Information
Landmark: Tungurahua Hot SpringsCity: Ambato
Country: Ecuador
Continent: South America
Tungurahua Hot Springs, Ambato, Ecuador, South America
Overview
The Tungurahua Hot Springs, tucked into Ecuador’s Tungurahua province, bubble up in and around Baños de Agua Santa, where steam curls into the cool mountain air.Fed by the geothermal energy of the Tungurahua Volcano, these hot springs offer steaming, mineral-rich pools where visitors soak in waters long believed to soothe aches and restore tired muscles.The most popular hot springs in Tungurahua sit in Baños de Agua Santa, a lively spot where visitors soak in steaming pools before setting off on mountain adventures.Among the most popular thermal baths is the first on the list, where steam curls into the crisp air.Termas de la Virgen (La Virgen Hot Springs) sits near the roaring Cascada de la Virgen, right in the heart of Baños de Agua Santa.The temperature swings from a mild 18°C (64°F) to a scorching 54°C (129°F), hot enough to make the asphalt shimmer.You’ll find several pools here, each set to its own temperature-from steaming hot to pleasantly warm to bracingly cold.Perfect for unwinding while you take in the shimmering spray and stunning view of the waterfall.Number two stood alone, sharp as a penciled mark on a fresh page.Termas El Salado sits about 2 km (1.2 miles) from Baños, tucked beside the rushing Río Bascún.The temperature swings from a warm 30°C (86°F) to a blistering 50°C (122°F), hot enough to make the air shimmer.It’s quieter than Termas de la Virgen, with a calm, natural setting where you can hear the water trickle over smooth stones.Ideal for those who crave calm, unhurried moments far from the chatter and press of a busy crowd.Number three.Santa Clara Hot Springs sits right in the heart of Baños, close enough to hear the bustle of the streets.The place boasts a modern facility, complete with sparkling indoor and outdoor pools.Ideal for families or travelers who want a quieter, spa-like escape-think soft lighting, calm water, and plenty of space to themselves.Number four.Santa Ana Hot Springs sits just outside Baños, tucked near the Pastaza River where you can hear the water rushing past.You’ll find a blend of natural and modern pools, set against a backdrop of lush trees and open sky.Perfect for travelers who want a more local vibe-think quiet cafés where the owner knows your name instead of crowded souvenir shops.The Tungurahua Hot Springs, rich in minerals like sulfur, calcium, and magnesium, are known for their health perks-step into the steaming water and feel your muscles loosen as the day’s tension melts away.Sulfur can boost skin health and help clear up small irritations, like a faint red patch on your cheek.Heat boosts circulation, sending warm blood through your muscles and helping them recover after strain.The best time to go is early morning or in the evening, when the air’s cooler and the crowds at spots like Termas de la Virgen haven’t yet arrived.On weekdays, the crowds thin out, so you can stroll in quiet and hear the crunch of gravel under your shoes.Pailón del Diablo, one of Ecuador’s most famous waterfalls, thunders just outside Baños, where mist clings to the rocks.Ruta de las Cascadas winds past a chain of waterfalls, where cool mist drifts over the road.Casa del Árbol-home to the legendary “swing at the end of the world”-offers a heart‑stopping view of Tungurahua Volcano rising through the clouds.Tungurahua is still active, but you can spot its dark, smoking peak from several lookout points around Baños.In conclusion, the Tungurahua Hot Springs rank among Ecuador’s finest, blending soothing warmth, stunning mountain views, and a host of health benefits.Whether you’re soaking in the lively, steam-filled pools of Baños or slipping into a quiet corner known only to locals, these hot springs offer a memorable way to take in Ecuador’s volcanic scenery.
