Baños, Ecuador |
It's a new month, so I decided to start a new segment called "Favorite Places" where I talk and give information about some of the places I've been that I've really enjoyed.
Waterfalls in Baños |
And this morning as I woke up, I was thinking about something that had happened while we were living in Ecuador-- and then the light bulb went off in my head-- Baños!!
Baños, Ecuador
Baños is a small town in Ecuador located in the Andean Highlands and is known as the adventure capital of Ecuador. It's really popular with tourists- both foreigners and Ecuadorians alike. It may be a small town, but it is packed with things to do, places to eat, and budget accommodations.
On the bus ride from Quito to Baños |
ATV-ing |
There is a lot to do here, especially for the adventurous, out-doorsy type! Things to do include: rafting, mountain biking, hiking, renting ATVs and dirtbikes, bungee jumping, rapelling, and jungle tours. There are many waterfalls and the Volcano Tungurahua. Baños is also famous for its hydrothermal springs- hence why Baños is named Baños (which means "baths" in Spanish).
At the top of the mountain- a view of the city |
Salchipapas |
The nightlife is quite good as well. There are many bars to choose from. Many have live bands that play and drink specials all night. Since it's a small town, everything is walking distance so it's a good chance your accommodation is near a place to go to for some nightlife scene.
There is a plethora of budget and non-budget accommodations available in this small town. Even if you don't reserve a place to stay before you go, you can most likely just show up at a place and they'll have room for you.
My reasons Baños is a favorite place:
- It's a small town, but there is a ton to do.
- Everything is walking distance
- I felt safe walking around, even at night.
- The climate was perfect- not too warm and not too cold.
- There's a lot of different people from around the world and Ecuador that come here, so there's a lot of opportunity to meet a lot of people.
- There's a lot of cheap & good places to eat (& to sleep)
Baños is a great destination if you're ever in Ecuador, especially for backpackers! I hope this wasn't the last time I get to come here.
For more travel information on Baños check out:
WikiTravel
My husband's post on Baños
Tripadvisor
I would love to visit Ecuador...such beautiful pictures!!!
ReplyDeleteI nominated you for the Liebster award...read more here! http://www.epicmommyadventures.com/2013/03/third-times-charm.html