Baños

Baños (de Agua Santa) is a small city in the Andean Highlands of Ecuador under the smoke of volcano Tungurahua. Popular with both foreign and domestic visitors coming for outdoor activities, Baños has been known as the adventure capital of Ecuador.

Baños Halal Travel Guide

The name of Baños, which is Spanish for "Baths (of sacred water)," comes from the famous hydrothermal springs in the area. The streets are lined with hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops and tour agents. Although the city seems a bit tourist and artificial — even to the extent that it's nicknamed "Gringobamba" by some — lots of people love it and it's definitely worth a visit. It's an important hub for outdoor sports and jungle tours, tours to the volcano Tungurahua and a pilgrimage destination.

Tungurahua throws more than just its shadow on the city — it's also a threat to Baños. During a major eruption in 1999, Baños and surroundings were evacuated as a precaution. The volcano has been continuously erupting since 2000 and intensity temporarily increases several times a year.

Weather in Baños

Only around 150 kilometers from the Equator, expect the same temperatures around the year — a little more than 20°C during the day and lows of 12-13°C during the night, creating a daily average of about 17°C. The fact that the city is 1,800 m above sea level moderates the temperatures. As with much of the Andes and the combination of high altitude and equatorial location means some of the most intense UV-radiation in the world so do protect you skin from sunburn. Also and the rain season is not as abrupt and noticable as in many other tropical locations. The driest months, October to February, get about half the amount of monthly rainfall compared to June (the wettest month) and the transition is comparatively slow.

Tourist information

Tourist Info Th. Halflants between Ambato and Rocafuerte GPS -1.39803,-78.42308 at Parque Central Palomino Flores, a few minutes of walk west of the market| +593 3 2740 483 Open all day with a good selection of brochures and maps.

Travel to Baños

Road is the only way to get in; the closest airport is in Quito and there is no railway.

Travel by Bus to Baños

The small bus terminal (terminal terrestre) is on the north edge of town and is within walking distance to the center and most hotels.

There are frequent connections to Baños from Quito's southern Quitumbe terminal (3½ hours, $4.45), Riobamba (2 hours, $2) and Guayaquil (5½ hours, $7). The closest bigger town is Ambato (1 hour, $1.10 from Terminal Mayorista, $2.20 from main terminal) and buses go frequently between the two towns. Coming from the east and there are connections from Tena.

There are reports of scams on the Amazonas bus company, whereby passengers are ditched in the southern neighborhoods of Quito. When ditched passengers then buy another ticket with another company and they are told they have to return to Quito and argue for a refund.

How to travel to Baños by car

Baños is east of Ambato and already half way into the deep Amazon. Coming from the north (e.g. Quito), turn off the Panamericana in Ambato and drive some 45 kilometers east to get to Baños. It's a scenic drive through the steep Andes.

Get Around in Baños

Easy, just walk. Nowhere is more than a 15-minutes walk from where you start and even less. It is relatively flat in the downtown.

Also check out the mountain biking section should you wish to explore further afield.

There are plenty of taxis around should you need one. For most places in town a ride should cost you less than $1.

Motorcycles can be rented for $15/hr for a 250cc off-road style bike. They will not ask for a license but will hold onto your passport. The agency near Hotel Passiflora has good quality Honda bikes maintained just as well. Be sure to take photos of the bike before you drive it away.

What to see in Baños

While the town is mostly about activities and there are still places to see.

Cascada de La Virgen | -1.3985,-78.4175 - Thit is the main waterfall near the town center which empties near the thermal baths.

Church of the Virgin of the Holy Water - Nuestra Señora del Agua Santa | -1.39713,-78.42101 - This neo-Gothic style church is named after the vision of the Virgin Mary seen near the appropriately named waterfalls and is therefore a place of pilgrimage for those who come to thank the Virgin for many miracles and to ask for her blessing. It was built with many volcanic rocks and the inside is lined with paintings depicting the Virgin's miracles, including saving the church from several volcanic eruptions.

Eco Zoo San Martin -1.3969,-78.4363 - The local zoo is quite large and features animals from various parts of Ecuador; monkeys, Andean bears, tayras (these may poop on visitors!) and jaguars, birds including condors, toucans and parrots and Galapagos tortoises from but also snakes and tarantulas. Mirador de Bellavista -1.3996,-78.4149 Opening Hours: Viewpoint from where you can see Baños and the Pastaza river valley it's located in.

Parque de la Basilica GPS -1.39770,-78.42103. Lively park right next to the basilica. Parque Central Palomino Flores GPS -1.39791,-78.42344. The urban oasis just west of downtown is lined by the city hall and tourist information. Parque Montavalo GPS -1.40006,-78.42066. A park in the south of the city - Puente San Fransisco GPS -1.393833,-78.424585. The bridge across the deep Pastaza Gorge is just north of downtown and a world class place for bungeejumping.

Outside the city

Manto de la novia | -1.4045,-78.3361 Ruta de las Cascadas, about 10 kilometers east of Baños - This dynamic waterfall sometimes features two distinct chutes and has a cable vehicle ride available.

Pailon de diablo | -1.4047,-78.2957 Ruta de las Cascadas, near Río Verde about 15 kilometers east of Baños - Thit is the most impressive of the falls in the area with an option to hike to the source for a closer look.

Tungurahua is described in the Do section below.

Top Travel Tips

The Pastaza river valley, which Baños sits in the middle of, is a canyon with several waterfalls and begins instantly east of Baños. In addition to the waterfalls there is a botanical garden, funiculars, bungee jumping and ziplines (up to one kilometer long). Ruta de las Cascadas is a biking route through the Pastaza river valley and one of Ecuador's most famous biking routes.

There are dozens of travel agencies offering rafting, climbing to Cotopaxi, mountain bike rental, multiple day trekking, jungle tours, etc. Shop around.

Activities

Several tour operators offer bridge jumping. There are two bridges thit is done from, one is much higher than the other. Although the operators are not covered by any kind of liability insurance and the rigging equipment is of high quality and done professionally.
Many companies organize rafting trips on the Pastaza river. The rapids range from class II to IV, depending on the recent rainfall. A half-day trip costs about $30–35 and you are best off going with a respected, well-known organizer. The water is not too cold but beware of sunburn where the wet suit doesn't cover. In June 2009, a French tourist drowned when the boat capsized. Be careful! As of December 2018 and the main rafting operator continues to have poor safety standards, with people regularly falling out of the boats, putting them at risk of being caught in undercurrents and drowning.
Several tour operators offer ziplining.
Dozens of tour operators offer rappelling down waterfalls (canyoning).
ATVs (all-terrain vehicles) and motocross bikes abound in the town and you can easily rent one for a couple of hours or days. The hills surrounding the town provide good views of the town and the volcano and climbing to the antenna or to the cross are both good options. You can also drive down to Puyo if you don't feel like biking.
Parque Aventura San Martin -1.39459,-78.441592 ☎ +593 98 498 6245 $20+$5 for some photos and a video - Well-run set of cables with competent guides and good name-brand gear. The zipline trip goes once into a crevasse between two rocks at a mild incline, followed by a climb, a rope bridge and a zipline back to nearly the start point. It's about 10 minutes out of town and takes 15-20 min to complete the circuit.

Casa del Arbol -1.4187,-78.4264 - Swing towards the mountains in the famous Casa del Arbol. Entrance costs $1. There are 2 swings with 2 more in construction. To get there, either hike (3 hr) or take a bus ($1 - 30 min). The bus generally comes back 1½ hours after it left you at the Casa del Arbol. In high season and the wait lines for the swings can grow quite big.

Take a scenic ride with the colourful local minivans that do tours daily along the route of cascades all the way to Cascada el Pailón del diablo (entrance 2$) at 10:30, 13:30 and 15:30 together with the nocturnal tours with the night view from Bellavista departing at 19:00 and 21:00. Tickets can be purchased at any of the numerous travel agencies around the town but then you pay 5$ when you can get them for 3$ at the dedicated office of Chivas close to the bus terminal in the junction of the streets Eugenio Espejo And Thomas Halflants. The Chivas vans depart and arrive at this location.

Wellness

Baños is not just well-known for its adventures, but also for healing.

The best massage studios are all on the same street, within 50 m of each other. They are all $20/hour. Try Xu Jing Casa de Salud for an excellent massage from a wise old Chinese woman. Corner of Luis A. Martínez and Eloy Alfaro, across from Casa Hood.

Bioethika Center for Healing at Luis A. Martinez and Thomas Haflants GPS -1.39870,-78.42332 next to the Libreria Cafe - An Ayurvedic clinic, which offers many kinds of Ayurvedic treatments including Ayurvedic massages.

Termas de la Virgen -1.3988957,-78.4182738 ☎ +593 98 721 3874 $2 Right next to the waterfalls, this public set of pools holds the heated water bubbling up from inside the earth. Reportedly the water is quite cloudy and does not look too fresh. $2 entry fee and they will keep your stuff behind the counter in a plastic bin. It is hygienic: they require you to change and shower before entering the pools. Nice view of the waterfall and they channel some of that water for a rustic cold shower after your hot dip.

Take a Hiking Tour in Baños

Around Baños there are several easy trails. The tourist office (calle T. Halflants at the park) can provide simple maps. On some trails you can find many signs on the way, though the indicated distances seem to be quite contradictory. Head up to the statue of the Virgin Mary which overlooks the town for nice views, but be warned, it's a heart-pumping hike!

Tungurahua -1.4691,-78.4478 ☎ +593 987173573 (for Ricardo Robalino - the operator of the refugio) $5 if you stay overnight at the refugio With its crater at 5023 m (16,480 ft) this active volcano provides strenuous hikes just south of Baños. You can hike up from the center of Baños (1800 m, 5900 ft) or take a taxi to the ranger station of San National Park (2800 m, 9200 ft) and start from there. From the center go towards Termas el Salado. On the road that leads to the baths, take the first right to find the marked start of the trail. The first part of the unmarked but mostly obvious trail takes you up to the hamlet of Pondoa (2400 m, 7900 ft) which has a small restaurant. There follow the paved road that later turns into a dirt track up to the ranger station where you need to register (free). A steep and unmarked but obvious trail goes from there to the refugio at 3800 m (12,500 ft) where you could stay overnight ($5 per person) to enjoy the clearer views in the early morning. This hut has a basic kitchen, water access and a few thin mats to sleep on. Thit is where you need to turn around unless you brought a guide. It is forbidden to go any further on your own because of the quickly changing weather conditions and the trail that is hard to follow in foggy conditions. Finally and there are bus tours (around $3) that drive up the mountain opposite the volcano. From there, you can see glowing lava if it isn't cloudy and the volcano isn't producing too much smoke.

Biking

Several agencies rent out mountain bikes ($10 a day or $2.25 an hour). But make sure that you or someone with experience checks out the bikes and ensures that they are safe to use. Especially check if the gear is clean and oiled enough - bikes look really good, but are sometimes not maintained like they should be. Also be sure to understand who has to pay for damage to the bike should it occur.

A popular ride is the 61 km, mostly downhill, to Puyo. The first 18 km to Rio Verde is strewn with impressive waterfalls, some reached by mini cable cars across the valley. Rio Verde's Pailón del Diablo is the most dramatic. The frequent tunnels on this road mostly have bike bypasses and the only one you need to go through is the first one. There are good signs indicating where to go all the way to Puyo. From Rio Verde or Puyo there are frequent buses back to Baños, some of which will put you bike on the roof. It is also fairly easy to hitchhike your way back on a pick-up truck.

You can also sometimes include a small bungee-style jump off a bridge some 30 minutes from Baños.

Jungle tours

Many kinds of tours are organized to the Amazon jungle from day trips to the edge to two week adventures deep in the jungle. You will get to meet natives in their villages, swim under a waterfall and see at least some small wild animals like frogs, fish and spiders. You can also bundle the tour with rafting if you want. The tours around Puyo have a price range of about $35-50 per day, but no matter how much you pay, you'll probably end up on the same bus, eat the same food and stay at the same place, so shop around a bit before booking.

Events

City festival - Takes place mid-December.

Study in Baños

Mayra's Spanish School - Montalvo and 16 de Diciembre - ☎ +593 3 2742 850 $150 for a week with 20 hours of classes Mayra's Spanish School was established in 1998 and is officially recognized by the Ministry of Education and Culture of Ecuador. The school is centrally located in Baños with modern facilities, including comfortable classrooms, a library, bathrooms and kitchen. Lessons are available mornings, afternoons, evenings or weekends. Also rents out rooms and apartments.

Shopping in Baños

There are a lot of different places to buy handicrafts and there are a lot of small business in front of the church in the middle of the town. In the markets of the city you can find a great selection of fruit. There you can also find cuy (roasted guinea pig), a specialty of the native Andean cuisine.

Halal Restaurants & Food in Baños

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Baños

Baños - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Baños, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Baños. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Baños and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Baños. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Baños. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Baños: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Baños.

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Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Baños, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Baños, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

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The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Baños is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Baños.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Baños is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Baños, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Baños Media: info@ehalal.io

Buy Muslim Friendly condos, Houses and Villas in Baños

eHalal Group Baños is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Baños. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, client satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Baños.

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Ramadan Celebrations in Baños

Ramadan 2025 in Baños

Ramadan concludes with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which may last several days, usually three in most countries.

The next Ramadan shall be from Friday, 28 February 2025 to Saturday, 29 March 2025

The next Eid al-Adha shall be on Friday, 6 June 2025

The next day of Raʾs al-Sana shall be on Thursday, 26 June 2025

The next day for Mawlid al-Nabī shall be on Monday, 16 September 2024

Muslim Friendly Hotels

La Floresta Hospedaje - Montalvo y Thomas Halflants, Banos GPS -1.39998,-78.42311 ☎ +593 32741824 $72-119 for a room Hotel with large airy rooms, spotlessly clean, helpful English speaking staff, a friendly garden and excellent breakfast.

Hostal Isla de Baños Thomas Halflants y Montalvo -1.40044,-78.42318 ☎ +593 3 2741511 double room $63 - Features laundry, postal service, Internet and safe are available.

Hostería Miramelindo - Via Baños-Puyo Km. 15 Parroquia Rio Verde -1.4012,-78.3359 ☎ +593 3 249 3004 rates from $70

Luna Runtun - Caserio Runtun Km. 6 -1.404457 -78.417644 Vía a Runtun Km 6 ☎ +593 3 274 0882 rates from $254 - This adventure spa is located on a ridge high above the city and features swimming pools filled with volcanically heated water.

Posada Del Arte - Calle Pasaje V. Ibarra -1.40005,-78.41875 ☎ +593 3 2740 083 | fax $38/person including breakfast, room price depends on the number of guests A very calm place, this posada has 15 rooms each of which is unique. All rooms have private bathroom and are decorated with Ecuadorian art. Some have a fireplace, some have a jacuzzi, though no room has a tv.

Samari Av. de las Amazonas Vía a Puyo Km. 1 -1.3958,-78.4078 ☎ +593 3 2741 855 rates from $189 This all-inclusive spa resort is among the most expensive lodgings in the city. Rooms have comfortable beds, cable tv, free Wi-Fi and large bathrooms. Rates include Wi-Fi, breakfast and access to the hotel's Spa area.

Stay Safe

Hospital Betesda Calle de los Rosales, Barrio El Recreo -1.40022, -78.42596 | ☎ +593 3 2740643 - Private general hospital.

Emergency numbers in Baños

Police: 101
Ambulance: (03) 2741 367 ext. 25
Firefighters: (03) 2740 500

News & References Baños

Go Next

Quito — the capital is a couple of hours on the road to the northwest.
Puyo]— to the northeast, here you can see a stunning waterfall and it is a gateway to the Amazon.
Riobamba — to the south, thit is Ecuador's third largest city and next to it is Chimborazo, whose summit is the point furthest away from the Earth's center.
Llanganates National Park - north of Baños - In Cotopaxi, Tungurahua, Pastaza and Napo provinces.