Difference between revisions of "Baños"

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Church of the Virgin of the Holy Water

Baños (de Agua Santa) is a small city in the Andean highlands of Ecuador under the smoke of volcano Tungurahua. Its name, which is Spanish for "Baths (of sacred water)," comes from the famous hydrothermal springs in the area. It's equally popular with foreigners as with Ecuadorians and is known as the adventure capital of Ecuador. The streets are lined with hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops and tour agents. Although it seems a bit touristy and artificial lots of people love it and it's definitely worth a visit. It's an important hub for outdoor sports and jungle tours.

Get in

The small bus terminal is on the north edge of town and is within walking distance to the center and most all hotels. However if you need to catch a taxi, it should cost you less than $1.

There are frequent connections to Baños from Quito (3.5 hours, $3.50), Riobamba (2 hours, $2) and Guayaquil (5.5 hours, $7.00). Be aware there are reports of scams on the Amazonas bus company, whereby passengers are ditched in the southern districts of Quito. When they buy another ticket with another company, they are told they have to return to Quito and argue for a refund. The closest bigger town is Ambato (1 hour, $1) and there are very frequent buses between the two towns. The road between Baños and Riobamba is currently closed, so if you´re headed anywhere south you will need to backtrack via Ambato and then head south.

Get around

Easy, just walk. Nowhere is more than a 15 minute walk from where you start and usually even less. It is relatively flat in the city centre.

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

There are also plenty of taxis around should you need one.

See

The neo-gothic interior of the church

• Cascada de La Virgen waterfall
• Church of the Virgin of the Holy Water (Nuestra Señora del Agua Santa). 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 multiple volcanic eruptions.

Do

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

Massage

The best massage studios are all on the same street, within 50m 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.

Hiking

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!

Mountain biking

Several agencies rent out mountain bikes (5$ a day or $1.25 a 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 61km, 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 bypassses 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.

Rafting

Many companies organize rafting trips to the nearby 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 of 2009, a French tourist drowned when the boat capsized. Be careful!

ATVs and Dirt Bikes

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.

Jungle Tours

Many kinds of tours are organized to the Amazonas 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 usually also bundle the tour with rafting if you want. Shop around a bit for the package and price that best suits your wishes. 20 dollars for the trip.

Bunjee Jumping

Several tour operators offer bridge jumping. There are two bridges this is done from, one is much higher than the other. Although the operators are not covered by any kind of liability insurance, the rigging equipment is of high quality and done professionally.

Rapelling

Dozens of tour operators offer rapelling down waterfalls (canyoning).

Buy

There are a lot of different places to buy handicrafts, there are a lot of small business in front of the church in the middle of the town.

Eat

At the market you can find decent meals from $1 to 1,5$. All around the city are a lot of restaurants, from fast food to Italian food.

Sugar Cane Taffy (Melcocha)

Melcocha

The abundance of sugar cane in the area makes this version of the taffy a popular local treat. In store fronts that sell it you are likely to see it being made by pulling it and beating it against sturdy door frames.

Drink

Flaming Bob Marley - Leprechaun Bar

• Leprechaun Bar, On Alfaro between Oriente and Espejo. As of mid-2009, this is the happening place for travelers and hip people in Baños to hang out. By the front bar there is a large dance floor with the DJ playing a variety of music. Upstairs is a smaller dance floor. But the real gem of the place is the back yard, which has another bar, a stage for occassional live music, and a large fire pit that the staff keeps roaring all night long on weekends. Be sure to try the signature "Flaming Bob Marley" shot.

Sleep

• Hostel Transilvania [1] 16 de Diciembre y Oriente Big bright rooms and a great, relaxed atmosphere. Run by two backpackers who know exactly what budget travelers need and want. Tons of free amenities, gorgeous views and a their own fantastic restaurant next door. +59332742281

• Backpackers Paradise - Princesa Maria, Rocafuerte y Mera, Baños, Tel: 03 2741 035 holaprincesamaria1@hotmail.com A bit of a walk from the main strip, but a friendly budget option with free internet and wifi, kitchen, DVD player and good hot showers.

• Plantas y Blanco, Martinez y 12 de Noviembre, Baños, Tel: 03 740 044. [2] Opened 13 years ago by French owner Michel Leseigneur, this is one of the old favourites in Baños with it's great location in the centre of town.

• La Casa Verde, El Camino Real, Banos, ☎ 086 594189, [3]. Small, nice Ecohotel, driven by an kiwie/aussie couple. Excellent breakfast with home made bread. $10 dorm / $28 twin.

• El Marques Posada, Pasaje V. Ibarra y Av. Montalvo, Baños, ☎ 03 740053, [4]. Located at the foot of the magnificent Cascada de la Virgin, El Marques Posada is a sociable and welcoming hostel decorated with warm colours and boasting incredible views of Baños from the roof terrace.

• La Chimenea, Luis A Martinez & Rafael Vieira (Coming from the bus station, continue 4 blocks along Calle Maldonado and turn left onto Calle Martinez. From there, you'll find La Chimenea around six blocks along and on your right.), ☎ 03 274 2725, [5]. checkout: 12:00. Really nice place, very good value. Lovely roof-top terrace / cafe. Friendly, relaxed, and helpful staff. Every room is clean and modern, with hot water and balcony. No TV's. Internet computers in lobby (free). Swimming pool and jacuzzi (temporarily out of service as of February 2010). Steam baths available for rent. Information about the area. $7.50 per person.

• La Floresta Hospedaje, Montalvo y Thomas Halflants, Banos, ☎ 032741824, [6]. Mid range hotel with large airy rooms, spotlessly clean, helpful English speaking staff, a pleasant garden and excellent breakfast $500 US.
• Mayra's House, Oriente Y Eduardo Tapia 112, ☎ 593 3 2742 850, [7]. Self Contained Apartments: Choice of Studio or One bedroom, all with private bathroom, cable T.V., fridge and fully equipped kitchen. All have access to rooftop terrace with stunning views of Baños.

Splurge

• Luna Runtun, Caserio Runtun Km. 6, ☎ 593 3 274 0882, [8]. This adventure spa is located on a ridge high above the city and features swimming pools filled with volcanically heated water.
• Samari, Av. de las Amazonas Vía a Puyo Km. 1, ☎ +593 - 3 - 2741 855, [9]. This all inclusive spa resort is the premier accommodation in the city.

Learn

• Mayra's Spanish School, Montalvo and 16 de Diciembre, ☎ 593 3 2742 850, [10]. 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. $6/hr.

Get out

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