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Baños

Nestled amongst the cradle of the Ecuadorian Andes, Baños is a vibrant and alluring destination that offers an incredible breadth of adventure and culture. Known for its extensive thermal springs, which are touted to have healing properties, Baños serves as a wellness retreat for many travelers. The town is situated at the foot of the active Tungurahua volcano, allowing adventure lovers a chance to hike along its fiery rim. Baños is also famed for its stunning waterfalls, including the breathtaking Pailon del Diablo. In the town itself, you’ll find a delightful mix of Ecuadorian culture and history, with colourful markets, colonial architecture, and the noteworthy Basilica of Our Lady of The Holy Water – making it an essential destination on every traveler's Ecuadorian journey.

3.9 /5

Based on our research

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Safety:Safe

Baños is generally a safe place for solo female travelers. It's a popular tourist destination and locals are used to seeing foreigners around. Just like in any other place, it's recommended to stay alert and be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Standard safety precautions, such as not flashing valuable items and avoiding isolated areas, apply. Always use licensed taxis. Despite these precautions, most tourists have a trouble-free time in Baños.

Transport:Easy

Baños is quite navigable with numerous modes of transport. You can easily rent bikes, taxis are affordable and walking can also be an option if you stay central. Although, Spanish proficiency could make navigation simpler as English level tends to be basic. Be aware, if you plan on visiting more remote tourist destinations, like the Swing at the End of the World, you'll need a taxi or a tour, as it's a bit far from the town.

Things to do:Interesting

Baños offers a variety of activities making it an interesting destination for solo travelers. The city is well-known for its adventure sports such as kayaking, hiking, zip-lining, and canyoning, which are perfect for thrill-seekers. In addition, it has thermal baths, waterfalls, and beautiful nature reserves suitable for those looking for relaxation or gentle explorations. Despite this, it lacks a bit of the cultural depth and historical sightseeing you could find in larger or older South American cities.

Food:Above average

The food scene in Baños offers a range of diverse culinary experiences. Whether you have a love for traditional Ecuadorian cuisine or you're a fan of international delicacies, Baños will not disappoint. You can find everything from roasted guinea pig to extensive vegetarian menus, and the local markets are full of tropical fruits you may have never tried before. It’s not an absolute foodie paradise, but the dishes served are fresh and flavorful, offering a taste of the local culture and agriculture.

Budget:Affordable

Baños is quite budget-friendly. Accommodations, meals, and transportation are fairly affordable by international standards. While some adventure activities like zip-lining and canyoning can be a bit pricey, there are plenty of low-cost or even free activities available, such as hikes and visits to local waterfalls. As with most destinations, it is very possible to enjoy Baños on a tight budget, particularly if you're open to staying in hostels and eating at local eateries.

Solo travel experience

Baños was amazing! There was a lot to do and so many adventure activities you could book on arrival. Just walking outside was absolutely beautiful with mountains everywhere. There are also lots of thermal hot springs!

Posted: December 26, 2023Experienced: April, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 4/5Budget-friendly: 4/5Safety: 4/5

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Solo travel experience

I felt completely safe walking there at night. Besides typical tourist activities like the trip to Amazon Puyo, biking on the Ruti de las Cascadas route and having fun at rooftop bars, I really enjoyed spending time eating at local restaurants and street stalls. I highly recommend the local specialty: choclo mote con cuero.

Posted: August 15, 2023

Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5

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Baños de Agua Santa is an ideal place for both adventures and relaxation. You can do canyon climbing there, go tubing, use rope courses, ride 4x4s... You can also go to the Swing at the End of the World. There are spas, bars and restaurants and it is well known as a place where many people from different countries come, meet more people and spend time together. It's really great fun! There's also a volcano that you can visit. You can also go to Mindo, which is great for nature lovers.

Posted: December 5, 2023

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