The Ultimate Baños Bucket List: 25 Things to Do in Ecuador’s Adventure Capital
If Ecuador had a capital of adventure, it would be Baños.
Tucked between towering waterfalls, hot springs, and the looming shadow of the Tungurahua volcano, Baños is where locals and travelers alike come to chase adrenaline, soak in thermal baths, and eat more melcocha (hand-pulled taffy) than anyone reasonably should.
In this guide, I cover all the top things to do in Baños, some things we did personally and other we did not do but worth doing. I also share below places to stay, where to go, where to eat etc
Basically its everything I know from travelling here for a month
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🚗 Getting around: You can Rent a car or use Uber to get around.
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🏨 Best base: This Hotel is central but just slightly out of the noise La Floresta, Parking, family rooms, restaurant
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🗺️ Top day trip: Book great days trips like the 8 Waterfalls or tour of the amazon.
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📱 Data: Buy an Airalo eSIM before you fly.
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🛡️ Insurance: Lightweight family insurance coverage
Here’s the thing: most people only scratch the surface. They come for a weekend, tick off the “big three” (Pailón del Diablo, the Swing at the End of the World, and the hot springs), then move on.
We stayed for a month with our kids. And in that time, we learned there are far more than just a handful of attractions here. From heart-stopping canyon swings to quiet fruit markets, Baños is a place that keeps surprising you.
Here’s the ultimate Baños bucket list, 25 things to do in Ecuador’s adventure capital. Some you’ll find in every guidebook, others you probably won’t.
Adventure & Adrenaline In Baños
1. Ride the Famous Swing at the End of the World (Casa del Árbol)
Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, it’s all over Instagram. But sometimes clichés exist for a reason. Casa del Árbol the swing that sends you soaring into the clouds with Tungurahua Volcano in the background. We did not get chance to do this, or well decided not to do this in the end for more hikes.
Pro tip: go early in the morning to avoid long queues, and don’t miss the smaller playground swings nearby.
2. Try the Canyon Swing (for the brave!)
Forget bungee jumping, Baños has the canyon swing, a free-fall that turns into a giant pendulum over the river gorge. Not for the faint of heart (we skipped this with the kids, for obvious reasons), but if you’re an adrenaline junkie, this is one of Baños’ ultimate thrills.
3. Go Whitewater Rafting on the Pastaza River
The Pastaza River runs wild through the valley, and rafting trips here range from family-friendly rapids to full-on thrill rides. Most outfitters in town can arrange trips, and it’s one of the best ways to see the jungle scenery.
4. Zipline Across the Valleys
There are multiple zipline courses outside Baños, some taking you right across valleys with waterfalls below. Our kids were too young for the full runs, but older children (and adults) will love the rush.
5. Rock Climb in Town
Here’s a surprise most tourists don’t expect: Baños has a rock climbing gym right in the center of town. It’s the perfect rainy-day activity, and a safe way to dip into the adventure vibe if canyon swings aren’t your thing. Our kids loved clambering up the beginner walls.
Waterfalls & Hikes in Baños
6. Cycle (or Drive) the Ruta de las Cascadas
This is the classic Baños day trip, a 20km stretch dotted with waterfalls and adventure activities. Most backpackers cycle it, but with kids, we opted to rent a jeep instead. That way, we could stop whenever we wanted, explore at our own pace, and avoid the uphill slog back.
7. Hike to Cascada de Machay
While everyone else heads for Pailón del Diablo, Cascada de Machay quietly gushes just outside town. It’s far less crowded and feels like a little secret. We drove out with our rented jeep, and it was one of the most peaceful afternoons we had.
8. Visit Pailón del Diablo (Devil’s Cauldron)
No Baños list is complete without it. The sheer power of Pailón del Diablo is unforgettable, water thundering so hard it shakes the ground beneath you.
The family trick? Take the local bus instead of booking a tour. It’s cheap, fun, and gives you the flexibility to decide how long you stay. Be prepared to get soaked.
9. Check Out Manto de la Novia via Cable Car
Another waterfall, another thrill, but this time, the fun is the journey. The cable cars (tarabitas) shoot you across the gorge toward the Manto de la Novia falls. Our kids squealed the whole way. It’s touristy, yes, but a must.
10. Take on the La Virgen Hike (Two Routes Up)
The giant waterfall you see cascading over Baños town? You can climb up beside it.
There are two routes: the steep staircase (a workout, but worth it) and the longer, winding trail that’s easier with kids. The views over Baños are some of the best in town, especially at sunset.
11. Explore the Waterfall Sanctuary at Ulba
A short trip outside Baños, Ulba Waterfall feels like a hidden retreat. Easy trails, lush greenery, and far fewer crowds make it ideal for families or anyone looking to escape the chaos of town.
Hot Springs & Relaxation in Baños
12. Soak at La Piscina de la Virgen (Go Early!)
Right in town, these thermal pools sit beneath the La Virgen waterfall. They’re crowded most of the time, but if you go at opening early enough and remember its open from Thursdays to Sundays, you’ll share them mostly with locals easing into their day.
Our kids loved the slides whilst i alternated between the steaming hot pools and the freezing plunge, apparently, it’s great for circulation.
13. Try El Salado Hot Springs (Quieter Alternative)
A little out of town, El Salado offers a calmer experience. The pools are more spacious, and you’ll find fewer tourists here. Perfect if you want to avoid the packed crowds of La Virgen.
14. Pamper Yourself with a Baños Spa Day
Baños isn’t just about hardcore adventure, it’s also a spa town. You can find everything from volcanic mud wraps to massages, often at much lower prices than back home. After a day of hiking waterfalls with kids, this is a lifesaver.
Family-Friendly & Cultural in Baños
15. Visit Zoológico San Martín (with a Scenic Hike)
Perched on a hillside, this zoo focuses on rescued native animals, condors, ocelots, and monkeys. The best part? Hiking up to it. Instead of grabbing a taxi, we walked the scenic route with views over Baños. It turned the journey into part of the experience.
16. Join Local Festivals & Parades
Baños is one of those towns where something always seems to be happening. During our stay, we stumbled into carnival parades full of costumes, music, and foam spray. The kids loved it, and it was one of those “we couldn’t have planned this if we tried” moments.
17. Playtime at Baños’ Parks & Playgrounds
Sometimes the best thing to do is let kids be kids. Baños has several small parks and playgrounds where local families gather. It gave our kids a chance to make friends while we chatted with parents, a great reminder that travel isn’t all about sights.
18. Explore Local Markets (Fruit Tastings & $1 Juices)
Baños’ Mercado Central was a highlight for us. We let the kids choose new fruits to try, from dragonfruit to guava and ordered fresh juices for less than a dollar.
It’s also the best spot for cheap, hearty meals if you’re traveling on a budget.
19. Take a Chocolate Workshop (Bean to Bar Fun)
Ecuador is one of the world’s top cacao producers, and Baños is full of chocolate shops. Many run small workshops where you can see the process from bean to bar, and taste the results, of course. Great rainy-day activity.
Scenic Views & Day Trips in Baños
20. Ride the Cable Car Across the Río Pastaza
One of those “classic tourist” things that’s still worth it. Suspended high above the gorge, the cable cars give you epic views of the valley.
21. Take a Jeep Adventure into the Valleys
One of our favorite days was renting a jeep and heading into Cascadas. Total freedom, beautiful roads, and plenty of stops for roadside snacks and random waterfalls. It’s a great alternative if you don’t want to cycle everywhere. Though dont forget to turn the lights of on these (Automatic on) we made this mistake and locals had to help us jump start it.
22. Day Trip to Puyo - Gateway to the Amazon
Just an hour from Baños, Puyo feels like another world, humid, lush, and buzzing with jungle energy. It’s a great taste of the Amazon without needing a full expedition.
23. See Baños at Night from Bellavista Viewpoint
At night, Baños twinkles in the valley below. Bellavista is the easiest viewpoint to reach, and it’s magical after dark.
24. Catch Sunrise over Tungurahua Volcano
If you’re lucky and the skies are clear, seeing the sun rise over Tungurahua is unforgettable. The volcano is active, though often shrouded in clouds, so it’s a bit of a gamble.
Food & Nightlife in Baños
25. Eat at Baños’ Central Market
Simple, affordable, and authentic, this is where we ate some of our favorite meals in Baños. Think fresh trout, soups, and plenty of rice and beans.
26. Try Melcocha (Baños’ Famous Taffy)
Everywhere you walk in Baños, you’ll see shopkeepers stretching melcocha by hand on wooden hooks. It’s chewy, sweet, and uniquely Baños.
27. Sample Local Craft Beer or Cocktails
Baños may be small, but it has a surprisingly lively bar scene. For adults, try a local craft beer or enjoy cocktails in one of the town’s buzzing bars after the kids are asleep.
Wrap-Up
Baños is so much more than just a stopover on the way to the Amazon. It’s a playground for adventurers, a haven for families, and a town with enough surprises to keep you busy for weeks.
Whether you’re swinging over canyons, soaking in hot springs, or just eating your weight in melcocha, Baños delivers.
👉 Planning a family trip? Check out our full Baños Ecuador With Kids Guide for accommodation tips, itineraries, and more insider advice from our month in Ecuador.
