Hot Springs of Banos

The name Banos de Agua Santa means baths of holy water, and the hot springs are the town's original attraction. Heated by the volcano, mineral-rich water feeds several public baths and private spas around Banos. The best known is the Termas de la Virgen, set against the Virgin waterfall near the centre, with pools of different temperatures where locals and visitors soak after a day outdoors. The experience is social and simple. You change, shower, then enter pools ranging from pleasantly warm to very hot, with a cooler plunge pool for contrast. Water is often cloudy and reddish because of dissolved minerals, and smells of sulphur can be present. Evening sessions, when lights come on and the air is cool, are especially atmospheric.

Other baths include El Salado, a little outside town with larger pools and a more resort feel, and Santa Ana and other smaller options. Each has its own character, with different temperatures, prices and crowds. Hotels and spas such as Luna Runtun and Samari offer private thermal pools and treatments for guests who want a quieter experience.

Practicalities help. Bring a swimsuit, towel and sandals, and a plastic bag for wet clothes. Many baths rent towels and offer lockers. Showering before entering is required, and swimming caps may be requested in some pools. Avoid very hot pools for long periods, drink water and leave if you feel dizzy. People with heart conditions, pregnancy or high blood pressure should seek advice before soaking.

Timing matters. Early morning is quiet and a good way to start the day, while evenings are the busiest because everyone returns from tours. Weekends and holidays can be crowded, and the water may be changed on certain days, so ask locally. Entrance fees are low by international standards, and details vary by bath.

The linked tourism board site is a general starting point for Ecuador, and local information in Banos can give specifics about baths, prices and hours. Because there is no single ticketed product, you simply turn up, pay at the gate and soak.

Soaking pairs naturally with every other activity. After rafting, canyoning, cycling or a long hike, the hot springs soothe muscles, and the ritual of changing, soaking and eating afterward is part of the Banos rhythm. Try a different bath on each night of your stay if time allows, and finish with a hot canelazo, a spiced sugar cane drink that is a local favourite on a cool evening.

If you want a more luxurious experience, ask hotels or spas about massage and mud treatments, which are widely available and often good value. Evening visits are atmospheric but busy, so go early if you want space. Watch your belongings, and use lockers where offered. Many visitors make soaking a daily ritual, trying a new bath each evening, and finish with a hot snack from a stall.

By the end of a few days, the habit feels as natural as the volcano on the horizon. Because conditions at individual baths change, ask your hotel host or a trusted agency which one is best on the day you plan to go. Water temperature, crowds and opening times can vary, and a small tip from a local often leads to the best soak of your trip.