Banos

About

Banos de Agua Santa is named for the apparent healing properties of the city’s many hot springs due to the many minerals they contain. A city of natural beauty, it sits at the base of the Tungurahua volcano which has been slowly bubbling away since it erupted in 1999. Banos is a religious centre for Roman Catholics with many reported sightings of the Virgin Mary, most notably at local waterfalls. She can be thanked for her miracles at the Basílica de la Virgen del Rosario de Agua Santa in the city’s central plaza. Banos is Ecuador’s capital of adventure and the El Pailon del Diablo - the Devil’s Cauldron - waterfall is a popular spot for hikers. The most famous hot spring is Termas de la Virgen, so-called as the Virgin Mary is said to have bathed there herself. They have cold pools and hot ones, heated by the neighbouring volcanoes. Whichever you choose, you’ll be sure to leave with a spring in your step!