Duration: 5days /4nights
Location: Baños de Agua Santa, Tungurahua – Ecuador
Type of experience: Adventure, nature, culture, hot springs
Difficulty level: Easy to moderate
MINIMUM 2 PASSENGERS
DAY 1 – Arrival & Welcome to Baños
Hotel check-in begins at 2:00 PM. If you arrive earlier, you are welcome to leave your luggage in the hotel's storage room until your room is ready.
Waterfalls Route Tour (Pailón del Diablo Entrance Fee: USD 3)
Your adventure begins with a scenic drive to Río Verde, following the famous Waterfalls Route, one of Ecuador's most spectacular scenic roads.
Along the approximately 20 km route, you'll admire beautiful waterfalls, mountain landscapes, tunnels carved into the cliffs, and the opportunity to visit Río Blanco, where you will find optional adventure activities and the cable car crossing to Manto de la Novia Waterfall.
Upon arriving at Pailón del Diablo Waterfall, you may choose between:
- Long Trail: Approximately 20 minutes each way, allowing you to get very close to the waterfall.
- Short Trail: Approximately 10 minutes each way, offering spectacular panoramic views from above.
DAY 2 – HORSEBACK RIDING TO THE TREE HOUSE
We will meet at the Turismo Ecuador 24 office, where our guide will register all participants and provide a brief introduction to the tour. Afterward, we will transfer to the starting point of our horseback riding adventure.
Equipment
Before beginning the ride, you will receive:
- Safety helmet.
- Basic horseback riding instructions.
- A safety briefing with important guidelines for the tour.
No previous riding experience is required. Our horses are well-trained for tourism activities, and an experienced guide will accompany you throughout the entire excursion.
Horseback Riding Adventure
Our journey begins as we ride along historic rural trails through the community of Runtún, passing beautiful Andean forests, natural pathways, and spectacular viewpoints overlooking Baños de Agua Santa.
During the ride, you will enjoy:
- Stunning mountain landscapes.
- Cloud forests.
- Native flora and fauna.
- Magnificent views of Tungurahua Volcano (weather permitting).
Scenic Viewpoints
Along the way, we will make several stops to rest and take photographs from natural viewpoints offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Baños Valley and the surrounding mountains.
During these stops, our guide will share fascinating information about:
- The history of Runtún.
- The formation and activity of Tungurahua Volcano.
- Local traditions and culture.
- The biodiversity of the region.
Arrival at the Tree House
After approximately two hours of horseback riding, we will arrive at one of Baños' most iconic attractions: The Tree House (Casa del Árbol).
Here, you will have free time to:
- Experience the famous Swing at the End of the World.
- Take memorable photographs.
- Walk around the scenic trails surrounding the attraction.
- Admire the impressive Tungurahua Volcano.
- Relax and enjoy the peaceful natural surroundings.
Tree House entrance fee: USD 1 per person (not included).
Return Ride
Following our visit, we will begin the return journey on horseback along a different scenic route, once again enjoying the spectacular Andean landscapes until we reach our starting point.
At the end of the horseback ride, we will return to downtown Baños de Agua Santa, bringing to a close an unforgettable experience filled with nature, adventure, and Ecuadorian culture.
DAY 3 – Amazon Rainforest Adventure
9:00 AM – Meet at the Turismo Ecuador 24 office or enjoy hotel pick-up.
Welcome, registration, and tour briefing.
Transfer to Puyo
Travel approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes by private vehicle while enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Waterfalls Route.
Mira Mera Viewpoint
Our first stop is the Mira Mera Viewpoint, named after the canton that welcomes visitors to Ecuador's Amazon Region.
Traditional Amazon Lunch (Optional)
Continue with a 20-minute canoe ride to reach the lunch area, where you may choose from the following menu options:
- Chicken
- Beef
- Fish Maito
- Vegetarian
Guided Walk through the Tropical Rainforest
Enjoy a one-hour guided hike through the Amazon rainforest with a specialized naturalist guide who will explain the rich biodiversity, medicinal plants, and giant trees of the region.
The hike ends at Hola Vida Waterfall, where you'll have time to swim and relax in its crystal-clear waters.
Visit to a Local Kichwa Community
Visit the indigenous Coto Cocha Kichwa Community, where you'll experience traditional dances, learn how to use the blowgun, and visit their handicraft museum. Guests may also purchase locally handmade crafts directly from community members.
Indichuris Viewpoint
Visit the spectacular Indichuris Viewpoint, where you'll witness an unforgettable sunset surrounded by rainforest, hammocks, giant vines, swings, and breathtaking views overlooking the majestic Pastaza River.
Accommodation & Dinner
Spend the night in an authentic Amazon lodge within an indigenous community.
After dinner, enjoy an exciting night walk through the rainforest to discover nocturnal wildlife before returning to your accommodation for a well-deserved rest.
DAY 4 – Hidden Waterfall & Amazon Wildlife
Breakfast.
Hidden Waterfall Jungle Trek
Enjoy an approximately 3-hour hike through the rainforest toward the beautiful Hidden Waterfall.
Along the way, your guide will interpret the local flora and fauna while explaining the incredible biodiversity of the Ecuadorian Amazon.
You'll also have the opportunity to swim at either the Hidden Waterfall or the Sacred Waterfall, ideal for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.
Amazon Lunch
Enjoy a delicious traditional Amazonian lunch.
Caiman Lagoon Excursion
In the afternoon, visit Caiman Lagoon.
Travel by canoe or walk along the riverbank while your guide uses flashlights to spot caimans in their natural habitat.
This activity is completely safe and one of the most exciting wildlife experiences in the Ecuadorian Amazon.
Organic Chocolate Experience
Visit a local family home and participate in the traditional process of making Ecuadorian organic chocolate, from cocoa bean to finished chocolate.
Return to Baños de Agua Santa
DAY 5 – Adventure Activity
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Afterward, meet at our office and choose one of the following adventure activities:
- Shared White Water Rafting
- Canyoning
- Zipline
- Bridge Jumping
Hotel Check-out: 12:00 PM
END OF TOUR
WHAT TO BRING
- Swimsuit
- Waterproof clothing
- Comfortable shoes
- Towel
- Sunscreen
- Repellent
Private Transportation from Quito (Optional)
If passengers wish to book private transportation between Quito and Baños de Agua Santa, we offer the following one-way rates:
- 1 person: USD 110 per person each way.
- 2 people: USD 60 per person each way.
- 3 people: USD 50 per person each way.
- 4 people: USD 50 per person each way.
- 5 people: USD 45 per person each way.
- 6 people: USD 45 per person each way.
This service includes private transportation from Quito to Baños de Agua Santa or from Baños back to Quito, providing a comfortable, safe, and convenient transfer so you can begin or end your trip without any worries.
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