Banos Tourist Places to Visit in Banos, Ecuador, America

Banos Tourist Places to Visit in Banos, Ecuador, America

Banos (fully Banos de Agua Santa) is a city belonging to the Tungurahua province of Ecuador positioned 1815 meters above sea level. Banos is home to a stunning central park surrounded by many spectacular waterfalls including l Manto de la Novia and Virgen de Agua Santa and is also a gateway to the Llanganates National Park.

Banos is popularly called as ‘the adventure capital of Ecuador’ because of its different outdoor activities including rafting, kayaking, bridge jumping and jungle tours.

Geography of Banos:

Banos is commonly called as the ‘Gateway to the Amazon’ due to its position on the River Pastaza in the Amazon River basin. Banos is located around 40 km southeast of the provincial capital, Ambato and 170 km south of the national capital, Quito.

History of Banos:

The literal meaning of Banos in local language is ‘spiral baths’, it may be derived from the hydrothermal springs that are situated around the city. Banos houses a historical Roman Catholic Church with the sculpture of Virgen de Agua Santa.

Getting Banos:

The major bus terminal of Banos is placed on the north edge of town receiving buses from Quito, Guayaquil, Riobamba and Ambato. Buses are regular and comfortable. Taxi or car can be hired at any of the local travel agencies of Banos.

Banos is located around 85 km away from its closest airport, Cotopaxi International Airport in Latacunga with scheduled flights to Coca and Guayaquil, operated by TAME.

Where to eat in Banos?

A Variety of sugar cane juices are very special in Banos and also city offers plenty of standard food corners with mouthwatering crispy and crunchy traditional cuisine. Here is the list of best food corners in Banos:

Pancho’s Snack Bar
Arte Cafe y Te
Casa Hood
Bar Cafe Jack Rock

Where to shop in Banos?

Banos houses all the sorts of shops including sovereign, handicraft, adventure sport dresses and shoes and typical shops placed in front of the church.

What to do in Banos?

Imagine Ecuador – Tour Operator Banos
Team Ecuador
Horseback riding
Hiking
Rafting
Jungle Tours
Bungee Jumping

What to see in Banos?

Church of the Virgin of the Holy Water:

The church of Banos was constructed with numerous volcanic rocks and designed by neo-Gothic style architecture. This church was named after the appearance of Virgin Mary in the nearby waterfall, due to this there was the sculpture of Virgin Mary placed in the church. Nice interior.

Cascada de La Virgen:

Banos boasts around 60 spectacular waterfalls, Cascada de La Virgen is the major one located in the proximity of the city.

Manto de la novia:

Manto de la novia also called Ruta de las Cascadas is a beautiful waterfall which surely impresses tourists with its amazing natural beauty and also supports cable car ride. It is located 12 km from the city centre.

List of other places of interest in Banos is:

Pailon de diablo
Inés María
El Manto de la Novia
Agoyán
Llanganates National Park
Cerro Hermoso
Zoologico de San Martin

When to visit Banos?

Probably summer months are ideal to explore waterfalls and enjoy different outdoor activities in Banos.

Where to stay in Banos?

Hostels are budget options in Banos charging around $10USD per night with all the basic facilities and high end hotels charge $20USD+. The major hotels in Banos are listed below: