Day 1: Adrenaline & Waterfalls
Ruta de las Cascadas by Bike
Rent a mountain bike ($5–8 for the day) and ride the Ruta de las Cascadas — a 16km downhill route from Baños to Río Verde passing a dozen waterfalls. The road follows a dramatic gorge with the Pastaza River thundering below. Stop at Manto de la Novia waterfall (cable car $2) and Pailón del Diablo — Ecuador's most impressive waterfall. The 80m cascade plunges through a narrow basalt canyon ($2 entry, steep trail down).
Bridge Jumps & Zip Lines
Back in Baños, try the famous bridge bungee at Puente San Francisco ($20) — a 30m leap into the gorge. Not ready for bungee? Puenting (bridge swinging, $20) or the zip line across the canyon ($10) delivers adrenaline with harness security. Agencies on Calle Ambato book all activities — compare prices at 2–3 shops. Lunch at Café Hood ($3–6) for backpacker fare or La Casa del Abuelo for grilled trout ($4–7).
Thermal Baths & Nightlife
Soak at Termas de la Virgen ($3 day, $4 night) — natural hot springs fed by Volcán Tungurahua. The springs range from warm to scalding, with a cold plunge pool. Evening bathing under the stars is magical. Dinner at Swiss Bistro ($5–9) for fondue (yes, in Ecuador) or Stray Dog Brewpub for craft beer ($3–5). Baños has the best nightlife for a small town — Leprechaun Bar and Jack Rock Bar keep going past midnight.
