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Baños de Agua Santa: Swing at the End of the World & Pailón del Diablo

Soar on the legendary 'Swing at the End of the World' over a 2,600 m Andean cliff edge, then thunder beside Pailón del Diablo — Ecuador's most spectacular waterfall. Baños is pure adrenaline wrapped in volcanic beauty.

What to expect

The drive south from Quito winds through the Avenue of the Volcanoes, passing Tungurahua's brooding cone before descending into the lush, warm valley town of Baños. A private guide leads you first to the Casa del Árbol at 2,600 m — the wooden swing arcs out over a sheer precipice with nothing but clouds and jungle below, and the moment of release is pure exhilaration. The afternoon is spent following the Ruta de las Cascadas: a dramatic series of waterfalls culminating in Pailón del Diablo, where the Pastaza River thunders 80 m into a mist-filled gorge. Optional volcanic hot springs at dusk complete a near-perfect Andean day.

Book it
Baños: Devil's Cauldron (Pailón del Diablo), Tree House (Casa del Árbol), and Hands of the Pachamama
$200 per person
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Good to know

Baños is ~3.5 hrs south of Quito — this is a long full-day excursion best paired with an overnight in Quito if your itinerary allows. The swing operates in dry conditions only; have a backup plan for rainy days. Wear waterproof layers near Pailón del Diablo — the spray is intense. Pre-book a private vehicle to control the day's pace entirely.

Sail there

Luxury cruises that call at Guayaquil (Quito) — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.

Oceania · Oceania Insignia
36 nights · calls at Guayaquil (Quito)
from $11,499
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Regent · Seven Seas Mariner
16 nights · calls at Guayaquil (Quito)
from $13,399
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Silversea · Silver Nova
18 nights · calls at Guayaquil (Quito)
from $13,550
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Seabourn · Seabourn Quest
35 nights · calls at Guayaquil (Quito)
from $15,027
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See all cruises to Guayaquil (Quito) →

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