Baños , meaning "Baths" in spanish, is a small town that lies in a verdant sub tropical valley surrounded by checkered agricultural landscapes, an ash plumbing volcano, numerous waterfalls (where the town gets its name from), cloud forests (ideal for bird watching) and wild orchids. The town is also known as “the door to the amazon rainforest ”. It offers a great opportunity for hiking, horseback riding, biking or simply strolling through town looking for handcrafts or being delighted by the ability of the local toffee makers pounding the mixture in full view of passers by. Of course, you can't miss relaxing at one of the many thermal springs in town.

• ACTIVITIES IN BAÑOS
• BAÑOS HOTELS

	Baños City Tour The town of Baños is famous for its miraculous Virgin and delicious homemade toffee! A walk around the streets of this town will allow you to visit local artisans and take a short trip to San Martin Canyon. The town has a great number of parks, churches and shops that are sure to catch the interest of any visitor. You are certain to spot a few locals making toffee in their shops that face the streets.
	The Devil's Cauldron Not far away from Baños, passing by the Agoyan waterfall and after an easy walk from the main road, we arrive at the “Green River”. A short walk through a transitional forest from the highlands to the jungle, we encounter three consecutive falls that form a swirling waterfall whose sprinkle creates a humid environment where the lush vegetation thrives in a tropical forest. From the suspension bridge just by the waterfall, “The Prince of Darkness” face is very easily spotted, hence the name of the waterfall.
	Ines Maria Waterfall Crossing over the bridge over San Martin's Gorge and walking downhill a few minutes you arrive at a secluded place with a great view of a huge basalt's rock from which the waterfall and the enormous swirl made by the foamy water can be seen; it is like a million white butterflies flying around the waterfall. A wonderful place to relax.
	Saint Martin Zoo Saint Martin Zoo is the ideal place for children and for photographers. The zoo has an important collection of local animals from the highlands and the Amazon rain forest. It was developed and constructed taking advantage of the environment formed by natural rock and surrounded by orchids, bromelias and endemic trees.

	Places to Stay in and around Baños Nestled in a small sub tropical valley, surrounded by high mountains yet very close to the jungle, Baños has developed an excellent hotel offer to please any type of guest. We have selected the best ones based on its location out of town, its natural surroundings, proximity to cloud forests, waterfalls and astounding views, plus the possibility of safe horse-back riding and hiking routes and of course, first class facilities and excellent service.
	LUNA RUNTUN Category: Luxury Hotel and Spa Luna Runtin, meaning “fortress of the moon,” is a country inn situated on the crest of the Runtun Mountain, with spectacular views of the Tungurahua Volcano, the Pastaza River and the town of Baños. There are 26 superior rooms, 6 luxury rooms, a presidential suite, a sitting room with fireplace, a restaurant and a terrace with a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains and gardens. Activities include horseback riding (extra), mountain biking (extra), and billiards. The real attraction is the spa with massages under the practiced hands of the local Indians, in rooms dedicated to the four elements: earth, air, water, and the volcanic god of fire.
HACIENDA MANTELES Category: First Class Superior Nestled deep in the central Ecuadorian Andes rests first class Hacienda Manteles. The hacienda is surrounded by nature to create a truly peaceful atmosphere. The gardens are full of bright flowers including orchids, which make the Hacienda a heaven for hummingbirds. A visit to Baños is just 30 minutes away. The city is a gateway to the Amazon rain forest. The hacienda incorporates roughly 100 hectares of virgin cloud forest habitat full of orchids; orchards, eucaliptus forest and a full view of the Tungurahua volcano.  Activities include hiking, horse back riding (extra) and mountain bike (extra).