Termas de la Virgen Baños de Agua Santa
Experience the healing power of mineral-rich thermal waters at Termas de la Virgen, set against a dramatic waterfall backdrop in Baños, Ecuador.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene
Termas de la Virgen Baños de Agua Santa
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more serene
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the healing power of mineral-rich thermal waters at Termas de la Virgen, set against a dramatic waterfall backdrop in Baños, Ecuador.
"Affordable, authentic, and with a beautiful waterfall view – a must-visit for relaxation!"
🏊♀️ Swim Cap Mandatory
Don't forget your swim cap! They are required for entry and can be rented or bought onsite.
💧 Alternate Hot & Cold
Locals recommend a 7-time cycle of cold showers followed by short hot pool dips for maximum healing.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cascada de la Virgen
Adjacent to the thermal pools
Witness the powerful cascade tumbling down, a stunning backdrop to your thermal bath.
Varied Temperature Pools
Within the complex
Experience a range of pools, from invigoratingly cold to deeply hot, perfect for relaxation and healing.
Local Healing Rituals
Thermal pools
Participate in traditional practices, alternating hot and cold baths for therapeutic benefits.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for a Relaxing Soak
What to Bring for Your Thermal Bath
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🏊♀️ Swim Cap Mandatory
Don't forget your swim cap! They are required for entry and can be rented or bought onsite.
💧 Alternate Hot & Cold
Locals recommend a 7-time cycle of cold showers followed by short hot pool dips for maximum healing.
💰 Affordable Entry
Entry is very budget-friendly at around $4 USD, making it a great value for a unique experience.
🏞️ Waterfall Views
Enjoy the stunning views of the Cascada de la Virgen while you relax in the warm waters.
Tips
from all over the internet
🏊♀️ Swim Cap Mandatory
Don't forget your swim cap! They are required for entry and can be rented or bought onsite.
💧 Alternate Hot & Cold
Locals recommend a 7-time cycle of cold showers followed by short hot pool dips for maximum healing.
💰 Affordable Entry
Entry is very budget-friendly at around $4 USD, making it a great value for a unique experience.
🏞️ Waterfall Views
Enjoy the stunning views of the Cascada de la Virgen while you relax in the warm waters.
🔒 Secure Belongings
Your clothes and belongings are kept safe in numbered boxes with a rubber band system.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Termas de la Virgen offers an authentic and affordable thermal bath experience, praised for its therapeutic waters and stunning waterfall views. While the facilities are rustic and can get crowded, especially on weekends, the low entry fee and unique local atmosphere make it a worthwhile visit for many.
"Overall a pleasant experience. The pools have a pleasant temperature, although they can be a bit crowded. Water is greenish. Cold pools / showers available. You can leave your belongings in a plastic box that is looked after.
Swimsuit, towel slippers and cap are compulsory. They are available for rent or you can purchase them for the same price at the stalls just outside. Entrance is 4 USD."
Daniel Brand
"We paid 4$ each for entrance. There were multiple pools from cold to very hot. A bit crowded around 8pm. Great view to the waterfall"
Tomer Gazit
"Awesome place with super hot springs and cold plunge Go there during the week when it’s quiet Too many people on the week end On a nice sunny day it’s a great outing They also have massage for 20$ 45 min sports massage Lorena gave an awesome massage even added hot stone and a massage gun Perfect after a hot and cold spring!"
C P
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Termas de la Virgen is centrally located in Baños de Agua Santa, making it easily accessible on foot from most accommodations. If arriving from other cities, you'll likely take a bus to the Baños terminal, and then it's a short walk.
Yes, the thermal baths are a prominent landmark in Baños, often visible from the town center, especially with the adjacent waterfall.
Baños is a walkable town, and taxis are readily available for shorter distances. Many visitors explore the town and its attractions on foot.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is approximately $4 USD per person. This is a very affordable price for the experience.
No, advance booking is generally not required. You can purchase tickets upon arrival at the entrance.
The thermal baths are typically open daily, often from early morning until late evening. It's advisable to check current hours locally as they can vary.
There are no specific age restrictions mentioned, but it's a family-friendly attraction. Children should be supervised.
Yes, you can rent towels and purchase swimsuits if you forget yours. A swimming cap is mandatory and also available for rent or purchase.
🎫 🏊♀️ Onsite Experience
You must wear a swimsuit and a mandatory swimming cap. Bringing your own towel and flip-flops is recommended.
Yes, secure lockers are provided to store your clothes and personal items. You'll receive a numbered band for access.
The water is known for its mineral content, with a greenish hue due to sulfur. It ranges from very hot to cold.
Some locals suggest the cold shower water is good to drink for its mineral properties, but it's best to exercise caution and stick to bottled water if you have concerns.
Yes, it's a popular spot for families, offering a unique and relaxing experience. However, supervision is advised, especially with younger children.
🎫 💆♀️ Wellness & Relaxation
Yes, massages are available for an additional fee, offering a great way to enhance your relaxation after soaking in the thermal waters.
The mineral-rich waters are believed by many to have healing properties for various ailments, particularly when following the traditional hot and cold water therapy.
It's recommended to limit your time in the hottest pools to about 5 minutes at a time to avoid overheating, especially when alternating with cold water.
Some facilities in Baños offer mud treatments, which are believed to have benefits for the skin.
The 'rustic' nature refers to the straightforward, concrete construction of the pools, which is typical for many local thermal baths in Ecuador, focusing on the natural experience rather than luxury.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to bring or rent swim caps for everyone, and keep a close eye on children, especially around the different temperature pools. The affordable entry fee makes it a budget-friendly outing for the whole family. Consider visiting during less crowded times to ensure a more comfortable experience for everyone.
💰 Budget Travelers
To save even more, pack your own towel, flip-flops, and swimsuit. While lockers are available, bringing a small, waterproof bag for essentials can be handy. The experience is authentic and local, offering a true taste of Ecuadorian thermal culture without the high price tag of more resort-like options.
🧘♀️ Wellness Seekers
Consider booking a massage to complement your thermal bath experience for ultimate rejuvenation. The natural setting, with the sound of the waterfall and the warm embrace of the water, creates a serene environment conducive to unwinding and de-stressing.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mystique of Termas de la Virgen
+1 Many visitors come seeking therapeutic benefits, following traditional practices of alternating between the hot pools and the invigorating cold showers. This ritual is thought to promote circulation and overall well-being. The setting itself is dramatic, with the powerful Cascada de la Virgen cascading nearby, providing a natural soundtrack and a breathtaking view as you soak. While the facilities are described as rustic and primarily catering to locals, this adds to the authentic charm of the experience.
Navigating the Pools and Amenities
For your belongings, secure lockers are available, operated by a simple numbered band system, ensuring your items are kept safe while you enjoy the baths.
Beyond the Baths: Baños de Agua Santa
The town itself is charming, with a beautiful central church and a lively atmosphere. Nearby attractions include the 'Swing at the End of the World' at Casa del Arbol, stunning waterfalls like Pailón del Diablo, and scenic hiking trails.
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