Two Ecuadoran hot spring towns called Baños

There are two are towns called Baños  in Ecuador that are known for their hot springs. The best known Baños (sometimes called Baños Ambato) is a spa town located in the Central Andes. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Ecuador.  Not only is it popular with visitors but also with Ecuadorans seeking a quiet weekend getaway from Quito. People are drawn to Baños because it is a scenic town with lots to do. Baños (or as it is know locally Baños de Agua Santa) gets its name from the hot springs that flow from the Tungurahua Volcano.

View of mountain mist from Hosteria Monte Selva © Spaswinefood

There are lots of places to stay in Baños. We stayed at Hosteria Monte Selva that is a full service spa resort.

Hosteria Monte Selva  © Spaswinefood

Hosteria Monte Selva  © Spaswinefood

Church view from one of the main streets © Spaswinefood

The second Baños is located in the Southern Andes near the beautiful city of Cuenca. Cuenca is the south’s largest urban center. It is known for its colonial architecture and artisans. In 1999 Cuenca was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Site. 

Cuenca's Colonial Architecture  © Spaswinefood

Not far from Cuenca is the other Baños known locally as. Baños Cuenca is sometimes confused with the larger town of Baños near Ambato. Baños Cuenca however is located about five minutes drive west of Cuenca. It is a charming small town named for the hot springs found there. There are at least four establishments in town that provide hot spring feed pools. Hosteria Durán, a full service spa  is the best known resort.

Baños Cuenca  © Spaswinefood

View of church from Hosteria Durán © Spaswinefood

This volcanic dyke is evidence of past volcanic activity © Spaswinefood

Camping near Hosteria Durán  © Spaswinefood

Sharon

Hot Spring Memories from the Las Américas Trip

October 2010

© Spasiwnefood

See Spaswinefood other post on Ecuador.

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