
Baños Hot Springs Cuenca
Discover Ecuador's first underground spa in Cuenca, offering unique thermal cave experiences, diverse pools, and rejuvenating treatments.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better value

Baños Hot Springs Cuenca
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better value

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Ecuador's first underground spa in Cuenca, offering unique thermal cave experiences, diverse pools, and rejuvenating treatments.
"The first subway spa in America is located in Ecuador, Piedra de Agua, spa and thermal springs."

🎯 Book the Cave Package
Don't miss the unique underground cave experience; it's often a separate booking.
💰 Look for Deals
Weekday specials and early bird offers can significantly reduce the cost.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Underground Cave Spa
Piedra de Agua
Immerse yourself in thermal waters within a unique subterranean cave setting. A truly one-of-a-kind spa experience.

Thermal Pools & Jacuzzis
Piedra de Agua
Relax in a variety of pools, including family and adult-only options, plus invigorating jacuzzis. Perfect for unwinding.

Mud Baths & Spa Treatments
Piedra de Agua
Indulge in therapeutic mud treatments and a range of spa services for ultimate rejuvenation.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Cave Experience
Timing is Key for Value
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book the Cave Package
Don't miss the unique underground cave experience; it's often a separate booking.
💰 Look for Deals
Weekday specials and early bird offers can significantly reduce the cost.
⏰ Allow Plenty of Time
Plan for at least 3 hours to fully enjoy the pools and any treatments.
🚗 Easy Taxi Access
Taxis from Cuenca are affordable and convenient, typically around $5.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book the Cave Package
Don't miss the unique underground cave experience; it's often a separate booking.
💰 Look for Deals
Weekday specials and early bird offers can significantly reduce the cost.
⏰ Allow Plenty of Time
Plan for at least 3 hours to fully enjoy the pools and any treatments.
🚗 Easy Taxi Access
Taxis from Cuenca are affordable and convenient, typically around $5.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Enjoy the fresh juices and water available, especially after spa treatments.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the unique underground cave spa experience and the variety of thermal pools, highlighting the cleanliness and excellent service. Many appreciate the value found in weekday specials and early bird offers. While the food is generally good, some find the website confusing and certain premium packages less worthwhile.
"We visited Piedra de Agua today and were lucky to catch their early bird offer—just $20 for two people before 8am. The facility includes a family pool, adult pool, jacuzzi, and a cold plunge pool. Everything was spotless, uncrowded, and the service was outstanding. Our $20 entry gave us access to all the pools, sauna, and showers. For a small additional fee, we got robes and slippers.
They also have an on-site bar and restaurant, where we enjoyed a delicious breakfast/lunch. The food was incredibly fresh, the juice selection was amazing, and the coffee was just as good. They offer various additional services like mud baths and massages at different price points.
Highly recommend this place!"
Ramesh Sivaraman
"The 2 for 1 spa circuit weekday special for $40 is a good deal. I got the rejuvenate package for $175 which I didn't feel was worth it. With the spa circuit, you put the red and blue mud on yourself. Amongst other additions, the package adds a third mud with someone putting it on you. Don't think anyone needs that much mud.
The fruit, juices, main and dessert was okay but I wouldn't select to eat there otherwise."
J. C.
"I used ChatGPT to review the various packages and offers provided by this spa as the website was very confusing to navigate. We ended up booking the 2 for 1 deal on a Friday at noon and spent about 3 hours there. While there are multiple tiers and packages, it boils down to two - Club Thermal or Underground caves. There isn’t one package for both, so you will have to choose one and add the other as an add-on. The Club Thermal deal was $90 + VAT so it comes down to roughly $50pp. For this package, you get to enjoy all the amenities that Club Thermal offers (3 different types of scrubs, steam room, mineral bath, and hot box…see pic for the descriptions) and one glass of sparkling wine. You can book the space for 2 or invite friends to join you. We also had an attendee that explained things to us and helped us with ordering drinks.
The rest of the spa group is free for you to roam around (including a few other pools and a museum) except for the underground spa. Our attendee was nice enough to let us take a peek.
There were lockers inside Club Thermal to store your belongings. They also offer massage options. We felt very relaxed after a visit here. Taxi was $5 from Cuenca."
Cindy W
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most convenient way to reach Baños Hot Springs (Piedra de Agua) from Cuenca is by taxi, which typically costs around $5.
Some visitors also mention it's about a 15-minute drive from the city center.Yes, taxis are readily available for the return trip to Cuenca. You can usually arrange this with the spa staff or hail one nearby.
While taxis are the most recommended and straightforward option, information on public transport routes is less commonly shared by visitors. It's best to confirm local bus routes if you prefer this method.
The hot springs are located just about 15 minutes outside of Cuenca, making it an easily accessible day trip.
Yes, if you are driving yourself, there are parking facilities available at the hot springs complex.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Prices can vary depending on the package and day. Look out for weekday specials like the 2 for 1 deal for $40, or early bird offers around $20 for two people before 8 am.
Some packages, like the 'rejuvenate' package, can be more expensive.While not always mandatory, booking in advance, especially for specific packages or during peak times, is advisable. The website can be confusing, so contacting them directly might be helpful.
Basic entry often includes access to family pools, adult pools, jacuzzis, sauna, and showers.
Robes and slippers may be available for an additional fee.Yes, there are various packages, including access to the underground caves, Club Thermal amenities (scrubs, steam room, mineral bath), and spa treatments like mud baths and massages.
It's important to clarify if a package includes both the cave and Club Thermal areas.Operating hours can vary, but early bird offers suggest they open quite early, around 8 am. It's best to check their current hours directly, especially if you plan to visit on a specific day.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The underground spa is a highlight, offering thermal waters within a cave setting. Visitors describe it as a guided, multi-step process that is very relaxing.
Access to this area might be part of specific packages.You can expect multiple pools (family, adult), jacuzzis, saunas, steam rooms, and cold plunge pools.
Some packages include mud baths and other spa treatments.Crowds can vary. Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded, offering a more serene experience.
Weekends and afternoons might be busier.Yes, robes and slippers are typically available for rent for a small additional fee.
Some visitors mention a small museum area that is free to roam around as part of the spa complex.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is an on-site bar and restaurant offering breakfast, lunch, and snacks.
Many visitors found the food to be fresh and delicious, with good juice and coffee selections.The menu includes fresh meals, juices, and coffee. Some reviews mention main courses and desserts being 'okay,' while others rave about the deliciousness.
Specific dietary options are not detailed in reviews, but the emphasis on fresh ingredients suggests some flexibility. It's best to inquire directly with the restaurant.
Outside food and drinks are generally not permitted at spa facilities. It's recommended to dine at their on-site restaurant.
While some found the food to be good value, others felt it was just 'okay' for the price. It's a convenient option, but not necessarily a budget-friendly one for everyone.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed in the common areas and pools. However, be mindful of other guests' privacy, especially in more intimate spa areas.
The unique cave setting itself is a major photo opportunity.
The various pools and the overall ambiance also make for great shots.Early mornings or weekdays when crowds are thinner will offer better opportunities for unobstructed photos.
Yes, visitors often capture the unique atmosphere of the underground spa.
There are no specific mentions of drone usage, but it's generally not permitted in such facilities due to privacy and safety concerns. Always check on-site regulations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during weekday mornings to avoid larger crowds and ensure a more relaxed atmosphere for your family. Bringing your own towels or renting them can add to the comfort. The affordable early bird or family deals can also make a family outing more budget-friendly.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider skipping the more expensive add-on treatments if you're on a tight budget. The on-site restaurant offers food, but if you're looking to save further, you might consider having a meal before or after your visit. Taking a taxi from Cuenca is relatively inexpensive, so transportation costs are manageable.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Appeal of Piedra de Agua
Beyond the thermal waters, Piedra de Agua provides a comprehensive wellness experience. This includes therapeutic mud baths, where guests can apply mineral-rich muds for skin benefits, and a range of other spa treatments like hot stone massages. The facility is noted for its cleanliness and excellent service, with staff often described as friendly and helpful. For those looking to extend their visit, an on-site restaurant serves fresh meals, juices, and coffee, making it a convenient all-day destination.
Navigating Packages and Value
Several visitors recommend looking for weekday specials or early bird discounts to make the experience more affordable. For instance, a 2 for 1 spa circuit deal for $40 or an early bird offer for $20 for two people have been mentioned. While some higher-tier packages exist, like the 'rejuvenate' package, some guests felt they didn't offer proportional value compared to simpler options. It's worth clarifying what each package includes, such as access to different types of scrubs, steam rooms, mineral baths, and whether it covers both the cave and Club Thermal areas.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit