Getting Around Baños: Walk, Bike and Local Transport
By Discover Baños
3 Sep 2025
•
6 min read
The urban area of Baños is compact, which means your hotel is likely within 5 to 15 minutes on foot from the center, or just a few minutes by taxi. Wherever you stay, most restaurants, cafés, and shops are close enough to reach easily. Walking is not only safe and practical, but it also gives you the chance to enjoy mountain views, lively streets, and the colors of local life.
Biking adds another layer of fun. You can rent one for short rides in town or take the famous Ruta de las Cascadas, a 20 km journey toward Río Verde with tunnels, rivers, and waterfalls along the way. If adventure sports are on your plan, most operators pick you up directly at your accommodation and handle transport to the activity site—rafting, canyoning, zipline, or climbing. On those days, your car will likely stay parked.
So, is it necessary to rent a car just to see downtown Baños or to join adventure tours? The answer is no. Baños is made to be walked, biked, or enjoyed with guides who provide transport. For short hops, taxis cost around $1.50 within town. Easy, right?
Most activities around Baños are outside the urban zone—La Casa del Árbol, Animal Park, tarabitas, and the Pailón del Diablo waterfall are all 20–40 minutes away by vehicle. To get there, you can rely on local transport.
1. Buses are safe, cheap, and widely used by locals. Blue buses connect Baños with Río Verde or Runtún.
Rio Verde Route:
- Departs from the stop at Calle Eloy Alfaro y Luis A. Martinez.
- Departure times: 6:30 am, 8:00 am, 1:30 pm, and 5:00 pm.
- Main stops include Ulba, Parque de la Familia, Agoyán Waterfall, Manto de la Novia Waterfall, and Pailón del Diablo Waterfall.
Runtún Route:
- Departs from the stop at Calle Vicente Rocafuerte y Pastaza.
- Departure times: 6:30 am, 8:00 am, 1:30 pm, and 5:00 pm.
- Main stops include: Bellavista Viewpoint, Café del Cielo, Animal Park, Las Manos de la Pachamama, Pasarela Diamante, and La Casa del Árbol.
Although convenient, buses do not always stop automatically. Tell the driver in advance where you want to get off, or you may miss your stop. If you want to continue later, wait for the next bus or remain on board until the end of the route and return on the same bus.
2. Taxis are classic yellow sedans, costing $1.50–$2 in town, with higher fares to rural attractions. Drivers are flexible: many will wait while you explore and then continue with you. Capacity is up to four passengers, so larger groups should split into two cars.
3. Private cars offer the most freedom, especially for families or those short on time. Parking in town costs $0.50 per hour in monitored areas. With your own car, you can also make day trips to nearby destinations. For flexibility and comfort, this is the best option.
In the end, the right way to get around Baños depends on your travel style. Walk or bike if you love slow exploration. Use buses or taxis if you want easy access to highlights. Choose a car if you prefer privacy and independence. However you move, Baños is easy to navigate and full of stories waiting on every corner.
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