What are some good day trips from Banos, Ecuador?

Question

Are there any National Parks, sites, or interesting towns (that are relatively close to Banos) that might be of interest to me? I'm planning a trip there in a couple of weeks I was looking for some fun places to visit. Thank you!!!

PS: Please be as specific as possible. Thanks again.

Answer 1

You should be able to get to cotopaxi national park...see the worlds highest active volcano at 5897m, walk around lake limpopungio and  say hello to Barney the Llama.  You can even have lunch or even stay the night  at the hostel tambopaxi...www.tambopaxi.com, which has excellent food, great hospitality, plus t-shirts etc.   Fabulous scenery, cotopaxi is awesome!

Have fun - we loved ecuador - so i'm very jealous.

Answer 2

If you happen to be inclined to play in the outdoors, there are many touring operators based out of Banos.  Many of them offer rafting, exploring the jungle, and climbing el volcan Cotopaxi.  We chose to book our Cotopaxi climb through an outfit in Quito (Moggely Guides in Gringolandia) as they were among the top recommended guides in Ecuador.  Cotopaxi is a kick-*** and ***-kicking climb.  Don't underestimate acclimatizing before you try for the summit.  Also, Ecuadorian mountaineering gear for hire is a bit of a joke.  If you're serious about climbing, bring your own stuff.

Bikes can be rented on every street corner in Banos.  They are all a little sketchy, but the majority are street worthy.  Definitely get the helmet when they offer it to you.  If you get a chance take a day and bike eastward along the road to see the various waterfalls.  We biked from Banos to Puyo (about 40 miles) one day and it became one of the highlights of our trip.  Just a warning though, there is little to no shoulder on the road and a beautiful cliff on one side.  You also are required to bike through a series of tunnels on the regular road with no lights.  Hope for a friendly bus driver who will follow you with his headlights on for you.  Finish your ride with a Pilsner and catch the bus back up to Banos.

Puyo itself is a very quiet town.  It doesn't have the tourist side to it like anywhere else I visited.  There are some nature preserves around Puyo worth visiting.  But if you don't speak Spanish, Puyo might be tough.

I personally didn't try the river rafting, but my friends who did enjoyed it immensely.  But, as with all swimming in Ecuador, try not to swallow any water.  One friend did and ran into some gastrointestinal troubles for the next week.

The actual main baths of Banos were pretty disgusting, to be honest.  I wouldn't bother going.  I tried to walk and find more baths listed in Lonely Planet and ended up in a cow pasture lined with shanties thinking I was going to be mugged.  Better luck to you!

Finally, one of the more sophomoric highlights of Banos is the booze cruise.  This is a bus that runs on Friday and Saturday nights from the central area of town up to the overlook (with the cross on it) above town.  I sat on the top of the bus (drunk, as in the common theme) and only hit my head on two tree branches.  That aside it was a blast.  Enjoy!

Espero que te via bien!!

Answer 3

Parque nacional Cotopaxi is near baños,

Cotopaxi Nacional Parque is the country's most visited mainland park and has around 33,390 hectares although during weekdays is maybe traffic free and in quiet solitude.

The main entrance is located some 5 km north of Lasso east with a sign marking the park. At the entrance you will pay a US $10.00 fee (locals will pay around US $1) before passing onwards past a museum and onto Lake Limpio Pungo at an altitude of 3840m.

From the lake you will continue on to a car park at around 4590m and from the car lot you are just 45 minutes via foot to the José Ribas refuge, if however you journey by foot from the main highway it will take you the whole day beginning at dawn just to reach the refuge.

You can also arrive via several pick up trucks located at the entrance for around US$25-$30 which groups around 4 people at a time and journeys to the car lot as well as return trips if prearranged.

The park itself affords spectacular views of the Paramo while center stage is of course the 5890m cone-formed, snow crested volcano Cotopaxi, normally only viewable by climbers ascending the volcano.

All travelers should acclimatize before ascending to such heights and spend a few days prior in Quito or equal elevations to avoid heavy altitude sickness. Inside the perimeter of the park you will find a plethora of wildlife that attracts the naked eye. The infamous Condor is one bird life example as well as the orange faced Falcon (Carunculated Caracara) and Andean seagull viewed at 4000m and above, other bird forms also include the great Thrush, complete with a bright orange bill and yellow eyes, various ducks, Solitaries and Canasteros.

The typical mammals frequenting the park are the little red brocket deer, Andean fox named Colpeo, pumas and white-tailed deer while rarer species includes the Andean speckled Bear found on the Eastern slopes of the park. For Llama lovers you will find these in a small herd located at the parks entrance which are held captive for scientific studies.

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Ecuador and Galapagos Travel Climbing Cotopaxi

It is always a practical idea before ascending to check snow conditions with the refuge host guide for any irregularities including suspected avalanches often passed down by previous mountaineers to the host upon descent from the previous climb.

Cotopaxi cratter

© Picture by Bodd Wuth. Sales: 02-2282841.

Also it is recommended to begin climbs early morning bathed in the beauty of moonlight, for example 0100-0200 because it takes around 6 to 8 hours going up and another 2-4 to descend, after midday the sun rapidly melts the snows causing the snow to be similar to the consistency of sugar which when trodden on can often set off avalanches underfoot and great danger. There are outstanding views to the southeast from the Cotopaxi volcano such as Quilidaña (4,870 m). And, to the north Rumiñahui (4,722 m), Sincholagua (4,900 m) and Pasochoa (4,220 m) peaks.

Descending from Cotopaxi

The recommended season for climbing Cotopaxi is normally December to April due to pervading strong winds and cloud cover during the other months, having said this the more experienced climbers may ascend year round although for less experience mountaineers a guide is essential accompanied by all necessary equipment. See under Quito > climbing, for recommended agencies and guides.

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Ecuador and Galapagos Travel Climbing Rumiñahui

The park road beginning at Laguna Limpio Pungo is the main starting point to Climb Rumiñahui. At the foot of this mountain there is a wide variety of bird life to be viewed but do be on the look out for wild bulls, mountain lions and groups of wild horses roaming at random.

Although the ascension to the summits of Cima Máxima 4722m, Cima Sur and Cima central are not too demanding be careful of slippery muddy areas after rainy downpours. From the foot of Rumiñahui allow around 4 hours and another 3 hours to ascend from the summit back down to Limpio Pungo.

The normal clothing preparation for very cold and wet weather apply as with all ascents to high elevations.

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Ecuador and Galapagos Travel Park and Fees

As previously mentioned the cost for park entry is around US $10.00, payable in cash as travelers checks are not accepted, outside of July to December the cost is usually a bit cheaper with the gates being passable between 07:00-15:00, you may however stay till 18:00 and be allowed exit passes later in the day but don't leave past these times.

Administration for the park and the museum with 3D plans of the park and stuffed wildlife are located adjacent to one another 10 kilometers inside the perimeter of the park open between 08:00-12:00 and 14:00-16:00.

Ecuador and Galapagos Travel Accommodation

Important Notice: If you wish to book in advance any of the below listed lodgings, visit our online Hotel reservation form. A BOE specialized agent will be able to process your inquiry immediately for the best and most affordable accommodation rates!.

Campsites and cabins (cabañas) are available at Cóndor Huayco and La Rinconada, both places are located between the museum and the Limpio Pungo lake, It is not allowed to camp on the lake surroundings.

The refuge (José Ribas) has water, kitchen and some 35 bunks. The cost per night is around US$13 per person. You can also bring a sleeping bag and while you're climbing, you can leave your belongings in a locked luggage deposit for about US$3.

Outside the park

Hacienda Yanahurco.- Styled rooms with fireplace. They run several day programs and a rodeo every year in November. It is located Southeast of the park surrounded by paramos and mountains. The area itself has several haciendas managed by Fundación Paramo. Reservations: Tel. [phone], Fax: [phone], in Quito.

Hacienda San Agustín de Callo.- Suites with fireplaces. Horse riding and mountain bike tours. Located south of the park in a hill called Cerro San Agustín (Cerro Callo), with some Inca structures in the base of it. The hacienda entrance is north of the southern park entrance, just a 10 minute ride from the highway. Reservations: Tel. [phone].

Cuello de Luna.- A converted hacienda with outstanding views at 3,120 m. Located one kilometer west of the Panamericana. Reservations: Tel. [phone] (cellular).

Volcanoland.- Dormitory accommodation, horse riding and mountain bike tours. Located close to the northern access to the park.

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Ecuador and Galapagos Travel Lasso

Lasso is a small village located some 35 km south of Alóag and between the railway tracks and the Panamericana crossroads, it has many simple restaurants offering local typical food but, in the surrounding areas there are several beautiful hosterias for accommodation such as the ones listed below:

Hostería San Mateo.- Small but cozy, horse riding tours. Located some 3 1/2 kilometers south from Lasso. Reservations: Tel & Fax: [phone]. Or, through our online Hotel reservation form.

Posada del Rey.- With nice rooms, swimming pool and a restaurant. Located in front of La Ciénega. Reservations: Tel. [phone]. Or, through our online Hotel reservation form.

Hostería La Ciénega.- Nice rooms with fireplace, horse riding tours and beautiful gardens. Located some 2 1/2 km south from Lasso. Reservations: Tel. [phone]. Or, through our online Hotel reservation form.

Restaurants

Parador La Avelina.- Homemade cheese and ice-cream, popular with Ecuadorian travelers. Located along the Panamericana, some 6 km south from Lasso.

Ecuador and Galapagos Travel Book a Tour

The Best of Ecuador.com (BOE) has lately teamed up with the most recognized, respected Travel Agencies and Tour operators in the country. By filling in our online Travel Agencies and Tour operators network reservation form, visitors may ask for a quote and book in advance as well for professional guided tours to Cotopaxi National Park.

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near baños: Between Fire and Snow

With its temperate, wet, and cool climate, this province, lying to the south of Cotopaxi, is known for its towering peaks, its Carnival festivities, and its fruit and flower production. Handmade leather goods are another one of its riches. The town of Baños is one of the gateways to the Amazon.

Ambato - The City of Leather

Ambato, the provincial capital of Tungurahua, is most well known for its Carnival celebrations during which bullfights and parades turn the city into the nation’s most festive city towards the end of February. Located just two hours from Quito, Ambato is locally known as the Land of Flowers and Fruit and has traditionally been one of the Andes main trading centers. Ambato is also well known for its abundant production of artisan products, especially leather goods. Places of interest in Ambato are the Juan Montalvo and Colegio Bolívar museums where collections of archeological artifacts and scientific displays await the visitor. Also worth visiting is Montalvo’s house with its impressive ethnographic collection. Noteworthy churches include the Cathedral, San Francisco, Santo Domingo, La Merced, La Medalla Milagrosa, and the Padres Josefinos Temple.

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Baños - A Paradise in the Mountains

With its friendly people, well developed tourist infrastructure, lush surroundings, ideal location, and delicious cuisine, Baños de Agua Santa is one of the nation’s most popular destinations and gateways to the Amazon. Located on the eastern slopes of the Andes, Baños is the departure point for trips to jungle destinations such as Puyo, Misahuallí, and the waterfalls of Agoyán, Inés María and the famous Pailón del Diablo, as well as to the Andean peaks of Tungurahua and El Altar. Offering endless opportunities to the ecotourist, Baños is a center for various adventure sports such as kayaking, trekking, and mountain biking. Other attractions include the Virgen de Agua Santa Sanctuary and the various thermal hot springs in the area.

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Towns and Villages

San Pedro de Pelileo has become a hotspot for the production of artisan products as well as being an industrial textile center producing denim clothes. The community of Salasaca, famous for their woolen and sisal rugs and wall hangings, is also a popular tourist destination . Píllaro, to the northeast of the province, is the gateway to the mysterious Llanganates and is famous for its pear, peach, and plum crops. Patate is also a large agricultural center producing delicious avocados, babacos, tree tomatoes, mandarins, limes, and grapes. Quero, Mocha ,and Tisaleo are other important farming communities near Pelileo.

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Mountains

This province is full of spectaculaly beautiful towering peaks and active volcanoes that are ideal for climbing, some of which include Tungurahua (5087 m), Carihuairazo (5020 m), Cerro Hermoso (4571 m), and Sagatoa (4153 m).

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Sangay National Park

This park stretches from the Andes to the Amazon, with its 520 thousand hectares covering much of the provinces of Chimborazo and Morona Santiago. The reserve's elevation varies between 800-5400 m and the reserve's most impressive peaks include Sangay, el Altar, and Tungurahua. Many diverse species of wildlife can be found here such as mountain dantas, spectacled bears, and ocelots. The temperature varies between 6 and 24 degrees centigrade.

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Llanganates National Park - The Incas' Treasure

This huge reserve (219707 hectares) covers an area larger than that of Cotopaxi, Napo and Pastaza provinces put together. The park consists mainly of Andean forests and exuberant Amazonian forests but the main attraction are the mountainous Llanganates, of which Cerro Hermoso and Pisayambo lake system form a part. Legend has it that Atahualpa's ransom in gold was hidden here hundreds of years ago.

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Cuisine

Llapingachos (potato cakes) served with fried eggs and sausages are typical fare in Ambato. Grilled guinea pig is also popular in Mocha and Pelileo while Baños is famous for its sugar cane candies.

Cotopaxi > Cotopaxi National Park