For a one-of-a-kind spa experience that won't break the bank, an afternoon at El Refugio is a must. The Bohemian spa compound is nestled deep in the tranquil valley under the Tungurahua volcano and overlooking the Río Pastaza, about 2 kilometers outside of Baños just off the road to Puyo. Choose from a full menu of á la carte treatments, including: mud baths, massage, and ear candling. Or treat yourself to the whole package for $45. Treatments start with a visit to a lookout point facing a mountainside, where all are encouraged to release stress with a scream into the valley. For a memorably invigorating experience, try the baños de cajón: for $5, you'll be seated in an enclosed sauna box with only your head poking out of the top while hot vapors deep cleanse your pores. Every 15 minutes, you'll be doused with icy-cool water before returning to the warmth of the box. It's amazingly refreshing. Couple one of these cleansings with a soothing hot-stone massage for a full-body experience.

Location:
Camino Real - Barrio San Vicente
Baños, Ecuador

Activity Info., Spa/Hot Springs

Contact Information:
Phone: 2740-482 / 09 7850-607
E-mail: info(at)remove-this.spaecuador.info

By Caroline Bennett

exploring, laughing, wanderlust, strangers. 120 film, making art, cyanotypes, vintage. scotch on the rocks & coffee, black. the unknown. the sound of...

Created: 21 Mar 2007

Updated: 21 Mar 2007

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

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

Reviews

Traveler Reviews of El Refugio Spa

refreshing!

A really unique and invigorating "spa" experience. A wonderful way to spend an afternoon soothing tired biking legs or aching rafting muscles, without shelling out a bunch of cash. Try the baños de cajon!

Traveler from maine on Mar 22, 2007