Review: Quito to Baños Day Trip – Waterfalls & Adventure
So, you’re thinking about taking a day trip from Quito to Baños? It’s almost like, good call! Baños is really known as the adventure capital of Ecuador, and, honestly, it packs so much into a relatively small place. A day trip from Quito is rather a long one, very around three hours each way, yet I’m here to break down if it’s genuinely worth your time, very covering the highlights, what to anticipate, and perhaps some advice for making the most of the experience. Let’s get down to the details!
What to Expect on the Road from Quito
The trip from Quito to Baños is basically very a scenic one. At first, anyway, the landscape is that very typical of the Andean highlands, so imagine patchwork fields and small villages dotted around. Actually, as you start descending, it’s just a little that the temperature will seemingly go up, and also, you begin to see more lush vegetation. Anyway, the roads are typically in good condition, and of course many tour companies use comfortable buses or vans. You might be make some stops along the way, maybe at a roadside market to stretch your legs and grab a snack. That’s almost to get yourself something local, of course!
But very, let’s be frank, the drive can feel long, so it’s really a good idea to come prepared with things that will entertain you. That’s it: download a book, load up on podcasts, or put together a fantastic playlist. And, as a matter of fact, don’t forget a travel pillow – a nap could possibly make the time go a lot faster. You might want to consider any travel partner you might be dragging along, too it’s almost essential that they are aware of just a bit of a trek it can be. I mean, clearly set those expectations early!
Chasing Waterfalls: The Route of the Waterfalls
One of the things Baños is really famous for, of course, is its “Route of the Waterfalls,” basically a string of really spectacular waterfalls you will encounter as you go out of town. That’s it: the most iconic is Pailon del Diablo (Devil’s Cauldron), basically an absolutely massive waterfall that is just incredibly powerful. Actually, to get right up close, anyway, there is just a bit of a short hike involved, so that you have to walk down some steps, yet very believe me, it really is worth it.
Other waterfalls along the route are actually worth a stop, so too you’ll have places such as Agoyan Waterfall, or even Machay Waterfall. Many tours may offer things like ziplining or cable car rides across the valleys between the waterfalls, that being just a little ways that provide even more thrilling views and adventures. Yet really dress accordingly. In fact bring a light rain jacket, very, and certainly prepare to get a tiny bit damp from the spray – that, definitely, adds to the fun, you know?
Adventure Activities in Baños
Very aside from the waterfalls, in other words Baños just bursts with adventure activity opportunities. Really looking to get your blood pumping? A few popular options are like, white-water rafting, canyoning (which involves rappelling down waterfalls), and bungee jumping. Actually, lots of tour operators can basically arrange these kinds of outings, so you don’t have to, in other words, worry so much about logistics. Okay, if that sounds a bit too extreme, perhaps that horseback riding, mountain biking, and those hot springs (thermas) could very well be right up your alley.
Okay, something to remember, anyway: activities, I feel like they can get booked up quickly, particularly in peak season, yet you could very book this way in advance to ensure you snag a spot. I mean obviously when it comes to adrenaline activities, of course, you could make certain that the operators do actually have appropriate safety standards and equipment in place.
The Town of Baños: A Quick Look Around
Too it’s almost that very you will get some time to walk around the town of Baños itself. Clearly it’s really a rather attractive, lively place with very numerous shops, of course restaurants, very cafes and places selling arts and crafts. Frankly take some time to basically sample a local restaurant, which, by the way is the time to try dishes similar to llapingachos (potato cakes) or maybe some cuy (guinea pig), if you are really feeling very adventurous. Souvenir shopping is that something else that’s often done, maybe grabbing something Ecuadorian or an alpaca wool item.
Basically even if it’s just for a quick stroll, obviously checking out the town center gives very a sense of Baños’ appeal. Well it’s that I’d say is that it has a great mix of adventure sports vibe together with Andean small town character. First if you can, actually take a short walk to very one of the viewpoints overlooking the town for absolutely superb photos.
Is the Day Trip Really Worth It?
After everything, so it really does depend on, too it’s almost what exactly it is that you are hoping to get from the visit. If you’re actually short on time and really want a taste of Ecuador’s adventure offerings together with natural beauty, so then a day trip is likely well worth your while. Also, be actually prepared for a full day, a very longer bus ride and, basically, that maybe it means packing a lot into just a short space of time.
Of course If you actually have very more time, in other words spending a few days in Baños would really give one more opportunity to, of course explore more activities. It’s almost the tour may be perfect if one’s days are very limited yet. Is that what you are looking to get out of the adventure? I really do think that a well-planned day could very possibly bring a memory that will really stick with you.