BAÑOS, ECUADOR

October 2, 2017 SouthAmerica

OCTOBER FEATURED HOT SPRING – BAÑOS, ECUADOR

The mountain pueblo of Baños, in south central Ecuador, holds a couple of thermal hot spring pools and baths that are being fired by the very active stratovolcano Tungurahua (5,023 m). This is a must do place for the South America hot spring enthusiasts. The volcano’s deep summit crater commonly belches smoke and steam, and towering dark ash clouds with fiery eruptions over the last ten years (check on local conditions for potential evacuation notices due to volcanic hazards). Some of the lava fountains and lava flows down the flanks of the mountain were truly impressive. The latest was on December 4, 2010. Villages surrounding the volcano have seen numerous evacuations. Planning a trip to the hot springs at Baños should include reading about the current status of the volcano. Occasionally ash falls upon the town, which is accustomed to quickly sweeping up the gritty silt right after it erupts. It is fairly common to feel temblors in the town, and occasionally hear the volcanic explosions.

southamericatotheworld.com — La Virgen, Baños, Ecuador

The Plaza de Armas of Baños is quite scenic, with twin bell towers on the old church, palm trees, and green forested mountains surrounding the horizon. The town provides plenty of Andean indigenous arts and traditional food including cuy (guinea pig), and provides a base for treks up the volcano, which requires attention to current volcanic activity. The previous eruptions destroyed the two climber refuges. There are plenty of tourist agencies offering horse rides, vistas of waterfalls, rafting, ziplines, jungle trips, etc., amongst bars, discotecas, restaurants, and massage parlors. It rains a lot in Baños, plan on taking a parka or umbrella.

Cheap and slow buses run from Quito daily, leaving from the southern modern terminal, and taking 4-5 hours for a fair of about $5; these buses lines make many stops and are highly prone to thieves. Colectivo’s make direct trips in about 3 hours and cost about $25, but are more difficult to locate. Ask at hotels for these specialized transports.

The most visited hot spring at Baños is at Las Piscinas de La Virgen, which is located in the southeast side of town out near the end of Avenida Montalvo, and is over looked by a high waterfall. The blocky pink with sea green trim painted cement building is fronted with iron bars, lending a prison quality to the exterior. The hotter lower circular pool temperature ranges up to 44°C. The upper rectangular pool closest to the waterfall is kept at about 38°C. The water is murky rusty tan. Use of bathing cap is required. Plastic boxes are used to keep personal items, though it is recommended not to leave valuables in these containers.

The entrance fee is US$3 for the day. Once a day the pools are closed and drained and then refilled. The hours are from 5 a.m. until 4 p.m., and then 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. Evening time is just as popular as the daytime hours. These pools are very popular and get quite crowded.

The Piscina El Salado hot spring lies 2.5-km southwest outside of town at about -1.40477, -78.4322 (1933 m). A $1.50 taxi ride from town will take you to the end of a paved road and the entrance to the hot springs. Entry fee is $2. Bathing caps must be used. Plastic boxes are provided for safe keeping clothing. The hotter pool is under a roof, making a rectangular pool that has rusty yellowish tan opaque water at about 42-44°C. Water percolates upwards from the pool bottom which is lined by stones. Another three small pools have water at about 38°C. The clear water oval-shaped pool is filled with cold water. They cover US$2 for use and are worth the effort to escape the crowds. Temperature at the hot spring vent reported at about 52 to 54°C- plenty warm. The facility is open from 5 a.m. until 5 p.m. El Salado is less crowded than the hot spring La Virgen and in general provides a better soaking experience.

As published on: Hot Springs of the Andes