| The Town of Baños |
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Driving south from Quito past Cotopaxi along the 'Avenue of the Volcanoes' is the city of Baņos cradled in a deep sub-tropical valley. The extreme vertical nature of this region and the different micro-climates of its surroundings make for stunning views, but the real eye-catcher is Tungurahua Volcano where a constant plume of ash erupts from its summit.
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Baños, meaning "Baths" in spanish, is a small town that lies in a verdant sub tropical valley surrounded by checkered agricultural landscapes, an ash plumbing volcano, numerous waterfalls (where the town gets its name from), cloud forests (ideal for bird watching) and wild orchids. The town is also known as “the door to the amazon rainforest ”. It offers a great opportunity for hiking, horseback riding, biking or simply strolling through town looking for handcrafts or being delighted by the ability of the local toffee makers pounding the mixture in full view of passers by. Of course, you can’t miss relaxing at one of the many thermal springs in town. |
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ACTIVITIES IN BAÑOS |
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Baños City Tour
The town of Baños is famous for its miraculous Virgin and delicious homemade toffee! A walk around the streets of this town will allow you to visit local artisans and take a short trip to San Martin Canyon. The town has a great number of parks, churches and shops that are sure to catch the interest of any visitor. You are certain to spot a few locals making toffee in their shops that face the streets.
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The Devil's Cauldron
Not far away from Baños, passing by the Agoyan waterfall and after an easy walk from the main road, we arrive at the “Green River”. A short walk through a transitional forest from the highlands to the jungle, we encounter three consecutive falls that form a swirling waterfall whose sprinkle creates a humid environment where the lush vegetation thrives in a tropical forest. From the suspension bridge just by the waterfall, “The Prince of Darkness” face is very easily spotted, hence the name of the waterfall.
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Ines Maria Waterfall
Crossing over the bridge over San Martin’s Gorge and walking downhill a few minutes you arrive at a secluded place with a great view of a huge basalt’s rock from which the waterfall and the enormous swirl made by the foamy water can be seen; it is like a million white butterflies flying around the waterfall. A wonderful place to relax.
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Saint Martin Zoo
Saint Martin Zoo is the ideal place for children and for photographers. The zoo has an important collection of local animals from the highlands and the Amazon rain forest. It was developed and constructed taking advantage of the environment formed by natural rock and surrounded by orchids, bromelias and endemic trees.
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