Banos

Banos, set in a lush green gorge where the Andes tumble down toward the Amazon basin, is the adventure capital of Ecuador, a lively town named for its thermal hot springs and ringed by dramatic scenery. It is a hub for adrenaline and nature: white-water rafting and canyoning, cycling the Route of the Waterfalls past cascades like the thundering Pailon del Diablo, soaking in the hot springs, and swinging out over the gorge on the famous Casa del Arbol swing at the End of the World.

History

Baños de Agua Santa, "baths of holy water", is named after the hot springs around the town, long reputed to heal through their minerals. It is also a Catholic pilgrimage centre: believers say the Virgin Mary appeared near a waterfall here, and a statue of her, the Virgen de Agua Santa, stands in the town's cathedral. The town, at 1,820 m on the northern foothills of Tungurahua, has always lived with that highly active volcano, and in October 1999 all of its more than 17,000 residents had to leave for weeks during an eruption (Wikipedia, Baños de Agua Santa).

What you'll find

• The Route of the Waterfalls - the cycle route past cascades like Pailon del Diablo.
• The Casa del Arbol swing - the giant swing over the gorge.
• The hot springs - the thermal baths the town is named for.
• The adventure sports - the rafting, canyoning and zip-lines.

When to go

Year-round, thanks to the mild climate, though it can be rainy, being on the humid edge of the Amazon; the waterfalls are fullest in the wetter months. It is a lively hub any time, popular with backpackers and Ecuadorian holidaymakers.

What to expect

It is a lively, backpacker-and-adventure town rather than a tranquil retreat, so it can be busy and touristy, especially at weekends and holidays. It sits beneath the active Tungurahua volcano, which has erupted in the past, causing evacuations. The famous swing is more modest than the viral photos suggest. Its charm is the adventure, waterfalls and green setting.

Nearby

The Pailon del Diablo waterfall, the Amazon lowlands and the Andes are within reach.