Let’s skip all the long explanation and go for a shortcut! Yes, Baños Ecuador is definitely a safe place to visit, as well as the rest of the country, as long as you take some basic precautions and, use that sixth sense that we all have, very well needed in most cities of the world, were you will judge for yourself if it is safe or unsafe move.
Need help planning your visit to Baños-Ecuador?
Is Baños Ecuador safe?
Baños is the second most visited place in Ecuador after the Galapagos Islands, not only for its adventure sports and waterfalls, but also for its nightlife, hot springs and, devotion to the virgin “Nuestra Señora de Agua Santa” which is claimed to have made many miracles. Ecuador is a town whose main income comes (97%) from tourism, domestic and international tourism from all social status visit Baños all year round, mostly on weekends.
Therefore locals have managed to keep the town as safe as possible with the purpose of attracting more tourists making them feel and be safe, this way they make sure that everyone has a positive experience and recommends Baños and its activities to other travelers.
Baños Ecuador Crime
According to statistics Baños is the city of Tungurahua province with the least amount of robbery and crime in general.
Locals from Baños understand that if a tourist has a good experience, that tourist will bring many more tourists afterwards. Therefore, safety and good service is taken care of as much as possible by the people of Baños. Of course crime exists, like in most parts of the world, and Baños Ecuador is not the exception.
Altough compared to other cities of Ecuador, crime remains very low, just be aware that, if you leave your stuff unattended you can be sure it will be gone. So the answer about safety, in a scale from 0 to 10, being 0 totally safe and 10 very unsafe, I give it a 2 in terms of crime in Baños Ecuador.
Is Baños Ecuador worth visiting?
Definetly yes, Baños is worth visiting due to its endless activities for all ages with an adventurous soul, perfect for nature and outdoors lovers, as for people who want to sit and just relax, also worth visiting for its beautiful landscapes and varied outdoor activities.
Endless alternatives for accommodation, restaurants, also the warmth of its people, as in the rest of Ecuador is a plus.
Is Baños Ecuador in the Amazon?
Baños is known as the doorway to the amazon but it is not in the Amazon region, this might sound confusing for travelers who are not familiar to Ecuadors crazy topography.
Since mountains cross Ecuador from north to south in the central area or highlands (see map), it has so many variations in terms of elevations in most places. So in Ecuadors main land, there are three regions, the coast to the pacific (west) the highlands in the center (high mountains) and the amazon region to the east.
Therefore, if you are driving from the Highlands to the Amazon you are descending in terms of elevation; an average elevation of the cities located in the highlands, is 2800m (9000 ft), so Baños (if coming from the highlands) is almost halfway down in terms of elevation 5500 ft and, if you continue descending, you will end in the Amazon Region (jungle) that goes from 300 ft to about 2500 ft of elevation.
Now, once you get to Baños, and if you would like to keep driving, after about one hour drive you will get to the first city of the Amazon region of Ecuador, called Puyo. This is the reason Baños is known as the doorway to the Amazon.
Then, if you are visiting Baños and, would like to extend your visit and continue going to the jungle it can be a great opportunity to visit the Amazon region of Ecuador. So to answer your question Baños is located in the highlands and next to the Amazon, although it does not belong to the Amazon region.
Where is Baños Ecuador located on the Map?
Geographically, Baños is located on the Highlands of Ecuador, to the east of Tungurahua Province, the closest biggest city is Ambato with a population of 178.538 people and the closest Airport to Baños is the Quito Airport “Aeropuerto Mariscal Sucre”
How long is the driving time from Quito to Baños?
The driving time from Quito to Baños is a 3hour45minute drive.
How Far is Baños from Quito?
The distance from Quito to Baños is 210 km (130.5 miles).
How to Get to Baños, Ecuador from Quito: Easy and Stress-Free Options
Planning your trip to Baños, Ecuador, but unsure how to get there from Quito? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! Whether you prefer a seamless private transfer or an adventurous local experience, here are the best ways to travel from Quito to Baños.
Option 1: Private Transportation from Quito Airport to Baños
If you’re arriving at Quito Airport and want to head straight to Baños, private transportation is the easiest and most convenient option. By avoiding bus transfers and long waits, you’ll save time and energy, giving you more opportunities to explore Baños and enjoy its incredible activities. Simply book a private transfer, sit back, and relax as you’re driven directly to your destination.
Option 2: Book a “Two-Day, One-Night Baños Tour”
For a hassle-free and enriching experience, consider booking a “Two-Day, One-Night Baños Tour” with a certified guide. This option includes private transportation from your accommodation in Quito, allowing you to enjoy a scenic drive along the famous “Avenue of the Volcanoes”. Along the way, you’ll make stops at charming towns to sample local snacks and learn about Ecuador’s culture. This tour eliminates the stress of planning and ensures you make the most of your time in Baños.
Option 3: Travel Like a Local by Bus
If you’re up for an adventure and want to experience Ecuador like a local, taking the bus is an affordable option—though it requires a bit more effort. Here’s how to do it:
- Start early and head to Quito’s Quitumbe Bus Terminal (you can reach it by taxi or local bus).
- At the terminal, look for buses heading to Baños. Buses depart approximately every 45 minutes, but availability may vary.
- Depending on demand, you may get a direct bus to Baños or need to transfer in Ambato. If you stop in Ambato, simply purchase another ticket from the terminal to continue your journey to Baños.
While this option takes longer, it’s a great way to immerse yourself in local culture and save money.
Why Choose Private Transportation or a Guided Tour?
Traveling by bus can be time-consuming and tiring, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the routes. Opting for private transportation or a guided tour ensures a smooth, stress-free journey, giving you more time to enjoy Baños’ hot springs, waterfalls, and adventure activities.
Plan Your Trip to Baños Today!
No matter which option you choose, Baños is worth the journey. For a seamless experience, book a private transfer or guided tour and start your adventure in one of Ecuador’s most breathtaking destinations. Don’t wait—start planning your trip to Baños now!
How Many Days Should You Spend in Baños?
Planning your trip to Baños, Ecuador, and wondering how many days to stay? We recommend spending at least two days in Baños to truly experience its beauty and adventure. However, if you have more time, you can easily fill a week with exciting activities, as Baños offers something new to explore every single day.
For a well-rounded experience, consider booking a “Two-Day Baños Tour”, which is perfect for covering the must-see attractions and getting a feel for the town’s vibrant culture and natural wonders.
Why One Day in Baños Isn’t Enough?
Visiting Baños for just one day is a common mistake many travelers make. The drive from Quito to Baños alone takes 3.5 hours, leaving little time to enjoy the town’s incredible activities. A one-day trip will leave you exhausted and disappointed, as you won’t have enough time to fully immerse yourself in what Baños has to offer.
To avoid feeling rushed and to make the most of your visit, plan for at least two days in Baños. This way, you can enjoy its hot springs, waterfalls, hiking trails, and adventure sports without missing out on the magic of this enchanting destination.
Make the most of your trip to Baños—stay longer, explore deeper, and create unforgettable memories!
Where to stay in Baños Ecuador?
Options for accommodation are endless, from camping to luxurious resorts, if we can recommend a standard price hotel relative to its value, close to the heart of baños (3 blocks away) is “La Isla de Baños”
Which is the closest Airport to Baños Ecuador?
The closet airport to Baños, is the Quito Airport “Aeropuerto Mariscal Sucre”, therefore the como way to get to Baños is by road, if you are looking how to get to Baños you can book a private transportation or taxi, that will take you straight to Baños in approximately a 3h40min drive from the Quito or Quito Airport.
Does Baños have an Airport?
No, Baños de Agua Santa, a popular tourist town in Ecuador, does not have its own airport. The nearest major airport is Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) in Quito, which is approximately 180 kilometers (about 112 miles) away. From Quito, you can reach Baños by bus, private car, or taxi. The journey typically takes around 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
There are also smaller regional airports, such as Rio Amazonas Airport in Shell, which is closer to Baños, but it primarily serves small aircraft and charter flights. Most travelers opt to fly into Quito and then travel overland to Baños.
What is Baños Ecuador’s latitude and longitude?
Latitude -1.39799, Longitude -78.42349
What are some things to do in Baños Ecuador?
Once in Baños, there are endless options to do in terms of activities and attractions and here is a summary of them:
Waterfalls
- Pailón del Diablo Waterfall
- Bridal Veil Waterfall
- Agoyán Waterfall
- Ulba waterfalls
- Machay
- El Kilo
Popular Activities
- Swing at the end of the world
- Visit the Cathedral, “Nuestra Señora de Agua Santa”
- Visit the San Martin Zoo
- Visit the San Martin Adventure Park
Lookouts
- Visit “Las Manos de Dios” lookout
- Visit “Mirador La Virgen” lookout
- Visit “La Cruz” Lookout
- Visit “Café del Cielo” lookout
Swings
- Casa del Árbol
- El vuelo del Condor
- Fantasías de Volar
- Columpio Gigante
Hot Springs
- Balneario de la Virgen
- Termas Santa Clara
- Termas de Santa Ana
- Eduardo’s Ecología & Aventura
- El Refugio Pools and Spa
Adventure Sports
- Zipline
- Rafting
- Bungee Jumping or Bridge Jumping
- Canyoning
- Rappel
- Paragliding
Relaxing Massage
Massage shops are a popular to do in Baños, if you have been yearning for the opportunity to get a massage Baños is the place.
Rentals
Rentals are another popular thing in Baños, as:
bike rental, motor bikes, as well as three wheelers and four wheelers, also buggy cars, go karts and small jeeps are available for rental by the hour or for the day.
What is Baños Ecuador’s nightlife like?
There are many bars to choose from according to your preference, beer bars, music bars play different types of music, but mainly salsa merengue, bachata, and rock and roll (Spanish or English music) and a trend of music called Regaeton is played all over mostly.
What is Baños Ecuador’s climate like?
Baños climate can be expected to have small changes as small showers any time of the day as well as sunny beautiful days, so just be prepared with a light rain jacket as well as with a hat and sunscreen. You can expect to have fall and summer on the same day. And don’t let its climate ruin your plans.
What is Baños Ecuador’s population?
The city of Baños is nestled in a valley located right underneath the Tungurahua Volcano(5023m) Baños population is 15000 people according to the 2020 census, peoples main income is tourism.
What is Baños Ecuador’s sugar cane candy?
The candy made in Baños if we can compare it, is like a taffy. Sugar cane juice is boiled until it is ready to become a caramel, then this sticky mass is pulled or stretched many times and mixed with fruit flavors and it becomes a chewable candy called “Melcocha”.
So if you got up to this point reading this article, I am sure you know by now “What to do in Baños Ecuador”, “What to see in Baños Ecuador” and “Where to go in Baños Ecuador”.
