Baños to Amazon Loop
Travel from Quito to the adventure hub of Baños, descend to Puyo and the Misahuallí rainforest, and return to Quito via the hot springs.
An overland loop that reaches the edge of the Amazon without requiring flights, fully doable by bus. Spend the first half of the trip enjoying three nights in Baños for cycling, hot springs, and canyoning. Then, follow the Route of the Waterfalls down into the rainforest, take a boat to visit a Kichwa community in Misahuallí, and soak in the Papallacta hot springs on the way back. While not as deep into the jungle as Yasuní, this route is highly budget-friendly, less physically demanding, and perfect for families and young travelers.
Landslides occasionally occur on the eastern slopes during the rainy season. Confirm road conditions before setting off.
Day by day
Day 1 · Quito South to Baños
Baños de Agua Santa（Baños Town Center、Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Agua Santa、Termas de la Virgen）
Take a bus from Quito's Quitumbe Bus Terminal (~3.5–4 hours). Spend the afternoon exploring the town on foot.
Stay: Town Center
Day 2 · Cycling the Route of the Waterfalls
Baños de Agua Santa（Ruta de las Cascadas、Manto de la Novia、Pailón del Diablo、Machay Waterfall）
Rent a bicycle and ride east for about 18 km to the Pailón del Diablo (Devil's Cauldron) waterfall. Return by pickup truck or bus (~40 minutes).
Stay: Town Center
Day 3 · Swing at the End of the World & Canyon Views
Baños de Agua Santa（Casa del Árbol (Swing at the End of the World)、Mirador La Cruz de Bellavista、San Martín Canyon & Inés María Waterfall）
Take a tourist bus up the mountain in the morning (~40 minutes). Walk or take a taxi to the canyon viewpoints in the afternoon.
There are fewer clouds in the morning at the swing, so try to go early.
Stay: Town Center
Day 4 · Descend to Puyo & Enter the Rainforest
Baños de Agua Santa（Puyo & Amazon Day Trip）
Drive from Baños to Puyo (~1.5 hours), then transfer via Tena to Misahuallí (~2.5 hours).
Stay: Puerto Misahuallí
Day 5 · Napo River Canoe & Community Visit
Puerto Misahuallí
Take a motorized canoe round trip along the Napo River from the Misahuallí port. The excursion takes half a day to a full day.
The Napo River has strong currents. Do not attempt to swim in the river on your own.
Stay: Puerto Misahuallí
Day 6 · Cross the Mountains & Hot Springs to Quito
Take a bus from Tena to Papallacta (~2 hours). After enjoying the hot springs, return to Quito (~1.5 hours).
Buses drop passengers off at the highway junction; you will need to take a 15-minute taxi ride to reach the hot springs resort.