Baños de Agua Santa thermal pools
The water in the pools at Baños is brown — not murky, but a deep mineral brown, the color of strong tea, stained by sulfates and volcanic compounds drawn up through Tungurahua's underground system. That detail surprises most first-time visitors, and it's a good entry point into what this place actually is: a thermal bathing town built at the foot of an active volcano, at 1,820 meters, where people have been coming to soak since long before the Spanish arrived.
The town of Baños de Agua Santa grew up around its springs and its basilica together, the two things reinforcing each other across centuries. The oldest public pool, Termas de la Virgen, sits directly below the Cabellera de la Virgen waterfall, about four blocks from the main plaza — and opens at 4am, for those who want the water before the day starts.
💛 What travellers fall for
People who return tend to set an alarm for Termas de la Virgen before dawn, when the sulfurous steam hangs low and the crowds haven't arrived. The $2 entry and mandatory swimming cap feel like the most democratic transaction in Ecuador. Afterward, a taxi to Casa del Árbol rarely costs more than $3.
The story behind Baños de Agua Santa thermal pools
Native peoples were bathing in these volcanic springs before European contact. Dominican priests established the settlement in the mid-1500s, and by 1694 Spanish landowner General Antonio Palomino Flores had become proprietor of the surrounding haciendas and a significant benefactor of the church. The town remained administratively part of Pelileo until December 16, 1946, when it was declared its own canton within the province of Tungurahua.
The basilica that anchors the town — built in Gothic style from black and reddish volcanic stone — was begun by Flemish Dominican priest Fr. Tomás Cornelio Halflants at the end of the 19th century and completed in 1929. Pilgrims came for the Virgin, climbers came to acclimatize for higher peaks, and bathers came for the springs; those three streams of visitors have been arriving together for roughly 80 years.
Good to know
Buses from Quito's Quitumbe terminal run every 15 minutes and take around four and a half hours. Two days is the natural rhythm. August and September hit a sweet spot — less rain, temperatures around 16–17°C. All pools require swimming caps, sold at the entrance if you forget yours.
September through March brings the most reliable sun, with temperatures sometimes reaching 30°C. June through August is cooler and wetter, though August itself has the lowest rainfall of the year and, combined with September, represents the most comfortable window for visiting. The microclimate is variable enough that a light rain layer is worth carrying any time of year.
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What travellers say about Baños de Agua Santa thermal pools
Termas de la Virgen is one of the most beautiful spots in Baños. The highlight is the stunning cascading waterfall that flows right beside the public thermal pools, creating a unique and relaxing atmosphere. Soaking in the warm mineral-rich water while listening to the roar of the waterfall is an unforgettable experience. The views are spectacular, especially in the evening when the area is illuminated. A perfect place to unwind after exploring Baños and enjoy the natural beauty of Ecuador. Recommended for visitors looking for relaxation and amazing scenery.
Affordable hot springs at $4 adults $2 kids and seniors entry. No lockers but there is an attendant on second floor who will store your things for you at jo additional charges. Several changes rooms and showers. Cold plunge pools and hot pools of varying degrees. Some of the hot pools are quite hot. Loads of people at night, lighter traffic early evening. If going during the week only certain pools are open which are out in full sun. On weekends (Fri, sat, sun) the indoor hotsprings and cold plunge pools are open along with the turkish bath (steam room). Bathing caps and bathing suits are mandatory (no street clothes or undergarments). If you do not have either cap or suit the concession stand past check in sells them (caps $.50. Not sure about bathing suits). There is wheel chair accessibility into the springs but no lift at the pool to assist getting in and out. Eucalyptus leaves are added in the steam room. Great to clear out the lungs. All pools and steam rooms are unisex. Showers are listed as men and women's but could probably used as unisex. Change rooms are individual rooms that can also be used as unisex. These hotsprings are a very local experience. Visually they are more like pools or baths without all the fanfare of lounge chairs, fancy palapas and palm trees. Nonetheless you still get to experience the theraputics of these hotspring. Small snack counter on lower level with several other street vendors and a small open aire market typically outside the hotsprings for a quick affordable bite or for souvenirs. Save some time for a photo op outside the springs where you.can get up close to the waterfalls. Truly authentic experience that will leave you sleeping like a baby and help eliminate any aches and pain from touring during the day.
Nice place. 4$ entry and usually not too busy on weekdays during the day. It does get busy in the evening. I enjoyed my stays here.
These waters make you feel like a local. The entry is $3 but make sure to bring a bathing cap otherwise they’ll provide one for you for $1. Overall pretty clean and maintained, the cold showers help balance out the heat. Must visit when in Baños.
Overall a pleasant experience. The pools have a pleasant temperature, although they can be a bit crowded. Water is greenish. Cold pools / showers available. You can leave your belongings in a plastic box that is looked after. Swimsuit, towel slippers and cap are compulsory. They are available for rent or you can purchase them for the same price at the stalls just outside. Entrance is 4 USD.
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