Fun, adrenaline and heart-stopping views on the swing at the end of the world.
with such a name There is no need to invest in marketing or social networks. And it really does not disappoint.
Imagine for a moment: you are in the Ecuadorian Andes mountain range, from where you can see the exultant strength of the Amazon, in a valley surrounded by mountains from which dozens of waterfalls sprout.
You drive up for one steep hill up to 2,660 meters, Along the picturesque road, you find streams, llamas and some peasant with a red poncho, short-brimmed hat and skin tanned by the ravages of time. Continue the climb and appears –literally– a Tyrannosaurus Rex that welcomes to a small dinosaur theme park. Then another one will come that exhibits pyramids and aliens, things from globalization.
It is impossible to get bored in Eduardo's Ecology & Adventure park.
RUSH INTO THE VOID
You continue climbing until you reach the top of the mountain and after paying a modest entrance fee of one dollar (0.90 euro cents), you come across the jaws of Tungurahua, an active volcano 5,020 meters high. Its last eruption, with lava and pyrotechnics included, was in 2016. It is impressive to see it up close, with its imposing conical shape and fumaroles that give us an account of its fury.
But there is still one last twist. In the abyss of the hill, where a steep drop begins, there is a robust tree, and on it a small wooden house, taken from Neverland. **From one of the branches of the tree hangs a long swing, ** from which you can plunge into the sky.
The tree house and its endless swing at the end of the world.
Its location and its proximity to the volcano offers truly impressive images. The prestigious National Geographic awarded a photo taken just as Tungurahua was beginning to erupt, minutes before they had to evacuate the area. But do not panic, so far there has never been any accident.
After this snack, we continue with a menu full of adventure. Because you are going to have fun in Baños. You may go rafting while you cross the waters of one of the great tributaries of the Amazon, the Pastaza River, which crosses Edenic landscapes, gorges and rapids. Adrenaline at will.
Banos de Agua Santa escorted –or stalked– by the Tungurahua volcano.
ADVENTURE AT DISCRETION
If you don't have enough, you can try canyoning – descending waterfalls by rappelling, secured with a rope and harness. Impossible not to give an atavistic cry when You go down a 30-meter waterfall. There are several places to practice it, although the Río Blanco option is the best.
Mountain biking is another of the star activities. Being surrounded by mountains, there are trails for all levels, which can also be traveled by motorcycle. A simple and familiar option is the Ruta de las Cascadas, a beautiful cycling tour that runs through the old road that linked the Andes mountain range with the jungle.
The waterfalls in Banos de Agua Santa become a playground.
We have taken a run and this is non-stop. How about practicing bungee jumping and throw yourself into the void from the San Francisco bridge, which has a drop of 60 meters? If you feel a little dizzy, you can opt for the canopy – the zip line of a lifetime – and launch yourself attached to a harness by a metal cable of up to 600 meters.
Baños de Agua Santa is well known in Ecuador for its natural hot springs with healing waters, which are kept at temperatures between 22 and 54 degrees Celsius. Its sulfated waters are used – by locals and visitors – to combat rheumatism, arthritis, heal injuries and, of course, rest in style.
Thermal pool in Baños de Agua Santa.
A SPA WITH AYURBEDA
After such a day of adventure and fun, you have to recover your strength. Among the hotel offer we bet on the Sangay hotel for many reasons. It is in the best location in the city, right in front of the hot springs and the hypnotic waterfall of the Hair of the Virgin. Having breakfast in front of her reconciles you with the world.
The hotel also has a unique spa. In addition to a Turkish bath, sauna, Jacuzzi and swimming pool, offers a massage service and Ayurvedic treatments, with staff trained in India itself. The rooms are modern, with a minimalist air and, above all, with exceptional views and natural surroundings.
Its interesting cuisine bets on a contemporary review of ecuadorian gastronomy and an amazing vegan menu –one of those that makes you salivate when you see the dishes, nothing about going hungry– difficult to find in Ecuador. The hotel also has two other restaurants: the Bunkers cafeteria, inspired by the Alice in Wonderland novel, and the El Chozón restaurant, where every Saturday there is live music and guaranteed party.
Ecuadorian cuisine in a contemporary key at the Sangay hotel.
And speaking of parties. On Fridays and Saturdays, on Calle Eloy Alfaro –two blocks from the church of Baños, you can't miss it–, there is a lot of going on. Bars, nightclubs and fast food outlets huddle next to each other. Millennial territory with a strong presence of American and South American tourists. In this street you can dance to the rhythm of classic rock, pop, bachata, salsa and, of course, the omnipresent and almighty reggaeton.
If you have survived a night listening to Bad Bunny, you are ready to visit the Pailón del Diablo, the most incredible attraction in Baños, a beastly waterfall with a drop of 80 meters. To get there you will have to cross two hanging wooden bridges, in the purest Indiana Jones style. The most impressive thing about the place is how close you are to such a torrent of water. The roar of the waterfall reverberates to the marrow. One of those experiences that you will never forget, just like the swing at the end of the world.
Street food stalls in Banos de Agua Santa, with the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary in the background.