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Highlights from the Ultimate Day
5 AM — Soak Up the Healing Waters at Termas de La Virgen Hot Springs
A community project built in 1928, these baths are named for the Virgin Mary, who is said to have come here to dip her own feet. The baths vary in temperature — cold, others warm and one reaches an intense 42°C (118°F). The rooftop pools have lovely views of a nearby waterfall. Check out the Ojo del agua, where the water, heated straight from the volcano, gushes from the earth at an intense 50°C (122°F).
7 AM — Coffee. Brunch. More Coffee. You’re Going to Need It For This Adventure
Feeling relaxed and rejuvenated, make your way back into the center of town. A good breakfast can make or break an adrenaline-filled day — I recommend Cafe Blah Blah. The menu options are great, service is swift, and a full-fledged breakfast will run under $6. Plus, you get a first-round of bread, butter, and jam that is delicious!
8:30 AM — Rafting ( Check Out Geo Tours )
Ever wanted to raft through extreme rapids on a budget!? Banos is home to some of the most affordable action sports in South America — and the world over. Rafting will give you a chance to experience the rushing rivers with a group and a trusted guide. Geo Tours is the best rated in Banos for all things action. The fun is just getting started!
11:30 AM — Hike to Bellavista and Beyond
By this time, you have had your water fill unless you’re a mermaid or merman… and if you are, there are waterfalls to frolic in all around town. Time for us to use one of our greatest assets — our legs. Lace-up those hiking boots and start the steep ascent up the Banos hillside. To get up to Casa Del Arbol or Vuelo De Condor swings, I recommend the trail up to Bellavista. One side note, Banos and many cities in Ecuador are at a higher elevation than you may be used to. Take a few days to get acclimated to the elevation before embarking on a steep climb, you will thank me later. You can access the trail at the end of Calle Maldonado. It’s a short 45-minute hike that will give you epic views of the city, the Tungurahua volcano, and the surrounding mountains.
12:30 PM — You’re On a Roll. Keep Hiking from Bellavista
To make the hike longer, you can continue to do the Runtun trail, which takes you through villages and allows you to reach a height of 8,530 feet. The trail gets a bit hairy and muddy in certain spots so bring your best-hiking boots. The views continue to get more spectacular the higher you go and there are also views into other valleys on the opposite ridgeline from Banos.
1:30 PM — Take the Flight of Condor ( Vuelo De Condor )
Ready to push your adrenaline to new heights!? No joke, you’re about to be flying in the clouds. 15-20 minutes up from Bellavista, you will start to see the signs for Vuelo De Condor. It’s a newer and less known swing compared to the Instagram-famous Casa Del Arbol. More on that next. Vuelo De Condor offers something different for each level of an adrenaline junkie. There is a smaller swing called “Beauty” which was the first swing here. If you are feeling bold, take on the largest swing called the “Beast” and drop off into the beautiful blue sky above the valley floor. “Beauty” is $10 to swing while the “Beast” is $20. The prices are higher than Casa Del Arbol but many of the locals and fellow travelers I met here in Banos said “The Swing of Condor” is an adrenaline rush you can not miss. It may even be a better overall experience than Casa Del Arbol. I’ll let you be the judge of that!
2:30 PM — Hike to La Casa del Arbol and Swing… Again
If you have any friends or follow anyone on Instagram who traveled in Ecuador, there is a 99% chance that you have seen the “End of the World” swing picture. It’s about a 5-10 minute hike further uphill from the Vuelo De Condor and is much more of a tourist attraction than the latter. The views of the volcano are great here but depending on the time of the day, there may be a line of eager tourists waiting for their “for the gram” moment.
3:30 PM — Start The Hike Down… To Relaxation at Luna Volcan Adventure Spa
It’s about time for some much-deserved relaxation! Hike down about 25-30 minutes from La Casa Del Arbol to the dreamy Luna Volcan Adventure Spa, equipped with a spa center, poolside bar, 4 different temperature pools, and sweeping views of Banos. It’s one of the most beautiful hotels in Banos and a flat fee of $20 will give you access to the pools and bar for 4 hours ( they don’t regulate much so feel free to soak up the pools until the sun sets ).
5:30-6:30 PM — Depending On The Time Of Year, Watch the Sunset and Banos Light Up
La Volcan is a place that you will never want to leave. Soak up the sun and watch it disappear behind the mountains. Watching the city of Banos light up from high above on the mountain’s edge is incredible!
7-7:30 PM — Shower and Head Out For Dinner
You did it! Legs might be sore but not to worry. Grab a taxi from the hotel for around $7 and head back down to town. You will have probably built up a serious appetite by now so here is a top recommendation for dinner in Banos.
Casa Hood — A local favorite that is vegetarian-friendly and also serves up great meat options like sizzling chicken fajitas! Yum. There is almost always live music and a great atmosphere. One wall is bookshelves that give it that extra cozy ambiance. For hours and a full menu, visit the Casa Hood Site.
Sleep and Repeat
Adventure days like this usually end with your head on the pillow and visions of everything that just happened in the last 15 hours. Banos beckons you for more adventures. Enjoy a good night’s rest, rinse and repeat.
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