El Refugio Spa

Location:
Camino Real - Barrio San Vicente
Baños, Ecuador

Activity Info., Spa/Hot Springs

By Caroline Bennett

For a one-of-a-kind spa experience that won’t break the bank, an afternoon at El Refugio is a must. 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, sits the unique and Bohemian-friendly spa compound. 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 let it all go with a scream into the ethers of 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 pours. Every 15 minutes you’ll be doused with icy cool water before returning to the warmth of the box- amazingly refreshing, and letting out a few yelps as the water meets your face is all part of the fun. Couple a cleansing with a soothing hot-stone message for a relaxing full body experience.

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

Traveler Reviews of El Refugio Spa

refreshing!

Rating: 100%

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!

By V!VA User from maine, Mar 22, 2007