What are some good day trips from Banos, Ecuador?

Are there any National Parks, sites, or interesting towns (that are relatively close to Banos) that might be of interest to me? I’m planning a trip there in a couple of weeks I was looking for some fun places to visit. Thank you!!!

PS: Please be as specific as possible. Thanks again.

If you happen to be inclined to play in the outdoors, there are many touring operators based out of Banos. Many of them offer rafting, exploring the jungle, and climbing el volcan Cotopaxi. We chose to book our Cotopaxi climb through an outfit in Quito (Moggely Guides in Gringolandia) as they were among the top recommended guides in Ecuador. Cotopaxi is a kick-ass and ass-kicking climb. Don’t underestimate acclimatizing before you try for the summit. Also, Ecuadorian mountaineering gear for hire is a bit of a joke. If you’re serious about climbing, bring your own stuff.

Bikes can be rented on every street corner in Banos. They are all a little sketchy, but the majority are street worthy. Definitely get the helmet when they offer it to you. If you get a chance take a day and bike eastward along the road to see the various waterfalls. We biked from Banos to Puyo (about 40 miles) one day and it became one of the highlights of our trip. Just a warning though, there is little to no shoulder on the road and a beautiful cliff on one side. You also are required to bike through a series of tunnels on the regular road with no lights. Hope for a friendly bus driver who will follow you with his headlights on for you. Finish your ride with a Pilsner and catch the bus back up to Banos.

Puyo itself is a very quiet town. It doesn’t have the tourist side to it like anywhere else I visited. There are some nature preserves around Puyo worth visiting. But if you don’t speak Spanish, Puyo might be tough.

I personally didn’t try the river rafting, but my friends who did enjoyed it immensely. But, as with all swimming in Ecuador, try not to swallow any water. One friend did and ran into some gastrointestinal troubles for the next week.

The actual main baths of Banos were pretty disgusting, to be honest. I wouldn’t bother going. I tried to walk and find more baths listed in Lonely Planet and ended up in a cow pasture lined with shanties thinking I was going to be mugged. Better luck to you!

Finally, one of the more sophomoric highlights of Banos is the booze cruise. This is a bus that runs on Friday and Saturday nights from the central area of town up to the overlook (with the cross on it) above town. I sat on the top of the bus (drunk, as in the common theme) and only hit my head on two tree branches. That aside it was a blast. Enjoy!

Espero que te via bien!!