Sights in Baños
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Baths
Baños means 'baths,' which is precisely what the town is famous for, and precisely what you should get into at least once while you're here. Most of them are fed by thermal springs burbling from the base of the active Volcán Tungurahua. The water in the pools is constantly being recycled and only looks murky because of its mineral content, which is touted for its restorative and healthful properties. Chlorates, sulfates and magnesium are among the principal chemicals found in the baths.
There are four municipal baths. Three are in Baños (only one is hot), and the fourth is out of town. All have changing rooms and clothing storage. Towels are available for rent, but gene…
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Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Agua Santa
Within the town itself, the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Agua Santa is dedicated to the Virgin of the Holy Water (the same one with a shrine over by the waterfall). This illustrious lady is credited with several local miracles. Inside the church, paintings depict her wonders with explanations in Spanish along the lines of: ‘On January 30, 1904, Señor X fell off his horse as he was crossing the Río Pastaza bridge. As he fell 70m to the torrents below, he yelled “Holy Mother of the Holy Water” and was miraculously saved!’ Other paintings show people being spared from exploding volcanoes, burning hotels and other misfortunes. The Virgin is particularly good at warding off…
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Volcano Watching
For a while, the attraction of watching the erupting Volcán Tungurahua practically dwarfed the town's baths. Although not as dramatic as it was, the volcano still puffs smoke and ash and seeing it is an unforgettable experience. The crater cannot be seen from the town itself. You have to walk either to Runtún, to the northern edge of town, near the Puente San Francisco, or to other spots outside town.
The tourist office provides free maps that pinpoint the best places. Tour companies offer night tours that are totally worthless unless the volcano is more active than it was in 2005 and 2006. Find out first.
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La Piscina de La Virgen
This is the best-known bath in Baños, the only hot pools in town. There are three altogether: one is cold, another is warm and a third reaches nearly 48°C (118°F), making it a truly scalding experience. The best time to hit the pools is in the early morning when there are fewer people. If you're curious, ask the basket woman to show you the ojo del agua, where the water, heated by the volcano, gushes from the earth at a scorching 50°C (122°F)!
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Church Museum
Above the Basilica de Nuestra Señora de Agua Santa is a little museum with an eclectic, if somewhat haphazardly thrown together, collection of poorly kept taxidermic animals, religious paintings, church vestments and local handicrafts. A significant portion of the display contains donations by pilgrims to Nuestra Señora de Agua Santa, the local icon, including military attire and a surprisingly sizable collection of toy trucks.
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Piscina Gamboa
Numerous private baths have sprung up in town, though none of them are mineral baths. Still, they're relaxing. One of the best is Piscina Gamboa, which has an indoor lap pool, baños de cajón (steam boxes), hot tub, mud masks and massages. The basic around US$3 fee covers the pool only.
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Piscinas Santa Clara
Piscinas Santa Clara has two cooler pools (about 22°C or 72°F), which are higher in minerals than La Virgen.
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