Banos de Agua Santa and the waterfalls beneath Tungurahua
Published on 09/24/2026 at 05:43 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael Müller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS
Banos de Agua Santa occupies a narrow valley beneath the active Tungurahua volcano, where thermal springs and falling water define the landscape. The town of Banos stands at about 1,820 m (5,971 ft) in central Ecuador, at the transition between the Andes and the Amazon basin.
Banos de Agua Santa: a town shaped by hot water
The name Banos de Agua Santa means “Baths of Holy Water”. Geothermal springs rise around the town, and mineral-rich water remains central to its identity. Bath complexes include Piscinas de la Virgen, beneath the waterfall known as Cascada de la Virgen, and other thermal pools set beside the urban streets.
The water has both physical and religious associations. The Piscinas de la Virgen baths stand close to the Basilica of Nuestra Señora del Rosario de Agua Santa. Paintings and votive offerings inside the basilica connect local devotion with stories of healing and protection attributed to the Virgin and the surrounding waters.
Waterfalls, gorges and the eastern Andes
Beyond the centre, rivers cut through steep, densely vegetated slopes. Their cascades form the Ruta de las Cascadas, a route associated with waterfalls including Agoyán, Manto de la Novia, Pailón del Diablo, Cashaurco and El Rocío de Machay.
Pailón del Diablo is a major feature of this waterfall landscape. Water drops through a rocky gorge, with paths, stairs and viewpoints placed beside the rushing river. The waterfalls around Banos form a connected group of named natural sites rather than a single attraction.
Tungurahua, pilgrimage and outdoor culture
Tungurahua rises above the town as an active stratovolcano. Its slopes provide the setting for viewpoints, trails and adventure activities, while the Pastaza valley continues eastwards towards the Amazon basin.
Casa del Árbol is associated with the Runtún sector and views towards Tungurahua. The attraction includes a large treehouse and a swing above the valley. Canyoning, canopy routes and river-based activities add a contemporary outdoor culture to a town whose older identity remains tied to springs, waterfalls and the basilica. The valley beneath Tungurahua places these contrasting elements within a compact Andean setting.
Visiting Banos de Agua Santa: what travellers from Western Europe should know
- Banos lies in Tungurahua Province, south of Quito and near Ambato. Road access follows routes through Ambato and the Pastaza valley.
- The town stands at about 1,820 m (5,971 ft). Waterfall approaches include stairs, steep paths, rocks and sections that can become wet.
- The Ruta de las Cascadas connects named waterfalls outside the centre. Pailón del Diablo, Manto de la Novia and Agoyán are among its recognised stops.
- The official language is Spanish and the currency is the Ecuadorian dollar.
- Entry requirements depend on your nationality; UK travellers can check the FCDO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice, Irish travellers the Department of Foreign Affairs at ireland.ie.
Searching for Banos de Agua Santa on social platforms
These links open searches for Banos de Agua Santa on each platform.Frequently asked questions about Banos de Agua Santa
Where is Banos de Agua Santa?
Banos de Agua Santa is in Tungurahua Province in central Ecuador. It lies beneath Tungurahua, where the eastern Andes descend towards the Amazon basin.
What can visitors expect in Banos?
The town combines thermal baths, a basilica, river gorges, named waterfalls and outdoor activities. Some natural attractions involve steep paths, stairs and wet rock.
What makes Banos distinctive?
Hot springs and waterfalls exist together within the town’s volcanic valley. Sacred water, the Basilica of Nuestra Señora del Rosario de Agua Santa and Tungurahua give the place its distinctive character.
