Around Baños: Río Verde

The Cable Car at the Manta de Novia waterfall photo by Dawn Wohlfarth

Río Verde is about 17 km south of Baños and is an area rich in waterfalls and lush vegetation. Most travelers see this area on a day trip from Baños by bike, tour bus, chiva, scooter or motorbike. The biggest waterfall in the area, El Pailón del Diablo, is the stopping point to the south for most tours from Baños and features a less than 1 km path leading through the forest to the waterfall as well as some restaurants and lodges set deep in the woods.

If you want to tour the area without a guide, you can easily rent bikes, scooters etc. in Baños and, with the help of a map and some common sense, and follow the main highway along its mostly downhill path. Be sure to avoid entering the tunnels; there are unpaved paths to the right of each tunnel (on your way out of Baños). The road can be fairly dangerous with reckless bus drivers galore, but the views are worth it. Don't miss the cable car (or, more appropriately, cable basket) to see the Manta de Novia waterfall (Bride's Veil Waterfall). Its $1 round trip and well worth the views directly over the waterfall.

Hiking, Bicycling, Info.

Cialcotel, Colonial Ecuador Hotels Live a unique experience staying at San Mateo Inn, on the foothills of Cotopaxi, Quinta Loren in Ambato, & Rumipamba de las Rosas Lodge in Salcedo. www.cialcotel.com

4 & 5** Custom & Scheduled Tours by www.SouthAmerica.travel Create your own travel itinerary with our custom Travel Planner, or choose from one of our 100s of carefully designed itineraries. Special escorted departures. SouthAmerica.travel

Luna Runtun - The Adventure SPA, Baños Ecuador Surrounded by spectacular views and two National Parks, you'll bathe in the luxury of our SPA and immerse yourself in our many activities. http://www.lunaruntun.com

Reviews

Traveler Reviews of Around Baños: Río Verde

Ecuador - The Best Place on Earth

I like everything!!! It is a beautiful country.

Traveler from USA on Oct 30, 2007