Baños Ecuador With Kids: The Complete Family Travel Guide
Planning a trip to Ecuador with kids? Baños is the adventure capital you don’t want to skip. Just three hours from Quito, this small town packs in hot springs, waterfalls, and jungle views, but it’s also safe, walkable, and surprisingly family-friendly. After spending a month here with our two kids, we’ve rounded up the best things to do, where to stay, and parent-tested tips so you can enjoy Baños without the chaos.
In this guide, I’ll be covering everything from best things to do, where to eat, where to stay, how to get around and much more.
Basically its everything I know from travelling here for a month
🚗 Getting around: You can Rent a car or use Uber to get around.
🏨 Best base: This Hotel is central but just slightly out of the noise La Floresta, Parking, family rooms, restaurant
🗺️ Top day trip: Book great days trips like the 8 Waterfalls or tour of the amazon.
📱 Data: Buy an Airalo eSIM before you fly.
🛡️ Insurance: Lightweight family insurance coverage
Baños de Agua Santa might just be Ecuador’s ultimate family playground. Tucked between the Andes and the edge of the Amazon, this small town combines waterfalls, hot springs, jungle adventures, and plenty of kid-friendly eats. Whether you’re planning a weekend stop on a whirlwind Ecuador itinerary or a longer stay to soak it all in, Baños delivers big adventure in a compact, easy-to-navigate package.
We spent a month here with our kids, testing out everything from Jeep buggy waterfall tours to local almuerzos for just $4. This guide pulls together the best of our experiences, so you can skip the overwhelm and dive straight into the good stuff.
Why Visit Baños With Kids?

Baños is often called the “Adventure Capital of Ecuador,” but it’s not just for backpackers and thrill-seekers. Families will find a surprisingly balanced mix of kid-friendly fun and parent-approved relaxation.
Here’s why Baños works especially well for families:
Compact size → The town is walkable, with hot springs, cafés, and markets all within easy reach.
Variety of activities → One day you’re soaking in natural thermal pools, the next you’re riding a cable car across a canyon or watching monkeys at a zoo.
Affordable prices → Almuerzo (set lunch) menus start at $3–4, hot springs from $3 per child, and even bigger attractions like the zoo are budget-friendly.
Rain or shine options → Sunny? Hit the waterfalls. Cloudy or rainy? There are indoor pools, cozy cafés, and kid-friendly hostels with play areas.
Adventure without overwhelm → Yes, you can go canyoning or paragliding, but you can just as easily pick mellow family hikes and playground time.
Baños manages to feel adventurous without being stressful, which is exactly what you want when travelling with kids.
Top Things to Do in Baños With Kids

From steaming hot springs to dinosaur parks and waterfalls you reach by Jeep, Baños is a family adventure hub. The best part? You can mix high-energy days with easy downtime so everyone stays happy.
Waterfalls & Nature
Pailón del Diablo (Devil’s Cauldron): The most famous waterfall in Baños. A short but dramatic trail leads to a roaring cascade, bring rain jackets, you will get wet. Kids love the bridges and tunnels along the way.
Cascada Machay (by Jeep buggy): Renting a buggy is half the fun, and the 30-minute trail to the waterfall is totally doable with kids. Pack snacks and water for the walk.
Manto de la Novia: Ride a cable car across the canyon for epic views of the falls, a quick, exciting outing that doesn’t require much walking.


Adventure Activities (Kid-Friendly Options)
Animal Park: More than just animals, this quirky spot includes a Jurassic Park-style dinosaur area, swings, and mini rides. Great for half a day.
Rock climbing wall in town: A fun option for older kids who want to try something active.
Tubing & zip-lining: Best for adventurous tweens and teens. Operators vary, so check age/weight limits and pick reputable providers.


Hot Springs & Pools
Termas de la Virgen: Right in town, with pools ranging from scalding hot to icy cold. Go in the evening for fewer crowds and a fun atmosphere. Affordable at $6 adults / $3 kids.
El Salado Pools: A more local option, slightly out of town. Warmer water and quieter vibe, but facilities are basic.
Easy Family Fun
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Town playgrounds & plazas: Perfect for low-energy days. Grab ice cream at Milo’s Heladería and let the kids run while you sip coffee.
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Market strolls: The main market is great for fresh fruit, cheap lunches, and a peek into local daily life.


Hiking routes
we did both routes for the around the La Virgen viewpoint, First one is the 1km uphill climb with steps, steep but rewarding, and free and straight to La Virgin. Our kids loved spotting the town from above.
The other is a 3km+ route which you can make shorter and go a route to la virgin or follow the path and basically walk the width of Baños. Both are rewardign and worth it.


Where to Eat in Baños With Kids

One of the best parts of Baños is how easy (and affordable) it is to feed a family. From $4 set lunches to homemade ice cream, even picky eaters will find something they like.
Almuerzos (Set Lunches)
Almuerzos are everywhere in Baños, expect a soup, main dish, juice, and sometimes dessert for just $3–4 per person. We loved eating at Mi Vecino, which had plenty of veggie options and kid-friendly plates, also was amazing value for money.
Sweet Treats
Milo’s Heladería: Our kids declared this the best ice cream in Baños. Big scoops, fun flavours, and affordable (around $7 for our whole family).
Local bakeries: Fresh bread, empanadas, and pastries are perfect for on-the-go snacks. Baking Partners was our favourite


Cafés & Easy Eats
- Honey Coffee & Tea: Great coffee and the best big cookies, also have wifi and can chill on laptop
Soma Beer Garden: Great for parents, with space for kids to hang out, chill vibes, also a hostel.
Andes Specialty Coffee: For when you need a quality caffeine fix while the kids tackle a brownie.
Casa Hood: International menu and plenty of backpacker-family crossover.
Where to Stay in Baños With Kids

Baños has plenty of budget hostels and hotels, but when you’re traveling with kids, the right base can make or break your stay. We learned this the hard way.
Our first booking looked fine online, but when we arrived it turned out to be cramped, dark, and even had mold. Not exactly the environment you want for little ones (or sanity). So we switched, and found the place that ended up being perfect for our family.
Our Pick: Family Apartment Stay
The apartment we moved into was everything the first place wasn’t light, spacious, and with an extra room for work and study time. It had a full kitchen for simple meals, plus a washing machine and dryer, which is essential when your days are filled with hikes, hot springs, and muddy adventures.
As a bonus, the building included access to a gym and sauna upstairs, a rare find in Baños, and a real treat for parents.
👉 Book your stay here: Banos Appartment Stay
Other Family-Friendly Stays
Hostal La Floresta → Spacious rooms, garden area, and close to town.
Monte Selva Hotel → Pool, playground, and family rooms, great if your kids need energy burn between outings.
Parent tip: For short stays, go central so you can walk everywhere. For longer stays, prioritise space, light, and laundry, it makes family travel so much easier. Banos town is not a massive place so wherever you stay, you will not be too far from the centre.
Day Trips & Tours From Baños With Kids

One of the best things about Baños is how much you can see beyond the town itself. Whether you’ve got adventurous older kids or little ones who just want a fun ride, there are plenty of family-friendly tours and day trips.
Ruta de las Cascadas (Waterfall Route)
This scenic stretch follows the Pastaza River and passes multiple waterfalls, cable cars, and viewpoints. Families usually:
Rent bikes (better for older kids or with child seats).
Hop on a chiva (colorful open-air bus) for a lively, no-effort ride.
Or hire a driver if you want to go at your own pace.
The star of the route is Pailón del Diablo, but there are plenty of smaller stops along the way.
Amazon Day Trip
Baños sits right at the gateway to the Amazon. Several operators run day trips where you can visit indigenous communities, learn about rainforest plants, and spot wildlife. Great if you want a taste of the jungle without committing to a multi-day expedition.
Shorter Excursions
Casa del Árbol (Swing at the End of the World): Famous Instagram swing with views of Tungurahua volcano. There are smaller swings and ziplines nearby, making it fun for kids too.
Mountain biking tours: Teens and older kids can handle guided rides (with helmets provided). The scenery is epic, but check operator safety standards before booking.
Practical Tips for Families in Baños



Baños is set up for adventure, but when you’re travelling with kids, the little details can make the difference between a smooth trip and a meltdown. Here’s what we learned and what we would take in if we started again:
Getting Around
On foot: Most of Baños is walkable, and kids love the colourful streets and ice cream stops.
Taxis: Cheap, safe, and everywhere, great for short hops if little legs give out. But lets be honest its an easy way to get fit by walking more.
Tours vs DIY: For waterfalls and Amazon trips, tours take the stress off but add to your bank balance. But for the basics, you can easily do it yourself.
Weather & Packing
Layer up: Days can be warm and sunny, but evenings get chilly for the little ones. Always carry a light jacket or hoodie.
Rain gear: Showers roll in quickly, ponchos or compact umbrellas are lifesavers as Banos has its own weird ecosystem.
Shoes: Trails can be muddy; pack shoes with grip for everyone.
Budgeting
Food: Family meals run anywhere from $3–9 per person in local restaurants. Cafés with Western food cost more.
Activities: Expect to pay $1–2 for small attractions (like swings, theres plenty of them) and $10–20+ for adventure tours and then can be even more depending on the tour.
Transport: Taxis in town rarely cost more than a few dollars.
Spanish Basics
English isn’t widely spoken outside of tour operators. Knowing a few basics goes a long way:
Baño = bathroom (important with kids!)
Agua caliente = hot water
Cuánto cuesta = how much does it cost?
Parent Sanity Savers
Hot springs: Go early morning to beat the crowds, it’s a great way to start the day with relaxed kids. Also its only open Thursday – Sundays, we went on a Thursday and it was failry quiet which was great.
Playgrounds: Baños has its main playground close to where the thermal springs are, playground get super busy on weekend sbut it’s great for the kids to socialise
Downtime matters: It’s tempting to book every zipline and rafting trip, but kids will be happier if you mix in slow mornings and playground time.
Our Month in Baños (What We Learned as a Family)

Most families visit Baños for a few days. We ended up staying almost a month, and it completely changed how we think about family travel. Main one being yes slow travel is great but pick the right lace for a months stay.
The Right Space Matters
Our first apartment looked fine online but was cramped and damp, with mold creeping in the corners. Not exactly ideal when you’ve got kids in tow. Moving to a bright, spacious apartment with a washing machine and dryer was a game-changer. The extra room for work and study, plus a gym and sauna upstairs, gave us the balance we needed for longer-term travel.
It reminded us that a comfortable base isn’t a luxury, it’s what makes adventures sustainable as if you’re in a stay you’re not happy with you will find others ways to make you feel good aka but more food, alcohol or daily excursions and activities.
Laundry & Logistics Keep You Sane
Between muddy waterfall hikes and hot spring dips, laundry piles up fast. Having our own washer and dryer meant fewer stressful “what can we rewear?” mornings. It’s the kind of practical win you don’t think about until you’re travelling full-time.
But maybe it’s just me that does not enjoy saving up a pile of washing to then give someone else to wash or you have to wait around,
Slowing Down Is a Superpower
When you’re in a town with as much adventure as Baños, the temptation is to pack every day. But we learned the hard way that kids (and parents) burn out. Some of our favorite memories weren’t ziplining or biking, they were lazy mornings in cafés, afternoons hikes and evenings soaking in the hot springs.
Travelling slower doesn’t mean missing out, it means enjoying more of the moments you do have.
FAQ: Baños With Kids
Is Baños safe for families?
Yes, it’s a small, tourist-friendlytown. Standard big-city precautions apply (keep valuables tucked away, use licensed taxis at night), but we felt comfortable walking with kids even after dark.
How many days do you need in Baños with kids?
If you’re short on time, 2–3 days is enough for hot springs, a waterfall visit, and some town exploring. With 5–7 days, you can add the Amazon, the Ruta de las Cascadas, and still leave space for downtime.
What age is Baños best for?
It works for all ages, but the sweet spot is school-aged kids (6–12). They can handle the hikes, love the swings, and still enjoy simple things like plazas and ice cream. Teenagers will thrive with the adventure sports.
What’s the food like for picky eaters?
Plenty of local spots serve rice, chicken, and soups — easy for kids. Plus, there are pizza, pasta, and burger restaurants if you need a break from Ecuadorian staples.
What’s the best way to visit the waterfalls with kids?
Skip the full bike route if your kids are little. Either rent bikes with child seats, hop on a chiva (colorful open-air bus), or hire a taxi for the day.
Final Thoughts: Why Baños Belongs on Your Family Itinerary

Baños, South America is a rare travel sweet spot, packed with adventure, yet small and safe enough to explore with kids. Whether you’re soaking in hot springs, flying on swings, or biking past waterfalls, it’s the kind of place that sticks with you long after you leave.
For us, Baños was more than a stopover, it was where we learned that family travel isn’t about ticking off the most sights. It’s about finding a rhythm that works for everyone, and sometimes that means trading chaos for slow mornings and simple joys.
👉 If Ecuador is on your list, don’t skip Baños. It might just be the place your kids talk about for years.