Main pools
1 / 10

Baños Hot Springs Cuenca

4.6
·3k reviews·Cuenca, Ecuador

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better value

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Main pools

Baños Hot Springs Cuenca

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better value

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.6
(3k reviews)

"The first subway spa in America is located in Ecuador, Piedra de Agua, spa and thermal springs."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Underground Cave Spa

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.

TikTok+1
Thermal Pools & Jacuzzis

Thermal Pools & Jacuzzis

Piedra de Agua

Relax in a variety of pools, including family and adult-only options, plus invigorating jacuzzis. Perfect for unwinding.

Reddit
Mud Baths & Spa Treatments

Mud Baths & Spa Treatments

Piedra de Agua

Indulge in therapeutic mud treatments and a range of spa services for ultimate rejuvenation.

Reddit
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Book Your Cave Experience

The underground cave spa is a unique highlight, but access is often separate from other thermal pools. Consider booking a package that includes the cave tour for the full experience. Some visitors found the website confusing, so reaching out directly might clarify options. TikTokReddit

Timing is Key for Value

Look for weekday specials or early bird offers to get the best value, as prices can vary. Visiting during off-peak hours can also mean fewer crowds, enhancing the relaxation. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better value
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Weekday specials available
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Respuesta a @WHANDA💖 el primer spa subterráneo de america está en Ecuador 🇪🇨 #spa #cavernas #aguatermal #cuenca_ecuador #cuenca_ecuador🇪🇨❤ #bañosdecuenca #ecuador🇪🇨
@damarisestrella15
52.9K likes • 954.1K views

🎯 Book the Cave Package

Don't miss the unique underground cave experience; it's often a separate booking. TikTokReddit

💰 Look for Deals

Weekday specials and early bird offers can significantly reduce the cost. Reddit

El mejor plan en Cuenca para relajarse! Piscinas de aguas termales dentro de una Cueva 😍 📍Piedra de Agua, Cuenca 🇪🇨 @Piedra de Agua 🙋🏽‍♀️ Etiqueta a la persona que te acompañara a este lugar 💬 Si tienes dudas, escribe en los comentarios 🫶🏽 No olvides seguirme para más recomendaciones en Ecuador y el mundo 🌎 🙌🏽 #cuenca #azuay #ecuador #spa #bañostermales #cavernas #planes #ecuador🇪🇨 #tiktokviajes...
@paoarpi
49.3K likes • 1M views
Ecuador is a paradise of unexplored experiences! 🌎 Discover the historical beauty of Quito 🏛️, ride the waves in Montañita 🏄‍♂️, venture into the jungle of Tena 🌳, relax in the hot springs of Baños 🌋, or admire the architecture of Cuenca 🏰. Ecuador has it all for you. 🇪🇨✨ ... Ecuador es un paraíso lleno de experiencias por descubrir. 🌎 Explora la belleza histórica de Quito 🏛️, surfea las olas en ...
socialtelecuador
43 likes • 4.5K views

⏰ Allow Plenty of Time

Plan for at least 3 hours to fully enjoy the pools and any treatments. Reddit

🚗 Easy Taxi Access

Taxis from Cuenca are affordable and convenient, typically around $5. Reddit

Baños is a town in Ecuador that is situated in a valley at the base of an active volcano! 🌋 This stunning town is famous for heart-pumping adventure sports like mountains, rivers, waterfalls, hot springs, & the famous swing at the end of the world! 🇪🇨🌳🏔
stephaniejcastillo
172 likes • 8.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book the Cave Package

Don't miss the unique underground cave experience; it's often a separate booking. TikTokReddit

💰 Look for Deals

Weekday specials and early bird offers can significantly reduce the cost. Reddit

⏰ Allow Plenty of Time

Plan for at least 3 hours to fully enjoy the pools and any treatments. Reddit

🚗 Easy Taxi Access

Taxis from Cuenca are affordable and convenient, typically around $5. Reddit

💧 Stay Hydrated

Enjoy the fresh juices and water available, especially after spa treatments. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(3k reviews)

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

Unique cave spa
Clean facilities
Variety of pools

What People Dislike

Confusing website
Expensive packages

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. Reddit Some visitors also mention it's about a 15-minute drive from the city center. TikTok

Yes, taxis are readily available for the return trip to Cuenca. You can usually arrange this with the spa staff or hail one nearby. Reddit

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. TikTok

Yes, if you are driving yourself, there are parking facilities available at the hot springs complex. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit Some packages, like the 'rejuvenate' package, can be more expensive. Reddit

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. Reddit

Basic entry often includes access to family pools, adult pools, jacuzzis, sauna, and showers. Reddit Robes and slippers may be available for an additional fee. Reddit

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. Reddit It's important to clarify if a package includes both the cave and Club Thermal areas. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🧭 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. TikTokReddit+1 Access to this area might be part of specific packages. Reddit

You can expect multiple pools (family, adult), jacuzzis, saunas, steam rooms, and cold plunge pools. Reddit Some packages include mud baths and other spa treatments. Reddit

Crowds can vary. Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded, offering a more serene experience. Reddit Weekends and afternoons might be busier. Reddit

Yes, robes and slippers are typically available for rent for a small additional fee. Reddit

Some visitors mention a small museum area that is free to roam around as part of the spa complex. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is an on-site bar and restaurant offering breakfast, lunch, and snacks. Reddit Many visitors found the food to be fresh and delicious, with good juice and coffee selections. Reddit

The menu includes fresh meals, juices, and coffee. Some reviews mention main courses and desserts being 'okay,' while others rave about the deliciousness. Reddit

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. Reddit

Outside food and drinks are generally not permitted at spa facilities. It's recommended to dine at their on-site restaurant. Reddit

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. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally allowed in the common areas and pools. However, be mindful of other guests' privacy, especially in more intimate spa areas. TikTok

The unique cave setting itself is a major photo opportunity. TikTok+1 The various pools and the overall ambiance also make for great shots. TikTok

Early mornings or weekdays when crowds are thinner will offer better opportunities for unobstructed photos. Reddit

Yes, visitors often capture the unique atmosphere of the underground spa. TikTok+2

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

Piedra de Agua offers a family-friendly environment with dedicated family pools alongside adult-only options. The thermal waters can be a fun and relaxing experience for children, providing a unique way to unwind. Reddit While the underground cave experience is a highlight, ensure it's suitable for your children's comfort levels. The on-site restaurant offers fresh food options that can appeal to younger palates. Reddit

Consider visiting during weekday mornings to avoid larger crowds and ensure a more relaxed atmosphere for your family. Reddit 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. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, seeking out weekday specials and early bird offers is crucial. These deals can significantly reduce the entry fee, making the unique experience more accessible. Reddit For example, an early bird offer for two people for around $20 is a great find. Reddit While some premium packages can be costly, opting for basic entry that includes access to the main thermal pools and jacuzzis can still provide a very enjoyable and relaxing experience. Reddit

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. Reddit Taking a taxi from Cuenca is relatively inexpensive, so transportation costs are manageable. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Unique Appeal of Piedra de Agua

Piedra de Agua in Cuenca offers a truly distinctive spa experience, highlighted by its underground thermal springs located within natural caves. This subterranean setting is what sets it apart, providing a unique ambiance for relaxation and rejuvenation. TikTok+1 Visitors often describe the cave tour as a guided, multi-step process that is both relaxing and memorable. Reddit The spa also features a variety of other thermal pools, jacuzzis, and a cold plunge pool, catering to different preferences for water therapy. Reddit

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. Reddit The facility is noted for its cleanliness and excellent service, with staff often described as friendly and helpful. Reddit For those looking to extend their visit, an on-site restaurant serves fresh meals, juices, and coffee, making it a convenient all-day destination. Reddit

Navigating Packages and Value

Understanding the different packages and offers at Piedra de Agua is key to maximizing your experience and value. While the spa boasts various amenities, access to the underground caves is often a distinct offering from the Club Thermal facilities. Reddit Visitors have noted that the website can be confusing, so direct communication or careful review of package details is recommended. Reddit

Several visitors recommend looking for weekday specials or early bird discounts to make the experience more affordable. Reddit For instance, a 2 for 1 spa circuit deal for $40 or an early bird offer for $20 for two people have been mentioned. Reddit While some higher-tier packages exist, like the 'rejuvenate' package, some guests felt they didn't offer proportional value compared to simpler options. Reddit 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. Reddit

You may also like