Adventure

Baños is a small town widely known throughout Ecuador for its miracles. The side aisle of the cathedral is lined with crutches left behind by patients who have been healed. It is said that the sick are healed by the water that flows from the thermal springs. Sangay National Park lies just on the outskirts of Baños. The volcano is one of the most active in the world, spewing ash and lava almost every day. The area around Baños is ideal for adventure activities such as rafting, climbing, hiking and canoeing. Mountain bikes are available for hire in the village.

If you’re staying in Cuenca, a visit to Cajas National Park is definitely worthwhile. This picturesque area varies in altitude from 3,100 to 4,450 metres, meaning you’ll be treated to a different stunning view wherever you go. The landscape is incredibly varied, featuring no fewer than 270 lakes – both large and small – as well as scrubland, forests, grasses resembling our marram grass, valleys and stunning mountain peaks. A delight for birdwatchers, but there’s also plenty to enjoy for mountain bikers, walkers, anglers and mountaineers. In short, a stunning nature park with something for everyone!

Ecuador is ideal for active walks. Not far from Baños lie the Llanganates Mountains. To this day, it remains one of the few places in the world that is largely unexplored and unknown. A walk in this area takes you through cloud forest, the Andean forest and heathland. Along the way, you’ll enjoy views of the surrounding volcanoes and might even spot a hummingbird or some deer. Spectacled bears are also found in this area, but they are difficult to spot.

Just like many other countries in Latin America, Ecuador offers some lovely routes to explore by rental car. Drive from mountain village to mountain village in the Andes, visit local markets and enjoy the stunning scenery along the way. We’d be happy to advise you on a lovely self-drive trip.

Ready for more adventure? Then hop on a mountain bike or a horse and explore the Andes region this way. For example, you could go on a mountain bike ride around the Cotopaxi volcano, winding your way down amongst the volcanic rock. You could also go on a horse-riding excursion in the Otavalo area.