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Tour Baños Ecuador: 1 Day Adventure, Waterfalls & Nature Experience

Duration: 10 - Hours
From: $100 per person
Destinations: Banos de Agua Santa

Description

Culture, Food and Hot Springs on the Tour Baños Ecuador

Located just three hours from Quito, at the foot of the majestic Tungurahua Volcano, Baños de Agua Santa is one of Ecuador’s most exciting destinations and a must see highlight on the best Baños Ecuador tours.

This Tour Baños Ecuador is perfect for travelers looking to combine culture, gastronomy, nature, and relaxation in one unforgettable experience.

Known worldwide as the Gateway to the Amazon, Baños connects the Andes Mountains with the Amazon rainforest, making it an ideal destination for adventure lovers and cultural explorers alike. Our Tour Baños Ecuador from Quito begins along the scenic Pan-American Highway, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking landscapes, green valleys, and dramatic mountain views before reaching this vibrant town.

Once in Baños de Agua Santa, you’ll quickly understand why it is considered one of the top destinations for tours in Baños Ecuador.

Surrounded by mountains, lush cloud forests, thermal hot springs, and spectacular waterfalls, Baños offers a lively atmosphere that perfectly blends adventure and relaxation.

This Baños Ecuador tour allows you to experience the town at a comfortable pace while enjoying its most iconic attractions.

One of the main highlights of the Tour Baños Ecuador is a visit to the famous Devil’s Cauldron (Pailón del Diablo), one of the most impressive waterfalls in South America.

Here, you’ll walk along scenic trails surrounded by dense vegetation and feel the powerful force of the cascading water up close.
Learn more about Ecuador’s natural attractions .


Another unforgettable stop on this Baños Ecuador tour is the iconic Tree House (Casa del Árbol), home to the legendary End of the World swing. From this viewpoint, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the valley and Tungurahua Volcano, making it one of the most photographed spots on all Baños Ecuador tours.

During your Tour Baños Ecuador, you’ll also explore the lively downtown area, rich in color, tradition, and local culture. You’ll have the opportunity to taste traditional Ecuadorian flavors such as melcochas, empanadas de viento, and other regional specialties that reflect the town’s unique culinary identity. For relaxation, Baños’ famous natural hot springs well known for their healing properties offer the perfect way to unwind after a day of exploration.

Thanks to its strategic location, this experience can also be combined with an Amazon extension, making it ideal for travelers interested in a Baños Ecuador Amazon tour or extended Baños Ecuador Amazon tours. If you wish to continue your adventure, we also recommend combining this journey with Cotopaxi National Park, one of Ecuador’s most iconic natural reserves.
If you’re looking to extend your adventure, this Baños experience can be perfectly combined with our Cotopaxi and Baños Tour, allowing you to explore Cotopaxi National Park’s iconic volcano and Andean landscapes before continuing on to the waterfalls, hot springs, and vibrant atmosphere of Baños de Agua Santa

Inclusions

✔ Private Transportation.
✔ Certified Tour guide.
✔ Lunch
✔ Treehouse Swing in Banos de Agua Santa
✔ Devil's Cauldron Waterfall
✔ Cable Car Manto de la Novia Waterfall
❌ Personal Expenses
❌ Alcoholic and Non Alcoholic Beberages
❌ Tips

Highlights

  • Visit the Salasaca Artisan Market, also known as the Salasaca Art Plaza, or guinea pig tasting in Benítez.
  • City Tour: Walk the streets of Banos de Agua Santa and visit the Banos Church.
  • Travel to the Manto de la Novia waterfall, where we will ride the cable car over the Pastaza River.
  • Enjoy exploring the Agoyan waterfall, a beautiful waterfall that flows into the Pastaza River.
  • Have fun at the Tree House and the "End of the World" swing, perched on the edge of a mountain.
  • Arrive at Devil's Cauldron, Baños, a popular spot for its high waterfalls and powerful cascades.

Itinerary

    1. Tour to Banos de Agua Santa from Quito City

    Our excursion from Quito City to Banos de Agua Santa is a day trip. Be picked up by your guide from your hotel in the metropolitan area of Quito.

    This adventure begins on the Panamerican Highway. Then, we will follow the famous route of the volcanoes. Also, along the way, you will be able to enjoy a great view of the inter-Andean landscapes. If the sky is clear, you are probably able to observe the Cotopaxi volcano, Ilinizas, and other elevations.

    2. Traditional Roasted Cuy (Guinea Pig) Tasting (option 1)

    On our way to Baños de Agua Santa, we'll stop in Benítez. You'll have the opportunity to see up close how guinea pig, one of the most famous dishes of the Ecuadorian highlands, is prepared. If you wish, you can taste this delicacy that showcases Ecuador's rich traditions. A unique experience combining flavor and tradition.

    3. Salasaca Crafts Market (option 2)

    We'll stop at the Plaza del Arte in the parish of Salasaca, located on the Ambato-Baños de Agua Santa highway. This is where the Salasaca artisan market is located, renowned for its handicrafts woven with sheep and alpaca wool. You'll also find colorful ponchos and clothing such as hats, sweaters, gloves, and brightly colored tapestries.

    4. City tour in Banos de Agua Santa

    We continue our tour to Banos de Agua Santa. Once there, we'll take a tour to learn more about the charms of this small town, also known as "Banos, a little paradise."

    5. Agoyan Waterfall

    In the Agoyan waterfall, you can observe the best spectacle of the waterfall, and we can admire the landscape that nature offers. This waterfall is located 7 km from Banos de Agua Santa, along the Banos-Puyo road. This waterfall has a 40-meter drop that flows into the Pastaza River and is the highest waterfall in the Ecuadorian Andes.

    6. Cable Car in Manto de la Novia Waterfall

    The Manto de la Novia Waterfall, located near Banos, is a breathtaking natural attraction set amidst lush greenery. Its name, which translates to "Bridal Veil," perfectly describes the waterfall’s graceful descent as it cascades down the rocky cliffs, resembling the delicate folds of a bride's veil. The waterfall is fed by the Pastaza River, creating a powerful yet serene flow. 

    Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the falls from the surrounding lookout points or take an adventurous cable car ride that crosses the river, offering a unique vantage point to admire the beauty of the waterfall and the surrounding Andean landscape. Manto de la Novia is a must-see for nature lovers and adventure seekers exploring the scenic wonders of Banos.

    7. Guava Factory

    The Guava Factory in Banos de Agua Santa is a charming candy shop specializing in handmade sweets crafted from fresh guava fruit. Visitors can watch the candy-making process and sample a variety of delicious treats, including traditional guava paste and other local confections. It's a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth!

    8. Tree house and the swing at the end of the world

    After we will go to the Tree House, 30 minutes from Banos de Agua Santa. Here is the swing at the end of the world. The site offers several activities such as: walking, photography, and food. Similarly, you can enjoy an incredible view of the entire city. Additionally, you should know that we will meet on the slopes of the Tungurahua volcano. For this reason, this adventure will become unmatched.

    Lunch Time

    After city tours in Banos de Agua Santa. Next, we will enjoy a delicious lunch and a refreshing drink to regain energy.

    Devil's Cauldron Waterfall

    After lunch, we will head towards the Río Verde parish. We will visit the famous “Devil's Cauldron Waterfall.” They are located 18 kilometers from the city of Banos de Agua Santa. Perhaps, from the suspension bridge, you can appreciate the figure of the devil among the rocks.
    We will walk for 20 minutes until we reach the "Crack of Heaven." It is a formation of natural origin through which you must learn to pass. Going down some rock steps, you will come to a second viewpoint. Here you can enjoy the waterfalls up close. So, we recommend you bring your waterproof coat if you don't want to get wet. Here you can also enjoy its exuberant vegetation.

Price 2026

Group Size Private Tour Small Group Shared Tour
Price for 1 Passenger / Price per Person $ 279 $ 240 $ 100 Check availability in advance, especially for groups of 4 people. no lunch - no tickets
Price per Person from 2 to 4 participants $ 235 $ 185 (please first check availability) $ 100 Check availability in advance, especially for groups of 4 people. no lunch - no tickets
Price per Person from 5 or more participants $ 200 $ 162 $ 100 Check availability in advance, especially for groups of 4 people. no lunch - no tickets

GALLERY

The best photos of our guests

Baños Tour from Quito FAQs

Is it possible to take a one-day tour to Baños de Agua Santa?

Yes, it is! Our tour departs from Quito, allowing you to explore the main attractions of Baños de Agua Santa without any problems.

What to do in Baños de Agua Santa?

You can discover more places like the incredible waterfalls and tree houses and cold-water and thermal pools. Banos, the Adventure Capital, offers extreme sports such as canyoning, mountain biking, rafting, and bungee jumping. There are also activities for all ages, such as the cable car and the Baños "end of the world" swing.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?

Yes, the tour is designed to be enjoyed by people of all ages. However, some activities may require a certain level of physical exertion.

What types of activities are offered during the tour?

During the tour, you'll have the opportunity to visit waterfalls like Pailón del Diablo, enjoy swings overlooking the Tungurahua Volcano, and explore the natural surroundings of Baños de Agua Santa. Some activities may include hiking or even a swim in a river

What to bring to Banos de Agua Santa?

✅Comfortable clothing

✅Hiking shoes

✅Sunscreen

✅A light jacket in case the weather changes

✅A camera to capture the beautiful scenery.

✅If you plan to participate in water activities, don't forget to bring swimwear and a towel.

What Travellers Say About Real Dreams

Verified reviews · Real Dream Tours
Great tour company. Amazing tour guides. Safe driver !
We had the BEST time with Real Dream tours. Our tour guide was Andrés and our driver maybe (Javier) was the ABSOLUTE BEST. We went to the hot springs. Got there safely. We hiked a beautiful trail. Andres took some photos of us and pretty much took care of everything when we arrived at the spa. Andres was also very knowledgeable about the country. Educated us on some fun facts. We were traveling as a family of 5. The company is great! They personalized everything for us. They can customize anything you need. Even dropped us off at the airport after our relaxing day. Such great people. highly recommended! Will use them again.
tktun20906
washington dc
June 11, 2025
Quilotoa -day trip

Quilotoa is a beautiful place it’s worth the long trip from Quito. I would totally recomend. The views are just stunning.

Also our tour guide was Pedro. 10/10

Carol
Puerto Rico
March 10, 2025
Vielen Dank Pedro!
Ich hatte eine tolle Zeit mit meinem Guide Pedro. Vom hoch gelegenen Cotopaxi, über die im perfekten Sonnenschein schimmernde Quilotoa Lagune, zum abenteuerlichen Banos und schliesslich in den abgelegenen Regenwald in der Itamandi Lodge, hat Pedro alles gegeben um meine Reise perfekt zu machen.
Martin
May 21, 2025
Great company-book with confidence.

Andres made the day! We have hired many many different guides in many many different countries and Andres was one of the best we have had. He perfectly split the difference between information and giving us our space. He was attentive to our 10 year old…especially important on such a very long day. Keeping the little one going made for a successful day for all of us.

He and the driver spotted a toucan along a road and halted everything, hustled us out of the car and made sure we all saw it and got pictures. Well done!

We combined this tour with visits to both equator exhibits and while this was no fault of the tour company (they had informed us of road closures and we were not upset) it took us much longer to get back than planned and we nearly ran out of time. We got the photos we wanted so no harm no foul, but we cut it very close. I’m thankful for the good driver we had!

maureenehess
Bogota, Colombia
June 20, 2025
Fantastic trip to local market and beautiful nature.
Very nice trip to a very nice market. This is South America's largest outdoor market. Also got to stop at the original center of the world, and taste very good biscuits 😁
Helge B
July 12, 2025
Otavala Market
Great trip to the Otavalo market. Andrés was a wonderful guide who shared so much history and stories about Equador and the area. A great day tour from Quoto.
Martedal
July 9, 2025
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Get in touch with us!

Looking for a personalized experience? Tell us your travel dates, group size, and interests, and our local experts will help you design the perfect tour in Ecuador or the Galápagos Islands. This request is completely free and without obligation — we’re happy to adapt the itinerary, pace, and activities to match your travel style.
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Sonja R
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The perfect day I spent a glorious day with the dream team: Jimmy, the alert, cautious, and responsible driver, and Andres, the super kind, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic tour guide. The day exceeded my expectations: I saw and experienced everything I had heard about Cotopaxi and Banos - and then some. I learned a lot and felt extremely well taken care of. I highly recommend this trip to anyone who wants to see these two famous places in Ecuador in just one day. And if you’re lucky enough, you’ll be driven by Jimmy and guided by Andres.
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Voyager212497
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Ecuador with Andres and Jimmy!!!! Andres and Jimmy were awesome guides!!!! First time to Ecuador and loved every minute. Andres and Jimmy made the most of our day and introduced us to many local places. Just what we were looking for!
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Angela C
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Perfect Equador Tour!! Our guide, Miriam was absolutely amazing!! She shared all of the unbelievable information about her country and let us decide what we wanted to do on the tour.
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Stefano P
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Wonderful experience en la Sierra Esperienza indimenticabile. La nostra guida Ayrton è sempre stato disponibile, attento sia alle nostre necessità che alla nostra sicurezza. Sin dal momento del pick up ci ha dato innumerevoli informazioni sui luoghi che stavamo visitato, facendoci immergere completamente nella cultura Ecuadoriana. Prezzo del tour non economico, ma ne vale la pena.
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sv
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parfait camping parfait rien a dire sauf l'accès compliqué a la plage
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Jacki R
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Cotapaxi tour Andres was a wonderful, engaging, knowledgeable and very friendly tour guide. Both he and the driver, Diego, provided us with a highly memorable tour. This was our favorite tour out of our 4 days in Quito. A large part of it was due to Andres. We highly recommend Andres and Diego!
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Victoria K
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Great experience and company! This tour was absolutely wonderful from the adventure to the company of Ayrton. This walk was intense but totally worth it, i will do the summit next year. I’m very happy with the tour, from the pick up until the drop off! Ayrton is very friendly, knowledgeable, and he knows how to take the best photos that’ll last a lifetime ☺️ I’m very pleased, thank you so much for a great experience!
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Tani Davis
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Amazing views Andrés was an excellent tour guide. His knowledge of the zone, the fun facts, the trivia questions and the cool attitude made this experience one of a kind! Ciro was an excellent driver and got us back and forth safe. Thank you! The tour was just enough to get good photos from both places, grab lunch and head back. If you want to take a longer experience on either place, probably book a full day per location.
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L C
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Amazing experience I did a tour/hike of Cotopaxi with guide Andres and driver Jimmy. The scenery was gorgeous! The hike was challenging just due to the altitude but worth it for the views and seeing the Refugio. Guide Andres had so much great information about the history, people, geography and animals in the area. He was friendly and helpful and answered any questions I had about the area. Highly recommend this tour.
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Maddy C
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Book it – you won't regret it! Absolutely incredible experience – 10/10! I cannot recommend this tour enough! I booked a private day trip from Quito to Chimborazo, and it was truly one of the highlights of my nearly two months exploring Ecuador. I honestly can't believe more tourists don't visit Chimborazo — it is absolutely breathtaking, and such an amazing place to experience. I was picked up directly from my apartment, we stopped for breakfast, and then headed out toward Chimborazo. Irene was an absolutely FABULOUS guide — incredibly knowledgeable, warm, and genuinely passionate about Ecuador. I learned SO much from her throughout the day, and that is saying something, as I've already spent nearly two months exploring Ecuador! She shared so much fascinating information about the landscape, history, culture, and the area around Chimborazo. Jimmy was our driver and was equally wonderful. He has such a great sense of humor and was an excellent, very safe driver. He also came along on the hike with us, which was such a nice surprise! He also recommended a delicious restaurant for lunch. Irene and Jimmy were both so kind and made the entire day feel easy, fun, and comfortable. As a 22-year-old woman traveling alone, I also want to emphasize how truly safe and secure I felt the entire time. I was completely comfortable with both Irene and Jimmy, and they took such great care of me throughout the day. I never once felt worried or uncomfortable traveling so far from Quito on my own. And, the PHOTOS! Irene and Jimmy took FABULOUS pictures of me — genuinely better than anything I could have taken myself. They knew exactly where to stop and how to capture the scenery, and I came away with so many incredible photos and memories from the day. The hike itself was also amazing. I personally found it less difficult than hiking Cotopaxi, although the altitude is definitely challenging and should not be underestimated! The landscape is absolutely surreal, and being up there surrounded by that incredible scenery is an experience I will never forget. If you're considering doing this tour, book it! Especially if you're traveling alone, I could not recommend Irene and Jimmy more highly. They were knowledgeable, funny, kind, professional, and made the entire experience unforgettable. This was one of the best days I've had in Ecuador, and I am so grateful to them both! It's so worth it.

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