendly, budget-friendly spot from our stay, cafés, waterfalls, hot springs, and playgrounds, all ready to open in Google Maps.
➡️ Grab our Free Baños Family Map – it’ll save you a few wrong turns and a lot of “where should we eat?” moments.
