Things to do & places to visit in Tungurahua Province, Ecuador

Tungurahua Province #5 destination in Ecuador 2023. The average rating score is 4.58 based on 8.318 traveler reviews, of 66 attractions. Timezone: America/Guayaquil, current date and time: Thursday, May 09, 2024, 21:54.

Top things to do (43)

Top destinations in Tungurahua Province 11

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 CASCADA EL PAILÓN (2.153 reviews)
- 2 Thumbs Up!
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 10:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Waterfalls

Follow the signs to Cascada el Pailon. Look for the colorful Hummingbird and colorful flags. Cascada el Pailón del Diablo is a spectacular natural wonder which lies on the edge of the cloud forest. At an impressive 265 feet, the thunderous waterfall emits high columns of swirling mist and showcases the untouched beauty of Ecuador. Awe-inspiring and breath-taking, the waterfall is named as one of the biggest single-drop waterfalls in Ecuador. However, there is more than just a waterfall! Brave the exciting & uniquely inclined suspension bridges, walk the beautiful riverside, explore the impressive flora and fauna and enjoy incredible up-close balconies! Only from Cascada el Pailon can the falls be seen up close from top to bottom. Come join us for our magical evening hours where nature and art unite in a beautiful light show! This colorful and interactive self-guided pathway will take you on a journey to see the waterfall in color. See more..
5.0 Jade Spa (99 reviews)
- Best Treatments and Best Value in Banos
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Spas

A relaxing spa in the heart of the Andes mountains. Come enjoy a wide variety of professional spa services in a clean, relaxing atmosphere with aromatic fragrances and music that relaxes the mind and body. We use all natural products in our therapies. Reservations and walk-ins accepted. See more..
5.0 Huellas Natural Spa (74 reviews)
- Went in for a leg wax...came out with much more!
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Spas

A health center where you will encounter the Huellas (footprints) of ancient massage techniques and body work therapies. Return to a time when spiritual health and well-being were a natural priority. See more..
5.0 Barahona Galería de Arte - Hospedaje (12 reviews)
- Plan a vist to Barahona Galeria de Arte while in Baños!!!
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Art Galleries • Antique Shops

Hospedaje Daily or weekly rates. Includes: Kitchen- Clining Room- Lounge- Wifi- Hammocks- Garden- Washing Machine. See more..
5.0 Columpio Fantasias de Volar (8 reviews)
- What a rush!
Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks

Our taxi driver took us here because he said we needed to "get our hearts moving", well this ride got everything moving! Really nice people get you all suited up for and incredible swing ride over the side of the mountain and overlooking Banos and the breath taking surrounding mountains. This was an amazing ride and truly one of the highlights of our trip to Ecuador. Highly, highly recommended. See more..
5.0 Turismo Comunitario Salasaka (5 reviews)
- Amazing & unique experience!
Thursday: 6:00 AM - 11:00 PM Paint & Pottery Studios • Multi-day Tours • Cultural Tours • Eco Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours • Private Tours • Day Trips

A lovely welcome from Jorge and everyone participating in this wonderful community project. We did a full day tour and got a great overview of the community living in Salasaka, including a welcome drink, delicious lunch, were able to plant some seeds on the fields, participated in the process of making a poncho, a shaman healing ceremony and much more. Thank you Jorge and everyone for this amazing day! See more..
5.0 Living Ecuador Travel (2 reviews)
- Galapagos avril 2022
Multi-day Tours • Private Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours

Excellente organisation et disponibilité constante des organisateurs.
Magnifique voyage !
Je recommande très vivement. See more..
5.0 Hacienda Hipolongo Cruz de Mayo - Quero (2 reviews)
- Mi experiencia tuvo desde risas, cantos y juegos hasta conversaciones que no he de olvidar nunca, realmente fué hermoso.
Thursday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM Multi-day Tours • Cultural Tours • Adrenaline & Extreme Tours • Walking Tours • Eco Tours • Hiking & Camping Tours • Private Tours • Nature & Wildlife Tours • Horseback Riding Tours • Day Trips

Mi parte favorita del viaje fué cuando todos mis amigos y yo nos reuníamos a tomarnos fotos, sentí la verdadera felicidad en un viaje. See more..
4.5 La Casa del Arbol (1.841 reviews)
- The best mirador set up we saw
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Lookouts

The best mirador set up we saw, and we drove up and down the hills both sides of the valley . From the car parks by the side of the road, guys rush out flagging to get you into theirs, you can't see anything of the site which is 50 metres uphill on a path on the opposite site of the road. Parking $1, entrance a ridiculously low $1. Inside you have lovely planted gardens, a nice cafe, at least three sets of swings for photos, a mini zipline to use, several towers to climb and the usual seats, this time with hummingbirds, Banos sign etc. But the best part is its location. This is set at a high point. Views in all directions. Tungurahua volcano rising snow capped behind us, Chimborazo, another volcano, nearly 50km away in another, and lots of local tree covered mountains. Absolutely stunning. See more..
4.5 Ruta de las cascadas (1.425 reviews)
- Fun day, probably better by bus
Biking Trails • Waterfalls

This is a fun half-dayish activity, although not as fun IMO as climbing Chimborazo or the jungle tour I did. I rented a bike for $5 in town and rode it to the last waterfall then back to Banos. Most of the waterfalls are across the canyon and are pretty but not spectacular. El Diablo, at the end, is the exception. There are zip lines, cable cars and other fun things along the route. At El Diablo there is a lot going on. Riding the bike on the way out was downhill and fun. Yes, you share the road with the traffic but they all know you’re there. I never felt unsafe. The way back was almost all uphill and was very difficult and not fun. There are trucks at El Diablo that will take you back to Banos, but they said they had to wait for 5 people to go back, or I could pay them $10. I didn’t feel like doing either. Anyways, this was a fun outing, but given the difficulty of the ride back I wish I had just taken an open-air bus along the route like most people. See more..
4.5 Church of the Virgin of the Holy Water (Nuestra Señora del Agua Santa) (500 reviews)
- Cute church with amusing paintings
Religious Sites

The town of Banos is famous for this magnificent Basilica, a place of pilgrimage for those seeking to thank the Virgin of the Holy Water for her many miracles. See more..
4.5 Tungurahua (377 reviews)
- Cool and Impressive
Volcanos

Considered one of Ecuador’s most active volcanoes, this strato-volcano (a volcano that almost constantly emits gas and vapor) towers more than three kilometers above its northern base with a crater measuring more than 400 meters in diameter. See more..
4.5 El Refugio Spa Garden (363 reviews)
- Must to visit in Baños
Thursday: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Spas

We are an Ecological Spa that offers alternative therapies. We treat you as a whole person: mind, body and spirit in a space of 80 thousand meters of fruit orchards, flower gardens and ecological trails that pass between plants, flowers, natural springs, pure air, contact with mother nature and warm reception from the staff See more..
4.5 Cascada el Manto de la Novia (135 reviews)
- Well worth it
Spent 1-2 hours Waterfalls

I did this as part of the waterfall tour with Chebas Tours, although it's optional to pay the $2 to go across the river/falls. I wasn't a dare devil on the zip lines and other activities, but very much enjoyed this. The view of the falls and river is breathtaking. See more..
4.5 La Catedral de Ambato (97 reviews)
- I have been a tourist in the city of Ambato for 4 days. The city is known as a "City of Flowers, Fruits and Bread", the
Churches & Cathedrals

I have been a tourist in the city of Ambato for 4 days. The city is known as a "City of Flowers, Fruits and Bread", the people who live in the city are very kind, friendly and respectful, the in Ambato I have felt very happy because I have enjoyed all the natural places they are very beautiful and fun as a its parks and the Cathedral, it is mild climate is very relaxing. In the city of Ambato you can find different products and typical foods very delicious. It also has hotels with neat and clean rooms. See more..
4.5 Parque Provincial de la Familia (86 reviews)
- City of flowers.
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Parks

City of flowers. Ambato is one of the most beautiful cities I know. It is a beautiful place with many fruit trees. A very clean and tidy city, excellent for a family outing. there are many places to visit and enjoy tourism. I would like to return to Ambato and see more places and enjoy the flower and fruit festivals, which is a very beautiful tradition that the city has. I recommend visiting Ambato, it is a place that you will never forget. See more..
4.5 La Quinta de Juan León Mera (68 reviews)
- HISTORICAL PLACE
Other Outdoor Activities

This was the house where Juan Leon Mera lived. He was the wirtter of the National Anthom of Ecuador. This is one of the few places where you could find centenary trees, a beautiful old house with its original furniture, big gardens with a lot of flowers from our city and state. It is a must go attraction in Ambato. See more..
4.5 Casa y Mausoleo de Juan Montalvo (50 reviews)
- Super Interesting
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

Learned a lot visiting the museum. History I never knew... Amazing displays of Juan M. and of his contributions to society. Also the park just outside is beautiful. And located downtown Ambato. See more..
4.5 La Aldea Mágica (34 reviews)
- Adorable place to see fairytale creatures
Thursday: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Amusement & Theme Parks

La Aldea Mágica, es un paseo por un jardín cuyo objetivo es ir descubriendo en el recorrido diferentes tipos de duendes que te invitan a conectar con la naturaleza y a la vez ser un poco mas conscientes con la ecología. See more..
4.5 AnimalPark (30 reviews)
- A welcome diversion
Thursday: 10:00 AM - 6:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Farms

For my family after all the adrenaline and instagramming was done at casa de Arbol. If you have any little ones then this place is a must!!!! What is it? A small animal farm. You see things like alpacas, ponies, horses, goats(they will chase you), peacocks and yes your 5 hear old can ride the pony for a dollar. At the reception you get alfalfa leaves to feed the animals and you do become very popular as a result. The goats will love you. Hell, they all will. The price of admission is a ‘hefty’ 2 dollars for adults and one dollar for kids. Who owns it? It seems to be owned by a family. In my limited Spanish, I think it is a cooperative of some sort. But what does this brown gringo know. We met ‘gaby’ at the reception(in a green t shirt). We went November 24th 2018 & it seems it was the low season so she even took us to feed deer in their enclosure! My daughter didn’t want to leave at all. Well worth a visit for kids and definitely for ‘city folk’ like me. See more..
4.5 Jardin Botanico Atocha-La Liria (18 reviews)
- A magical place to watch birds
Spent 1-2 hours Parks • Gardens

Well, at north zone of Ambato in Ficoa-Atocha sector you can find La Liria Botanic Garden, where you can rest with your family. In this site there are a lot of traditional flowers, a lot of traditional birds, like humming birds. If you are hungry, you can find some snacks and drinks in bar. See more..
4.5 La Pajara Pinta (9 reviews)
- Charming little place
Thursday: 9:30 AM - 7:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Speciality & Gift Shops

Ecodesing specialized Ecuadorian crafts shop, we have a wide variety of handicrafts such as boxes, jewelers, tea containers, furniture and home decoration items. We use various techniques for making artisanal pieces and guarantee that what you buy is an original and unique piece in its class. See more..
4.5 Orquideario Rio Verde (7 reviews)
- Potential - Richard Spruce
Spent 1-2 hours Gardens

OK. For those of you who wonder about the whereabouts of the statue (bust) of Richard Spruce - it is here. I love orchids. See more..
4.5 Balneario Pisagua (6 reviews)
- A place full of beautiful landscapes
Spent 1-2 hours Water Parks

A pleasant place, famous for its citrus production, with landscapes that in the background you can see the majestic Cordillera de los Andes, among other things, that is balsapamba, a town located in the province of Bolivar. It is amazing place because there are freshwater spas such as " EL BANEARIO PISAGUA". People who arrive from various parts of the country to spas are surprised by the extensive nature that reveals beautiful landscapes in all their fullness. Its cordial people are a great plus, which makes tourism grow. For example the Cristal River, is the first attractive open-air spa in the canton, so it is one of the best known sites. Its beaches are located 200 meters from the city center. Its waters are born in the Andes mountain range: they are cold and crystalline. I was in that place for university projects.It was one of the best experiences I've had. Also everything was very economical. In conclusion it is one of the most beautiful cantons to visit with family See more..
4.5 Rolings (2 reviews)
- Music, drinks and food
Bars & Clubs
Nice place to hang out, have a drink or grab some food. All end up dancing...If you got bored you can move to a karaoke next door with the same entry pass. At the end you pay just one bill. See more..
4.5 Pastaza river (2 reviews)
- White Water Rafting on the Pastaza
Spent 1-2 hours Bodies of Water
Took a half day white water rafting trip on the Pastaza and had an amazing time! Guide said the rapids were Class III-IV, but I felt they were more of a solid II+ to III. Beautiful location. Fed us lunch at a local restaurant and it was very good. Highly recommend. See more..
4.0 Las Piscinas de la Virgen (413 reviews)
- Best value and experience for a sore body!
Hot Springs & Geysers

I love this place! The water is brown, not because it is dirty, it is natural. No chemicals are added, the pools are emptied, scrubbed and refilled three times a day. Not only is the thermal water so good for you, but there is a waterfall coming down from the mountain that you can cool off if you’ve been in the pool too long. For anyone complaining about the staff not speaking English, duh, you’re in Ecuador! But it’s pretty self explanatory and the locals are quick to help anyone looking confused. See more..
4.0 Zoologico de San Martin (206 reviews)
- Big zoo
Zoos

The zoo was big and with a variety of animals we have never seen before. It shows the animals behaving in their habitat as each of them have a huge space assigned for them. By the parking lot there is another area like aquarium where you can hang a snake of your neck. Yuck! It takes over an hour to see everything but you cant even feel it because is so interesting! See more..
4.0 Mall de los Andes (42 reviews)
- Upgraded beautiful
Spent 2-3 hours Shopping Malls

They have definitely upgraded the mall compared to how small it used to be. I love all the activities for kids now. As for the clothes it’s okay they have plenty of knock offs but they do have this cute Japanese store that sells original Disney items. Food court is good to be honest I’ve only tried TropiBurger the original is the closest thing to an American burger that I’ve had here. I went to the theater here years ago back in 2010 and it sucked but it’s beautiful now much better I just watched Encanto here and it was clean and they had good service. See more..
4.0 Juan Benigno Vela Park (33 reviews)
- A wonderful place!! =)
Spent < 1 hour Parks • Gardens

This beautiful park is located in the city of Ambato, facing the Parque De Los Enamorados specifically in the Bellavista neighborhood, specifically in Quisquis and Pachaca Avenues. This Park has a beautiful and colorful figures that represent some characters in the history of the city, These are figures elaborated from cypress trees which highlights the architecture and beauty of the Park, which makes it cute and attractive .The Park is a place which combines harmoniously art, beauty, and lead to a unique sight to be appreciated by the tourists. Admission is free, attention hours are Monday to Friday from 7am to 10 pm. When visiting this place is recommended to bring a camera so you take many photos of this architectural gem. This place is ideal for meditation and to see the beautiful city of Ambato from a more natural and ecological perspective, being this a welcoming place, ideal for fun outdoor activities and the most important of all is that this place is full of great peace. See more..