Relax in the Hot Springs of Baños de Cuenca | Complete Guide

The best way to unwind when visiting Cuenca Ecuador is to spend the day relaxing at the hot springs Baños Cuenca. The tiny village of Baños is conveniently located 7.5 miles to the west of Cuenca and is nestled perfectly on the hill above the city. The mountains and distinct blue church of Baños provide a stunning backdrop to the best thermal baths in Cuenca. These healing waters are more commonly known as aguas termales.

With their close proximity to the bustling capital city of the Azuay province, these baths are incredibly easy to visit as a half day trip from Cuenca. Be relaxing in the healing aguas termales in less than a half an hour by bus!

The hot springs Baños Cuenca sit right on an old volcano crater, an actual fault line is the source of all the mineral rich water. There are multiple hot springs to choose from, ranging from more local and budget friendly to a luxury spa day in Cuenca.

There’s a thermal bath in Cuenca Ecuador for any type of traveler, from those on a budget, to luxury, to everything in between.

Ready to relax? Here’s an ultimate guide to relaxing in the Baños de Cuenca aguas termales.

Table of Contents

• How to Reach the Hot Springs Baños Cuenca
• Which Hot Spring in Baños de Cuenca Should You Visit?
• Benefits of the Hot Springs of Baños de Cuenca?
• End the Perfect Day in Baños de Cuenca
• More Awesome Things to Do in Cuenca
• Final Thoughts | The Lovely Hot Springs of Baños de Cuenca

⁉️ Wait, Which Baños Cuenca? It is important to note that there are two Baños Ecuador: one extremely popular with adventure backpackers, located halfway between Quito and Cuenca. The city is officially called Baños de Agua Santa and sits 6 hours north of Cuenca. It is simply referenced to as Banos by those on the South America backpack circuit. The hot springs Baños Cuenca are often referred to as Baños de Cuenca and are found just above Cuenca.

How to Reach the Hot Springs Baños Cuenca

Reach the hot springs Baños Cuenca via a swift city bus, but if in a hurry, a taxi is cheap as well. With a majority of the Baños de Cuuenca aguas termales located in the same area, it’s almost effortless to get there. They can be reached via Cuenca public bus or by taxi.

By Bus

The Cuenca City Bus Lines #100 & #12 both run frequently to Baños de Cuenca aguas termales. If you’re by the main bus terminal, catch both of these buses right behind the terminal, but across the street.

If you’re in the Historical Center of Cuenca, it’s easy to catch #100 bus on the Street oof Antonio Vega Muñoz. This is conveniently only 4 blocks north of Parque Calderón.

 🚌 Bus # 100 Logistics | Catch it here: Parque Maria Auxiliadora, in front of Librería LNS | Cost: 30¢ each way | Duration: 25 minutes (buses run frequently) | Make sure to purchase a Movilizate Card to use the Cuenca City Buses | Exit in Baños at Hosteria Duran

Hosteria Duran will be on the lefthand side. They also boast their own set of hot springs in Baños de Cuenca.

Helpful tips for Cuenca’s Bus System

To ride the public bus system it is essential to purchase a Movilizate Card. The main ticket booth to purchase a Movilizate Card is right behind Cuenca’s main bus station, Terminal Terrestre The card can also be purchased at many Tiendas (small shops) around town in Cuenca. Look for the red sign hanging from the shops advertising that the Movilizate card is indeed sold there or can be recharged.

How to Use Cuenca’s Public Bus System & Movilizate Card

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1. Purchase the Movilizate Card. The initial cost of the card is $1.75
2. Load up the card with the desired amount. Depending on where you are traveling around Cuenca, each ride costs 30¢
3. The Movilizate Card can be topped off at many local shops, so don’t add too much to the card.
4. If you don’t have a Movilizate Card, simply board the bus and offer 30¢ to any of the passengers.

Hot Springs Baños Cuenca By Taxi

Don’t want to hassle with the public transit system? A taxi from Parque Calderón costs between $4-$5 one-way.

☛ Travel Tip | Look for reliable taxis that have and will offer to run their meter

Which Baños de Cuenca Aguas Termales Should You Visit?

The hot springs are all in the same proximity, so it all depends on what your price range is. Personally, I think the middle price-range bath offers the best value and overall experience. I have listed one hot spring from each price range below. Of course, there are more local pools found throughout Baños de Cuenca.

There are a wide range of aguas termales near Cuenca, but the following three options are a great place to start!

• Novaqua ($$)
• Piedra de Agua, Fuente Termal & Spa ($$$)
• Balneario el Riñon ($)

It’s important to note that upon entrance it is mandatory to wear a simple shower-cap, or in Spanish a “gorra.” They are super sexy (haha) and almost always included in the price! At the more local aguas termales, you will need to purhcase your own. They can be bought at almost any tienda for $1.

Now, choose a thermal bath, enjoy, and relax in the curative hot springs Baños Cuenca.

Novaqua | Favorite Hot Springs Baños Cuenca ($$)

Novaqua is a mid-ranged spa, but still offers all the great amenities that the luxurious baths do.

A day at the spa includes: access to the thermal pool, the contrasting thermal water pools (where you jump from extreme hot to a cold pool), a steam bath that is filled with the scent of eucalyptus, a Finnish sauna, and steam boxes. You may wish to skip the steam boxes if you suffer from claustrophobia.

Don’t miss the beautiful volcanic mud cave, because we all know how much fun it is to rub yourself up with healing mud! Slather the mineral rich mud all over yourself, let it dry, and rinse off in the mud bath.

The admission includes access to the clean locker rooms. Novaqua gives you a “welcome bag.” In it, they hook you up with a large towel, robe, swimcap, a small soap. The spa circuit also includes a juice, unlimited access to the coffee and tea bar, and delicious empanada snack! Dreamy right?!

The pools aren’t fancy, but they serve their purpose just fine. There are beautiful gardens to lay out and relax in, but arrive early to snag a lounger chair and sit up poolside the entire day. The natural feelings of the grounds are spectacular. Look at those distant mountains in the backdrop. How’s that for a beautiful backdrop?

Make the Most a Day at Novaqua Aguas Termales

To completely enjoy the day at Novaqua, follow the circuit. First, start with a steam bath and then exfoliate with the volcano mud. Lay in the inviting garden and let the mud bake on to your skin. Next, rinse off in the little mud cave bath, but be careful, it’s hot!

Spend the afternoon dipping between the contrasting thermal pools. Dare to plunge into the cool water pool. If tired of following the circuit, just spend time in the large warm pool, which is nice to swim in and has spectacular views.

There are lots of add-ons you can purchase like massages, facials, and other body treatments available. If interested in any of the above, simply purchase and arrange preferred services upon arrival. There is also a restaurant on the premises.

Novaqua Logistics

It’s important to note this spa is for adults over the age of 16.

Find Novaqua here: Loma, De los Hervideros | Hours: Monday – Friday: 8:00 – 22:00, but Tuesdays open at 14:00 / Sat: 7:00 – 22:00 & Sun: 7:00-19:00 | Standard Admission: $20 for the recommended Relaxing Thermal Plan | Novaqua Official Website

Novaqua does have cheaper admission options for $15, but does not include access to the mud cave. They also offers more expensive plans with additional spa treatments. They offer a full service spa with facials and massages. Onsite is a simple restaurant serving up ceviche and other plates of food.

Piedra de Agua Fuente Termal & Spa | Luxury Hot Springs Baños Cuenca ($$$)

Piedra de Agua, Fuente Termal & Spa is one of the most luxurious spas and thermal baths in Baños de Cuenca. It is in the same vacinity as the other thermal pools, but this is where to go to get pampered.

The facilities are truly stunning and feel very first-class. Here, someone guides you through the first circuit, so don’t worry about the order. The circuits at Piedra de Agua, Fuente Termal & Spa includes: Turkish Baths, red mud treatments, blue mud treatments, those claustrophobic steam boxes, and of course a beautiful area to relax poolside. Piedra de Agua offers a unique underground thermal pool, while the other contrasting pools are found outside. Don’t miss a chance to relax in the outdoor inspired Japanese pool.

Some of the pools are underground, and although they are impressive, they can feel a little confining. They have utilized the space in such a way to feel like you’re actually in a cave, which is cool, but also dark. The outdoor lounge chairs are plenty, so there is enough space to spread out and relax. A lot of the terrain at these thermal pools is fake and concrete. The garden landscape is wonderful, but there isn’t much space to enjoy laying directly on the grass or earth.

Piedra de Agua Fuente Termal & Spa Logistics

It’s important to note this spa is for adults over the age of 16.

Find Piedra de Aguas Fuente Termal & Spa here: Paseo de la Guadalupana s/n, Calle 1 de Septiembre | Hours: Mon-Sat: 9:00-22:00 / Sunday: 9:30-19:00| Spa Circuit Admission: $35 USD | Piedra de Agua’s official website

At Piedra de Aguuas, there is also a full service spa with options to add massages and other body treatments. Make sure to add them upon arrival and book an appointment. There are also lockers, so if you have your own lock I would suggest bringing one, otherwise they close your locker with a zip-tie. Onsite, find a full service restaurant.

☛ Budget Travel Tips | Traveling as a twosome? The spa offers 2 for the price of one on spa circuits during the following days and hours: Monday & Friday 9:00-22:00

Balneario el Riñon | Local Thermal Baths Cuenca Ecuador ($)

For the most local and authentic experience, visit the thermal pools of Balneario el Riñon. This is a very local hot spring that is similar to others. Be mindful that this is a family destination and that children are allowed here.

There is a large pool to relax in with a “smaller pool” which many of the children swim in. Here, they still have all the standard spa treatments. Find three Turkish spas! They are separated by men, women, and there is a mixed spa. Again, there are contrasting pools and a volcanic mud cave.

There is a nice rooftop terrace that offers incredible views of Baños de Cuenca.

💬 Real Talk | Keep in mind local families use these as actual bathing facilities. To best utilize the Balneario el Riñon, visit early morning on a weekday when the local children are in school.

Balneario el Riñon Logistics

This is a no-frills answer to the other hot springs Baños de Cuenca, and is a family friendly option.

Find Balneario el Riñon here: Loma, De los Hervideros | Hours: Mon, Tues, Fri, Sat: 5:00-22:00/ Wed & Thur: 6:00 – 22:00/ Sun: 5:00 – 20:00 | Cost: $6 USD | Don’t forget your swim cap!

The dressing rooms provide lockers and showers. For a lock, simply leave behind your Driver’s License or give a $5 deposit. There is also a small restaurant serving up budget friendly foods and drinks.

Benefits of the Hot Springs in Baños de Cuenca

The hot springs Baños Cuenca are coming from the source of a fault line making the surrounding area full of mineral rich waters. The water is said to contain iron, fluoride, iodine, sodium, chromium, silicon carbon, phosphorus, and many other minerals that you’ve probably never heard of.

The main pools temperatures run on average from 97°F to 108°F helping the body relax and rejuvenate. Besides providing a much needed stress relief, the mineral water acts as a detox for the skin. The healing water helps with acne, problematic skin, and stress. It also can benefit those with with rheumatism, respiratory diseases, gallstones, and many other diseases. The common cold can also be cured by sitting in these waters.

After a full day at the Baños de Cuenca aguas termales, you will most definitely felt rejuvenated! It is convenient to have the baths located near such a bustling city like Cuenca.

Beyond Baños de Cuenca Aguas Termales

Grab at least one meal at a local restaurant before heading back down to Cuenca. Restaurante Rincon del Sabor is a popular destination and is located right across the street from where to take the bus back down to Cuenca. This restaurant serves up traditional Ecuadorian dishes at local prices. Most dishes are around $5 and are served with rice, plantains, and avocado, true Ecuadorian staples. The portions are huge, so come hungry!

Skip eating at the spas and enjoy the local food here. The quality and price is much better.

➯ Detailed Cuenca Food Guide | 35+ of the best Cuenca Ecuador Restaurants

Another popular thing to do in Baños de Cuenca is to grab a juice and empanada. The whole street up to the aguas termales are filled with juice stands.

Of course, don’t miss a chance to visit the blue iconic church of Baños de Cuenca. There is a mirador and plaza that can be reached via a steep staircase.

There is a small hiking trail above the hot springs Baños de Cuenca. Simply look for the “Loma de los Hervideros” signboard next to one of the juice stands. This trail can be seen from the rooftop terrace of Balneario el Riñon.

More Awesome Things to Do in Cuenca

There really are so many interesting things to do in Cuenca Ecuador. This stunning colonial city can be thoroughly explored in around three days. From bustling markets, lovely plazas, free museums, and charming streets to wander, Cuenca is truly a treasure!

Cuenca has quite the booming foodie scene, so if your crunched on time, it may be best to delve into the food scene that the city offers.

➯ Detailed Travel Guide | Spend 3 Days in Cuenca, Ecuador

While there are plenty of things to see in Cuenca Ecuador, how about getting outside the city and exploring the surrounding area? The day trips from Cuenca Ecuador are diverse and a highlight of the region.

There are tons of adorable artisan villages in the nearby mountains that are worth exploring for unique cultural experiences. Visit otherworldly Natural Parks, explore a cloud forest and hike up waterfalls, or discover the Cañari and Inca ruins found in the countryside. Laguna Llaviucu offers a nice escape from the city via an easy loop hiking trail or as a tranquil picnic spot.

✈ Travel Planning | 10+ Stellar Ideas for Day Trips from Cuenca Ecuador

Final Thoughts | The Healing Hot Springs Baños Cuenca

Relaxing in the hot springs Baños Cuenca is a highlight when visiting the spectacular colonial city of Cuenca Ecuador. With their close proximity to the bustling city, the aguas termales of Cuenca make an easy day trip that can be reached via public transportation or a short taxi ride. The value is excellent because you can literally spend all day relaxing at the healing pools.

There are a wide range of thermal baths for any type of budget. Many of the baños offer the same services, just in a different style and price-point. Choose whichever one fits your vibe and your wallet.

Baños de Cuenca aguas termales offer warm curative waters and provide a great way to unwind and relax. Spend the day detoxifying your body in a beautiful setting, because no matter what bath you choose, the views of the mountains and surrounding village can’t be beat.

Have you been to Cuenca Ecuador? Did you dip in the hot springs Baños Cuenca? Which aguas termales in Cuenca Ecuador? Have I missed a hot spring Baños Cuenca that you enjoyed, since there are so many to choose from? Let me know in the comments below!

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