Termas de El Salado - Image 1
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El Salado Thermal Baths Baños

4.1
·1k reviews·Baños de Agua Santa, Ecuador

Relax in natural hot springs surrounded by mountains, offering a tranquil escape with varied temperatures just minutes from Baños.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday evenings

Fewer crowds, more relaxation

CrowdLow
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Termas de El Salado - Image 1

El Salado Thermal Baths Baños

Best Time

Weekday evenings

Fewer crowds, more relaxation

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Relax in natural hot springs surrounded by mountains, offering a tranquil escape with varied temperatures just minutes from Baños.

4.1
(1k reviews)

"The perfect place to relax and enjoy the sunset in a natural hot pool."

Vertical photo
TIP

Bring Your Swim Cap! 🏊‍♀️

A swim cap is mandatory for entry. You can buy one for $1 if you forget.

Explore All Temperatures 🌡️

Don't stick to one pool! Switch between hot and cooler waters for the best experience.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Varied Temperature Pools

Varied Temperature Pools

Main bathing area

Soak in pools ranging from refreshingly cold to intensely hot mineral waters.

Natural Waterfall Shower

Natural Waterfall Shower

Near the cold pool

Experience a bracing natural shower under a small, invigorating waterfall.

Mountain Views

Mountain Views

Throughout the facility

Enjoy the stunning natural scenery surrounding the baths, a perfect backdrop for relaxation.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Natural Heat

El Salado Thermal Baths offer a unique relaxation experience with pools of varying temperatures. While some reviews mention not all pools are always open, the available ones provide a great way to unwind. Remember to bring a swim cap or purchase one onsite for entry.

Timing is Key for Tranquility

To truly enjoy the serene atmosphere of El Salado, aim for off-peak hours. Weekday evenings or early mornings can offer a more intimate experience compared to weekends or holidays when crowds might increase.

Best Times

When
Weekday evenings
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxation
Crowd
Low
When
Early mornings
Why
Peaceful start to the day
Crowd
Low
When
Weekends
Why
Lively atmosphere
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#viajes #bañosdeaguasanta #amor 💗💗
@adriana3mil
135.8K likes • 1.4M views

Bring Your Swim Cap! 🏊‍♀️

A swim cap is mandatory for entry. You can buy one for $1 if you forget. Reddit

Explore All Temperatures 🌡️

Don't stick to one pool! Switch between hot and cooler waters for the best experience. Reddit

#viral_video #ecuador🇪🇨 #bañosdeaguasanta #todoincluido #hospedaje #guia #tours contacto Sierra selva 0992820972 -0983954737
@sierraselva_ec
94.8K likes • 810K views
@HOSTERÍA RÍO VERDE información completa y detalla a su número 0984127157 #hoteles #hospedaje #alojamiento #ecuador #bañosdeaguasanta #ecuador_turismo #turismoecuador #hostal #hosteria #hosteriarioverde #ecuadorviajes #hospedajebañosdeaguasanta #travelvlog #traveltiktok #ecuadorian #hotelroom #hostalecuador #hotelesbaratos #hospedajeeconomico #hotelbarato #hosteriasecuador #bajosprecios #piscinas...
@planesconmish
86.5K likes • 2.9M views

Cab Ride is Quick 🚕

Just a 5-minute cab ride from the city center, making it easily accessible. Reddit

Pack Essentials 🎒

Lockers, showers, and bathrooms are available, but bring your own towel and toiletries. Reddit

Guía de actividades en Baños📍 1. @Chocolate y diversión en Baños 2. @FÉNIX LAND 3. @El Pailón del Diablo 4. @Luna Volcán, Adventure SPA 5. @Jaguar House 6. @Mega Park Rio Blanco #baños #bañosdeaguasanta #lugaresparavisitar #planes #bañosecuador #turismo #ecuador🇪🇨 #ec
@mathiasvallejo21
70.4K likes • 934.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Bring Your Swim Cap! 🏊‍♀️

A swim cap is mandatory for entry. You can buy one for $1 if you forget. Reddit

Explore All Temperatures 🌡️

Don't stick to one pool! Switch between hot and cooler waters for the best experience. Reddit

Cab Ride is Quick 🚕

Just a 5-minute cab ride from the city center, making it easily accessible. Reddit

Pack Essentials 🎒

Lockers, showers, and bathrooms are available, but bring your own towel and toiletries. Reddit

Enjoy the Scenery 🏞️

The natural setting is a huge part of the appeal; take time to appreciate the mountain views. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.1
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

El Salado Thermal Baths are praised for their natural setting and varied temperature pools, offering a relaxing escape just minutes from Baños city center. Visitors appreciate the affordable entry fee and the opportunity to enjoy the mountain views. Some minor drawbacks include the possibility of not all pools being open and standard Ecuadorian sanitary conditions.

"The perfect place to relax and enjoy the sunset in a natural hot pool. Its located 5 min from the city center with a cab and it's worth it. There are significantly less people here and it feels right.
The place is clean and has a shop for all your needs. Entrance fee is $4 for adults and $2 for kids. There is 4 different pools with different water heat: cold, super hot, and between.
Very recommend"

Itay Alon

"I really loved this place! The hottest mineral pools in town confirmed by multiple unrelated people. I confirm because I visited 3 different baths in town. $4 entry. Very nice setting in between the Mountains."

Dennis Belichenko

"Good public pool. $4 per person entry and you need a swim cap ($1). There are different pools - some hot some cold. You can go into the river which is a nice refreshment. Has a locker service, showers and bathroom. Relaxed there for 2.5 hours."

Madeleine Gundersen

What People Like

Natural hot pools
Affordable entry fee
Mountain scenery

What People Dislike

Not all pools open
Sanitary standards

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

El Salado Thermal Baths are conveniently located just a 5-minute taxi ride from the city center of Baños. This makes it a very accessible and quick trip for visitors. Reddit

While taxis are the most common and convenient way, local buses might also serve the route. It's best to inquire locally for the most up-to-date public transport information. TikTok

El Salado is located about 20 minutes from Baños city center, and Piscinas Rumi Yaku (which is near Pailón del Diablo) is about 4 minutes from Pailón del Diablo. So, it's not directly adjacent but accessible within the same general area. TikTok

While possible, it's a bit of a trek from the city center. A short taxi ride is generally recommended for comfort and speed. Reddit

The sign indicates hours from 5 am to 9 pm, with ticket sales ending at 8 pm. However, it's always a good idea to confirm current hours, especially on weekdays or holidays. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The entrance fee is typically $4 for adults and $2 for children. Reddit

Yes, a swim cap is mandatory for entry. You can purchase one onsite for approximately $1 if you don't have your own. Reddit

No, the single entrance fee covers access to all available thermal pools. Reddit

Advance booking is generally not required for individuals, but for groups of 15 or more, prior reservation might be necessary, especially on weekdays. TikTok

Information on specific discounts for students or seniors is not widely available, but the standard adult fee is quite affordable. Reddit

🎫 🏊‍♀️ Onsite Experience

El Salado features multiple pools with varying water temperatures, including cold, warm, and very hot mineral waters. This allows visitors to switch between them for a unique thermal experience. Reddit

While some pools are very hot, reviews suggest the water might not be as intensely hot as some other baths in town. However, it's still considered very warm and relaxing. Reddit

Yes, the facility provides changing rooms, showers, and locker services for visitors. Reddit

Yes, you can go into the river, which offers a nice, refreshing dip. There's also a small waterfall you can stand under for a cold shower. Reddit

Crowds can vary. Weekday evenings and early mornings tend to be less crowded, offering a more tranquil experience. Weekends and holidays may see more visitors. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a shop onsite that sells various necessities, which may include snacks or drinks. Reddit

While not explicitly stated, it's generally advisable to check with the facility regarding outside food and beverage policies. Bringing snacks might be permissible. Reddit

El Salado is a short taxi ride from Baños city center, where you'll find a wide array of restaurants and cafes offering local and international cuisine. Reddit

Baños offers diverse dining options, from traditional Ecuadorian dishes like 'locro de papa' and 'hornado' to international flavors and vegetarian choices. TikTok

Yes, Baños is known for its affordable eateries. Look for 'almuerzos' (set lunches) which are typically very economical. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The natural mountain backdrop, the steam rising from the pools, and the waterfall area offer picturesque photo opportunities. Reddit

Photography is generally allowed, but be mindful of other visitors' privacy. Capturing the serene landscape is encouraged. Reddit

Early mornings or late afternoons can offer beautiful lighting, especially during sunset, which is a highlight for many visitors. Reddit

Specific drone regulations are not mentioned, but it's always wise to check local rules and be respectful of the environment and other guests. Reddit

A waterproof phone case or a durable camera is recommended due to the humid environment. Wide-angle lenses can capture the expansive mountain views. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

El Salado Thermal Baths can be a fun and relaxing outing for families. The entrance fee is affordable, and the different temperature pools offer a unique sensory experience for children. The cold pool and waterfall shower can be particularly exciting for younger visitors. Reddit

It's important to note that while the facility is generally clean, sanitary standards are described as 'Ecuadorian,' so parents should be aware of this. Bringing a swim cap is mandatory for everyone, including children, so ensure you have them or purchase them onsite. The proximity to the city center makes it an easy excursion, and the natural surroundings provide a pleasant environment for a family outing. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

El Salado is an excellent choice for budget travelers, with an entrance fee of just $4. The availability of locker services and showers adds to the value. Reddit For even more budget-friendly options, consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid any potential price fluctuations or to simply enjoy a more serene experience without extra cost. Reddit

When it comes to accommodation and dining in Baños, budget travelers will find plenty of options. Hostels and budget hotels offer rooms for as little as $10-$20 per night, and affordable local eateries serve delicious and inexpensive meals. TikTok+1 This makes Baños, and El Salado specifically, a very accessible destination for those traveling on a shoestring. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Thermal Experience at El Salado

El Salado Thermal Baths are a key attraction in Baños, offering a natural and relatively tranquil hot spring experience. Visitors can choose from several pools, each with a different water temperature, allowing for a personalized thermal journey. The hottest mineral pools in town are confirmed by multiple sources, providing a genuine therapeutic soak. Reddit

While the facility is clean and has a shop for essentials, it's important to note that sanitary standards are described as 'Ecuadorian,' which might differ from international expectations. Despite this, the overall sentiment is positive, with many appreciating the natural setting and the variety of water temperatures. The inclusion of a cold pool and a refreshing waterfall shower adds to the unique experience, allowing visitors to invigorate themselves between hot soaks. Reddit

For those seeking a less crowded and more authentic experience, visiting during off-peak hours is highly recommended. The natural beauty surrounding the baths, with stunning mountain views, enhances the relaxation factor. It's a place where you can truly unwind and connect with nature, making it a worthwhile stop in Baños. Reddit

Budget-Friendly Stays in Baños

Baños de Agua Santa is known for its affordability, with numerous accommodation options catering to various budgets. TikTok creators frequently highlight budget-friendly stays, with some offering rooms for as little as $10 per night. These options often include basic amenities and can be a great way to save money while exploring the region. TikTok+1

For those looking for a bit more comfort without breaking the bank, hotels with good breakfasts and central locations can be found starting around $20. Some all-inclusive packages are also available, offering accommodation, meals, and even tours for around $100 for a two-day trip, which can be excellent value for groups or families. TikTok+1

Beyond standard hotels, Baños also offers unique lodging experiences like lodges, Airbnbs, and glamping options, often nestled amidst the mountains with breathtaking views. These can range from luxurious to more rustic, providing diverse choices for travelers seeking a memorable stay. TikTok Hostal options are also plentiful, ensuring that every traveler can find a suitable place to rest after a day of adventure. TikTok+1

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