Banos Tours &
Things to Do
Discover the best Baños tours and things to do in Ecuador’s adventure capital: swing over the valley at the Casa del Árbol “Swing at the End of the World”, chase the thundering waterfalls of the Ruta de las Cascadas, raft the Pastaza River, rappel down canyons, zipline through the canopy, and soak in volcanic hot springs beneath Tungurahua. Compare top-rated experiences and plan the perfect trip.
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Explore Banos by interest
Whatever brings you to Banos — world-class museums, the river, or a long lunch — start with the experiences travellers love most.
Top attractions in Banos
The landmarks that define the city — and the tickets and tours that get you in, often skipping the line.
Pailón del Diablo
Giant waterfall.
Casa del Árbol
The famous swing.
Canyoning
Waterfall rappels.
Pastaza Rafting
River rapids.
Hot Springs
Thermal baths.
Ziplines
Canopy flights.
Tungurahua
Volcano views.
Cascades Route
Waterfall valley.
20 min awayPailón del Diablo
Giant waterfall.
30 min awayCasa del Árbol
The famous swing.
River awayPastaza Rafting
White-water.
Town awayHot Springs
Thermal baths.
Valley awayZiplines
Canopy flights.
1 hr awayPuyo Amazon
Jungle edge.
Know before you go
Short, straight answers to the questions every Banos visitor asks before booking.
Dry (Sep–Feb)
Generally drier — great for adventure.
Green (Mar–Aug)
Lush and misty, with more rain.
For adventure
Any month suits canyoning and rafting.
For rafting
Rivers run year-round; higher after rain.
For the swing
Go on a clear day for volcano views.
Best overall
September to February for drier weather.
One day
The waterfalls, swing and hot springs.
Two days
Add canyoning or rafting.
Three days
Add ziplining and an Amazon day trip.
For adventure
Canyoning, rafting and ziplines.
For nature
The waterfall route and jungle.
For relaxing
The volcanic hot springs.
On foot
The small town centre is easily walkable.
Tours & transfers
Tours reach the waterfalls, swing and jungle.
By bike or ATV
Popular ways to ride the waterfall route.
From Quito
About three hours by road.
Where to stay
Stay in the town near the thermal baths.
US dollar
Ecuador uses the US dollar.
Waterfall route
Rent a bike or ATV to ride the cascades.
The swing
Go early on a clear day for the best views.
Canyoning
Wear quick-dry clothes and sturdy shoes.
Hot springs
Relax in the baths after a day of adventure.
Rafting
Book a grade to match your experience.
Go with guides
Use reputable operators for the thrills.
Waterfall tours
Route tours fill up — book ahead.
Canyoning
Adventure tours fill up — reserve early.
Rafting
Rafting trips fill up — book ahead.
Ziplines
Canopy tours fill up — reserve early.
Jungle trips
Amazon day trips fill up — book ahead.
Holidays
Ecuadorian holidays are busy — book well ahead.
Waterfall tour
Around $30–60 for a waterfall route tour.
Swing tour
About $35–60 for a swing and viewpoint tour.
Canyoning
Roughly $31–60 for a canyoning tour.
Rafting
Around $31–70 for a rafting trip.
Zipline
About $89–130 for a zipline canopy tour.
How to save
Join group tours to save over private ones.
Banos through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
- Best for
- Adventure.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Drier.
- Best for
- Waterfalls & thrills.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Busy.
- Best for
- Lush scenery.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Rainy.
- Best for
- Green valleys.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Cool.