Baños, Ecuador 🇪🇨
Nomad Score:
63%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Baños is a popular tourist destination known for its hot springs, adventure sports, and stunning waterfalls, located in the Andes of Ecuador. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 19,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 20 Mbps, with some cafes and coworking spaces offering higher speeds. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 USD ≈ 1 USD (US Dollar is the official currency used throughout Ecuador). |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is not drinkable; it's recommended to drink bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 120V, 60Hz, with Type A/B plugs commonly used. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers such as Claro and Movistar offer prepaid SIM cards with decent coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards like Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, with ATMs found in the city center. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | A variety of accommodations are available, from hostels to boutique hotels and Airbnb options. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, digital payments are accepted in many places, though cash may still be preferred in smaller establishments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rental agencies provide numerous short-term rental options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Chimenea is a popular budget option with prices starting around $10 per night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Treehouse is a well-loved coworking space offering a productive environment with high-speed internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Wiñay is a favorite among remote workers with good coffee and a cozy setting. |
| 💼 Networking Events | While formal networking events are limited, local meetups often occur at cafés and coworking spaces. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups such as 'Baños Expats' offer information on social gatherings and events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Cabify is a reliable app for ride-hailing in Baños. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are available at Llama Trekking and other local shops. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | The nearest beach is 2-3 hours away; however, Baños is known for its natural hot springs and waterfalls. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Avianca and Tame are popular regional airlines servicing nearby airports. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Avianca and LATAM operate regular flights to and from Quito. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | E30 Highway connects Baños with major cities like Ambato and Quito. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | The main bus terminal in Baños connects to various regional cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Local buses are inexpensive, and fares typically range from $0.50 to $1.50. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Frequent buses are available to Ambato, Puyo, and Quito, costing around $2 to $3. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital de Baños, a local facility offering general medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga en Baños is a popular choice for classes and wellness retreats. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Life Baños offers gym facilities and classes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lavandería El Eden provides laundry services at reasonable prices. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Rappi operates in Baños, offering a variety of food delivery options. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Fritada', a traditional dish of fried pork accompanied by potatoes and salad. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | El Altar is a well-known vegetarian restaurant offering diverse plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Heladería Juanito for delicious ice cream and local desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets like Mercado Central offer fresh produce and snacks at great prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Locally, items are mostly bought in-person, though international platforms like Amazon are accessible. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Delivery from local supermarkets can often be arranged via phone or messaging app. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Bar La Ronda is a popular nightlife spot with good music and drinks. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | The local brewery, Casa de Cerveza, offers locally brewed beer. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Wine store Casa del Vino offers a variety of local and imported wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors near the park sell empanadas and fresh fruit. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizzeria 8 is well-liked for its Italian dishes and pizza. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Pailón del Diablo waterfall and La Virgen de Agua Santa church are must-visit sites. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Centro Cultural Casa de la Cultura offers exhibitions on local culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Baños Church, known for its beautiful architecture and history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Church of the Virgin of the Holy Water is a key pilgrimage site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Festival of las Cholas in September showcases local culture and traditions. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the vibrant streets filled with shops and local artisan crafts. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Baños hosts various cultural performances and events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado de Baños for local crafts, food, and fresh produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Local bars frequently feature live music with a focus on Andean and traditional styles. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Colorful street murals can be found throughout the city, particularly in the southern areas. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Various cooking classes offer experiences to learn about Ecuadorian cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería de Arte Baños features local artists and regularly changes exhibitions. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Explore the colonial-style architecture throughout Baños. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Baños is known for its thermal baths, which have been used for centuries by locals and visitors. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Cascada el Pailón and surrounding national park offer breathtaking views and trails. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Llanganates National Park is nearby, known for its diverse flora and fauna. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths along the Pastaza River provide scenic routes for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mirador de Bellavista offers stunning panoramic views of Baños. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The surrounding areas are rich in bird species, especially in the Llanganates region. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain areas near the waterfalls allow for designated bonfire gatherings. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL has a service point in Baños for parcel deliveries. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops like Baudó offer tech repair services at reasonable prices. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Sporting facilities near local parks have tables for public use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools like Tinkuy offer Spanish classes for all levels. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Café Wiñay doubles as a library, offering a quiet place to study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Cultural offers art and cultural activities for locals and visitors alike. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Although limited, some cafes have gaming setups for local players. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos are present, as Baños primarily focuses on tourism and outdoor activities. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $36,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $60,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $750 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $45,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $950 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $76,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $56,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 25% in Ecuador. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | No local tax on dividends, but regulations apply. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Ecuador operates a worldwide income basis for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 35% for higher income brackets. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax rate is 12%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Ecuador has regulations governing the taxation of foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Yes, an annual property tax is levied. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | A 1% tax is applied during property purchases. |