Amazon Adventures

Ecuador

Galapagos Islands / Jungle Lodges / Active Adventures
Traditional Tours & Hotels

Banos Multisport Programs

We have 23 adventures and cultural explorations divided into 6 categories, one of which is the Spa category which offers the traveler 24 unique ways to indulge the body, mind, and soul after a hearty adventure:

We have 11 different hikes for you to choose from,
ranging in difficultly levels of easy to difficult:

1. La Cascada del Pailón del Diablo: EASY
Half-day. Depart from Luna Runtun by car. In about 17 km., we find the beautiful "Pailon del Diablo" waterfall, known as the most impressive waterfall in the area as well as for being the world's 10th highest water drops in the world. You can enjoy the end of the world's longest balsalt "capes" which starts 30 km away at the union of the Chambo and Patate rivers. A short trail from Río Verde (Green River) leads downhill through scrubby vegetation to a hanging bridge over the river below the falls. Before the bridge there is a very short trail that leads to an overlook above the deep bowl into which the waterfalls pours - this is an excellent photo opportunity. Many might recognize the scenery as it was the setting of the Hollywood blockbuster " Proof of Life" directed by Taylor Hackford and starring Meg Ryan, Russell Crowe, and David Morse. Keep your eyes peeled for the face of the Devil on a stone located at the bottom of the waterfall!

2. The Inca trail of Huayna Capac (down) - a very short half day walk: EASY
Day starts with a 45-minute walk from Luna Runtun to Baños, hiking down to town on the same path taken by the Inca Emperor Huayna Capac 500 hundreds years ago. Afterwards, we'll hike up to Luna Runtun "El Salto" trail or come back by car. Afternoon free for leisure (chance to enjoy our Spa facilities).

3. "La Vía de los Contrabandistas" Hike- Full day: MEDIUM
Full day hike, including picnic. Depart from Luna Runtun by minivan before taking a world-class 7-km hike along the same trail used by the rum smugglers in the twenties. This trail was perhaps most often trodden by Mr. Fidel Fiallos, Carmen Luna de Currat's grandfather, who was known as the most famous smuggler of all times. After crossing crystal clear rivers, hiking past banana and mandarine plantations, and taking a delicious picnic, we hike down to admire the "Manto de la Novia" Waterfall. Breathtaking views of the Llanganates National Park, the inaccessible mountains that hide the lost gold of Inca Emperor Atahualpa. Afterwards, we cross a swinging bridge and hike up to la Merced, where transportation meets us to bring us back to the hotel. 80% of the hike is on flat ground.

4. The Inca Trail of Huayna Capac (Rurual Tourism) - half- day: MEDIUM
Runtun is the name given to the area located at the base of the Tungurahua volcano. History tells us that before the discovery of America, the Inca Emperor Huayna Capac partook in voluptuous orgies in Luna Runtun at the shore of Lake Runtun (long since disappeared) with the most beautiful of his wives. Enjoy a magnificent view of the active volcano, of Llanganates National Park, and of the entrance to the Amazon Rainforest. If you are lucky, you will see and hear the periodical steam explosions of the volcano: a truly natural show, free of risk. Discover a new style of life and meet local farmers living in the mountains with their cows, guiney pigs, chickens, and llamas. The hike is 50% uphill and 50% downhill.

5. Hike to The Valley of the Butterflies - half day - MEDIUM
Includes lunch. Hiking tour of the beautiful Valley of Butterflies: the magic and biodiversity of The Pastaza Corridor gets condensed in this tour that takes you from the Bride's Veil waterfall to the Inca Waterfall, walking by a secret valley full of butterflies, humming-birds, bromelias, and orchids thriving in a protected forest that towering over the Pastaza River, between 2 National Parks - Sangay, a declared World Heritage Site, and Lllanganates. Refresh yourself and have a natural shower at the bottom of the Inca waterfall. On the way back, we will ride the longest TARABITA (cable car) in Ecuador (380 meters) - great photo opportunity. Afternoon free for leisure (chance to enjoy our Spa facilities).

6. Hike to the 2 Hanging Bridges MODERATE - MEDIUM
Half day hike, seventy percent of which is along flat ground. Includes a snack. We cross two hanging bridges located over the Pastaza River. Beautiful views of Volcano Tungurahua, Baños, Runtun Mountain, and the Pastaza Corridor, A Gift to the Earth.

7. Hike to the Princess Pacha waterfall MODERATE - MEDIUM
Half day tour, with snack included. Depart from Luna Runtun by minivan. Twenty five kilometers later, we hike downhill for approx. 30 minutes to the Pastaza River where we will spend the rest of the morning and the early afternoon on a splendid stone sculpted by Mother Nature. Take a bath in the naturally sculpted swimming pools and enjoy a natural massage under a little waterfall located 20 meters away. The water is crystal clear and fresh.

8. Hike to El Sendero de los Dioses - DIFFICULT
Full day, with picnic included. Depart from Luna Runtun by minivan. Forty minutes later, we hike up towards Llanganates National Park. Discover a succession of 6 beautiful waterfalls. On the way up, enjoy the company of a large variety of birds, butterflies, and orchids in a natural setting. The 7th and final waterfall to which we come, reaching 80 meters in height, is just around the corner for those that seek greater adventure and will make you feel like Indiana Jones.... Enjoy the atmosphere of the cloud forest and its soothing sound.

9. Hike to The "Ojos del Volcán" - DIFFICULT
Full day, with picnic included. Day starts with a 45-minute walk to warm up our legs. Then we start a 3-hour hike uphill. Enjoy the beautiful views overlooking the Patate River Valley, the Runtun area, Tungurahua, and much more. Reach "Las Antenas" and learn about the fascinating and dramatic story of the evacuation of Baños. Picnic. Observe the crater of the volcano, just 10 miles away, and listen to its natural music... After the picnic continue by foot, by car, or by bike to the Little Switzerland, so called for the similarity of this area to the countryside of the Alps. Return by car or by bike.

10. Hike to The Top of the World - DIFFICULT
Full day, picnic included. Depart from Luna Runtun. We hike up the side of the Bascun Valley. Observe, on one side, the 1000-meter deep valley, on the other side the majestic Tungurahua Volcano (5016mts or 16452 ft). Continue hiking to "La Cordillera", where the Runtun area joins the flanks of the Volcano. You will be so close to the Nevado of Tungurahua (less than 3 miles) that you'll almost be able to touch it. Enjoy the great views and beautiful birds. Discover new vegetation never seen before. Picnic. On the way back, we hike down through little trails on the side of the Ulba Valley. Understand why the area is called Runtun, which means fortress in Quechua.

11. Hike to El Refugio del Volcán Tungurahua (3800 meters - 12464 feet): DIFFICULT
(2 D/1N) Meals included. Depart from Luna Runtun by car. We hike uphill for 2-3 hours before arriving at the refuge. On the way up, admire Tungurahua and Cotopaxi, Cerro Hermoso, and Llanganates National Park. See orchids, primary forests, and beautiful birds. Once at the refuge, enjoy a lunar landscape full of ashes and volcanic stones. The next day you hike 200 more meters (656 feet) and reach 4000 meters (13120 feet) above sea level. Collect ashes and volcanic stone to offer to your friends. Listen to the sound of the Volcano and imagine the crater just 2 miles away. Overnight at the refuge. Return the next day, on foot and by car.

Amazon Rainforest Adventure

Route of Orchids, Waterfalls, and Guayabas - EASY
Full day, including lunch. The Luna Runtun - Puyo road is the best way to see some spectacular scenery of the Pastaza Corridor, which offers a transition from mountain to rainforest in less than 60 kilometers. Along the way, you will cross the longest tunnel in Ecuador, known as the Door to Heaven, which refers to the fact that it serves as the entrance to the Amazon Rainforest. Along the way, you'll enjoy the sights, scents, and sounds offered by thousands of orchids, dramatic waterfalls, cliffside farms, and untouched views of the mountainsides of Sangay and Llanganates National Parks. We visit a reserve which rehabilitates animals from the jungle in risk of extinction such as tapirs, crocodiles, and monkeys and houses a botanical garden with more than 300 varieties of orchids and thousands of medicinal plants and exotic flowers. Alternative option is to take a canoe trip. A once in a lifetime experience.

Water Adventures

Rafting - EASY
Level 3 - Full day, picnic included. Depart from Luna Runtun by minivan. Rafting on a river located in the Amazon Rainforest. Experience an unforgettable day, see tropical flowers, orchids, monkeys, and birds as well as incredible landscape and indescribable sensations. Minimum: 4 people - Maximum 6 Subject to weather conditions.

Canoeing - EASY
Full day, picnic included. Depart from Luna Runtun by minivan to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Pastaza Corridor. Enjoy a 310-meter ride downhill surrounded by majestic views and outstanding scenery. On the way down, take a break and have lunch.
Subject to weather conditions.

We have 5 biking adventures to choose from:

1. The King of the Wood - flat and down - EASY
Full day - box lunch. Depart from Luna Runtun by minivan. Bike through the Patate Valley through fields of corn, vegetables, fruits, and palm trees. Afterwards, we drive to the paramo, at 3600 meters (11808 feet) above sea level, where you will see the crater of Tungurahua. Great photo opportunity. After the picnic, take your bike and enjoy a 22-km downhill ride through the cloud forest. On your left will be Llanganates National Park and in front of you you'll see Hacienda Río Chico 1000 meters (3280 feet) down below.... Greet the natives, cross little crystal clear streams, surprise yourself by seeing chickens, dogs, and cows crossing the road along with so many others surprises which will make this biking tour so unusual. Finally, you'll reach Ulba, located at 1700 meters above sea level where the car will be waiting for you.

2. Route of the Tunguruhua Volcano - downhill (Luna Runtun - Baños) - EASY
Short, half -day biking tour. Depart from Luna Runtun by bike. On the way down, stop at the cross which overlooks Baños and its beautiful valley. Continue on to Ulba, admire the splendor of Tungurahua, the Chamana waterfalls, and the impressive topography of the area. Visit the land where Juan Montalvo, the famous Ecuadorian writer used to live. Continue on bike to Baños. Length of the trip: 9 kilometers. Return by car, by foot, or by bike.

3. The secrets of the Tungurahua Volcano - MEDIUM
Full day - picnic. Discover, on bike, the geology and topography of the Volcano. Visit the 12 valleys through which the "lahares" passed. Bike over handmade bridges constructed by the community due to the lack of assistance from government. Learn stories about the last eruption and legends about the former haciendas in Baños.

4. Route of the Orchids, Waterfalls, and Guayabas - Full day MEDIUM
Full day biking tour, picnic included. Depart from Luna Runtun (2200 meters above see level) by bike. Leave Sangay National Park and enter into the Pastaza Corridor. Arrive in Puyo, the first village in the Amazon Rainforest located at 800 meters (2624 feet), 60 kilometers later. Enjoy numerous waterfalls, thousands of orchids, and guayabas. Experience a radical change of vegetation and climate in just few kilometers. Return by minivan.

5. Downhill - (Ventanas - Luna Runtun - Baños) DIFFICULT
Short half -day downhill, 800 meters (2624 feet) of downhill. Depart from Luna Runtun by minivan. Fifteen minutes later, at 2600 meters (8528 feet) above see level, enjoy breathtaking views of the Tungurahua, Llanganates and Sangay National Park and the Pastaza Corridor, take your mountain bike and enjoy a 10-km downhill through small trails and forests, pass by Luna Runtun, and, finally, reach Baños.

Horse Back Riding

Enjoy a magnificent view of the active volcano, of Llanganates National Park, and of the entrance to the Amazon Rainforest. If you are lucky, you will see and hear the periodical steam explosions of the volcano: a truly natural show, free of risk. Discover a new style of life and meet local farmers living in the mountains with their cows, guinea pigs, chickens, and llamas.

Traveling Through the Countryside

1. Animal and Handicraft Markets - on Monday and Thursday only- EASY
Full day - lunch included. Depart from Luna Runtun by minivan. We drive to Pillaro, an authentic little village where the rythm of life does not seem to belong to this world. On our way, we can admire Tungurahua and Caiharahuaso (another impressive volcano). A little further along the route, the snowcapped Chimborazo glacier (6310 meters - 20696 feet) emerges from the fields of corn and potatoes. Enjoy the 100-year old handmade road and reach an entertaining animal market where cows, pigs, sheep, guinea pigs, and chickens are going to be exchanged or sold. Continue the journey to Quisapincha, a little village where you can buy excellent leather jackets, trousers, etc, at excellent price, eat freshly made bread cooked with wood and drink a "colada" (a local speciality). Lunch. Visit the Quinta (large farm) of Juan León Mera, a famous Ecuadorian writer, painter, and politician. On the way back to Luna Runtun, we stop over in Salasaca, the location of an Indian market and the largest ethnic group of the province of Tungurahua, which has preserved 500 years of traditions, customs, and political organization. Finally we pass through Pelileo, a village which produces excellent and cheap jeans. Great shopping opportunity.

2. The Priest and the Witch - Half day
An original city tour which starts with a hike from Luna Runtun to the city along the Inca Emperor Huayna Capac trail. Enjoy the sights and sounds of numerous birds and of the impressive scenery of the highlands. Visit the Cathedral, a 1920s gothic construction built with volcanic stone by the Belgian Father Tomas Halflans, and the Museum of the Virgin of the Holy Water, which displays the clothes and jewelry given by the devout for blessings received. Here, you'll discover the miracles of the Virgin and her influence over the catholic population over the past centuries. Ambato street offers an excellent opportunity to meet the famous sugar cane candy makers and taste the delicious "Melcocha", Ecuador's most well known candy. Visit the tagua ("vegetable ivory") and balsa wood handicraft makers, art galleries, handicraft shops, and, afterwards, the Saint Martin Canyon, the zoo (one Ecuador's most impressive), and much more. Great shopping opportunities.

3. La Nariz del Diablo (on Wednesday and Sunday only) - Full day - min. 4 people
Depart from Luna Runtun by minivan early in the morning. In 1895, Eloy Alfaro, a former Ecuadorian president, decided to build a railway which, due to the topography of the Ecuadorian Andes, would prove to be one of the world's most impressive engineering feats. Those that constructed the railway faced a huge obstacle: an almost perpendicular wall of rock called the Devil's Nose. Thanks to superb engineering, the builders were able to solve the problem by constructing a zigzag carved out of the rock which allows the trail to reach the town of Alausí. Return by minvan at the end of the day