Ecuador
Baños Adventure, Waterfalls & Quito Culture Shock
Why We Loved Baños
Baños felt like home from the moment we arrived. We felt safe walking without feeling stressed. Adventure was a short ride away. The food was fresh, delicious, and affordable. Our teachers were within walking distance, and the school went out of its way to support us. We felt welcomed everywhere we went, and life there had an ease that we didn’t want to leave.
After spending time in the calm life of Baños, Quito felt much more fast paced and had a bit of sticker shock.
Baños Highlights
Spanish Lessons & Guides (Raices Spanish School)
Our guides and Spanish teachers from Raices Spanish School were the best decision we made. From our first day, the kids sang and danced in Spanish while we relaxed, took pictures, and learned.
We had lessons in the market, at the swings, and next to waterfalls. We made friends, had extra eyes on the kids, took time to learn, and always had translators.
Waterfalls Route
The canyon road provided a great view of the 7 waterfalls. At some, you can take a basket across the falls to see farms and villages.
At Pailón del Diablo (Devil’s Cauldron), you can hike, explore caves, or cross a rope bridge. Best on weekdays with a rain jacket.
Casa del Árbol (Tree Swing)
A short drive uphill from Baños. Costs a couple of dollars per person. Swings for all ages and even fearful riders.
$1 entry fee per person. Avoid weekends to skip lines.
Local Market
Locals shop here and you should too. Don’t miss passion fruit, tiny bananas, and little donuts with onions and cheese inside.
Packaged food and restaurants are generally considered safe.
Yana Cocha Rescue Centre (Puyo)
Sanctuary for rescued animals. Large clean enclosures and strong police support for confiscated wildlife.
Kids loved interacting with monkeys while walking through.
Other Baños Experiences
Las Manos de la Pachamama viewpoint over the Ulba River Canyon. La Aldea Mágica with goblins and wishing well.
Animal park with local species, chocolate factory with café and sweets, and Las Manos de Dios viewpoint bridge.
La Aldea Mágica with goblins and wishing well.
Chocolate factory with café and sweets.
Las Manos de Dios viewpoint bridge.
Quito Highlights
Quito Cable Car (Teleférico)
Ascends to 13,280 feet, one of the highest cable cars in South America. Ride is 18 minutes each way.
$15 adults, half price kids. Bring a jacket. Includes hiking, views, and a small play area.
Parque La Carolina
Playgrounds, old airplane, outdoor gym, street vendors, and botanical gardens. Treehouse-style playground inside.
Limited shade and few drinking fountains.
Museo Interactivo de Ciencias
Interactive exhibits showing farms, animals, stores, offices, and music. Slides end in a ball pit.
$0–$4 depending on age. Check hours carefully.
Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús
A gold-covered church. No photography inside. Entry around $5.
Free Walking Tour
Daily at 10:30 a.m. (except Sunday). 3–4 hours through markets, plazas, and candy shops.
Mitad del Mundo + Intiñan Museum
Visit the real equator. Balance an egg on a nail and explore experiments at the true equator line.
Old Town Quito Highlights
Juan de Dios Morales Street with shops and cafés. Try Heladería Dulce Placer and Pacari chocolate. Markets with fruit, chickens, and traditional healers selling herbs.
Catedral Metropolitana de Quito
Catacombs, underground tunnels, rooftop views, and historical tours with a friar.
Antonio José de Sucre is buried here.
Yaku Water Museum
Glass museum overlooking Quito with interactive exhibits, giant bubbles, and games.
