Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
lights. Many chivas even have dancing sections in the back. Not exactly a trip you'd bring
your sick grandmother on, they speed packed groups of travelers out of Baños and along
the Route of The Waterfalls where they make stops at ziplining stations, cable-car rides, a
waterfall hike, various overlooks, fishing opportunities and bridge-jumping spots. At
$3-$5, the chivas are like mobile clubs riding through the wilderness and probably the
wackiest (and coolest) two hours you'll have in Baños.
Cycling the Waterfall Route
One of Ecuador's most celebrated adventure activities is cycling the Waterfall Route from
Baños to Puyo, 37 mile (60 km) downhill journey that starts off on the roadside before
veering off along a scenic cliffside path that leads to the jungle. Riders can either go with
a group and guide or rent a bike from one of the many agencies in town and meet them in
Puyo, where the operator will have them transported with the bike back to Baños.
Horse and dirt bike rentals are also available in the city center where a variety of jungle
tours can be arranged, most of which aim to immerse the traveler in native jungle com-
munities for several days. Baños is also a great base to try the water sport canyoning,
which involves repelling down waterfalls only to scramble back up their bluffs (it's all the
rage.) Trout fishing is popular in and around town since many locals own their own trout
farms some of whom open them up to tourism. Since the Amazonian tributary
Río
Pastaza
wraps around Baños, world-class rafting opportunities abound, from half-day
tours to 10 day Amazon River adventures.
Hot Springs & Spas
•
La Virgen Springs
Montalvo City Center
$
These hot springs are centrally located but still 'away from it all' sitting at the foot of a
high mountain wall. The water is heated from 70
°
and can get pretty packed.
•
El Salado Springs
1.5 miles (2 km) from town center, 1 more up Vía El Salado
