Day 4 in Ecuador

DAY FOUR BROUGHT US STRAIGHT INTO ADVENTURE MODE IN BAÑOS, ECUADOR AND LET ME JUST SAY… THIS TOWN KNOWS HOW TO SHOW OFF. TUCKED INTO THE ANDES AND SURROUNDED BY LUSH GREENERY, BAÑOS IS FAMOUS FOR ITS WATERFALLS, THRILL SEEKING ENERGY, AND UNREAL SCENERY AROUND EVERY TURN. WE KICKED OFF THE DAY ON HORSEBACK, TAKING IN SWEEPING MOUNTAIN VIEWS BEFORE HEADING TOWARD ONE OF THE MOST ICONIC STOPS IN THE REGION, THE JAW DROPPING PAILÓN DEL DIABLO. BETWEEN THE MISTY TRAILS, RUSHING WATER, AND PURE ADRENALINE, THIS DAY QUICKLY BECAME ONE OF THE MOST UNFORGETTABLE MOMENTS OF OUR ENTIRE TRIP.

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SLOW MORNINGS AT AROMI CAFE & CHOCOLATE GOURMET

We started the morning at Aromi Café & Chocolate Gourmet and it was such a good call. I ordered a chocolate espresso for $3 and fruit crepes for $3.50, which honestly felt like a steal. We hung out for a bit, talked, woke up slowly, and just enjoyed a chill start to the day before doing anything adventurous.

HORSEBACK RIDING THROUGH THE ANDES

After breakfast, we went horseback riding through the Andes and it was way more relaxed than I expected. The ride was around $15 per person and lasted a couple of hours. No rushing, no chaos, just cruising through green valleys, crossing little streams, and taking in the views.

The horses basically knew what they were doing, so we just followed along and enjoyed it. It was one of those things where you’re not trying to capture every moment, you’re just there and it ends up being one of your favorite parts of the day.

Select images by Overland Canvas and Creations

ENCOUNTERING PAILÓN DEL DIABLO

After a couple of hours on horseback, we headed to our next stop of the day, Pailón del Diablo, also known as Devil’s Cauldron. The walk to the waterfall was just as much a part of the experience as the destination itself, winding through dense greenery and alongside rushing river water that you could hear long before you saw it.

As we got closer, the sound grew louder and the air cooler. Arriving at the falls felt almost surreal. Water poured straight down the cliffside with so much force that mist filled the air, settling on everything around us. Every angle offered a different view, with rainbows appearing in the sunlight and disappearing just as quickly. It was powerful, overwhelming in the best way, and easily one of the most striking natural sights we saw in Ecuador.

BECAUSE YOU HAVE TO TRY KFC ABROAD!

After all the walking and exploring, we were ready for something easy and ended up doing what felt necessary. Trying KFC in a different country. It was one of those spontaneous stops that was the perfect in the moment decisions.

Honestly, it surprised us in the best way. Everything tasted fresher and way better than expected. It was the perfect late lunch slash early dinner. Simple and exactly what we needed after being on our feet all day. Not fancy, not planned, just one of those stops that ends up hitting at the right moment.

A GOOD KIND OF TIRED

By the end of the day, everything just slowed down. We were tired in a good way after being out all day, and it felt nice to finally sit, relax, and let everything sink in.

The day flowed really easily from start to finish. A slow morning, a full day of exploring, and an easy end to the night. Nothing forced, nothing rushed. Just one of those days that reminds you why you love traveling like this.

Up next is Day 5 in Ecuador, where things get way more adventurous with ziplining and nonstop adrenaline. You can read it next to see how the trip continues. 🌿

- Travels By Dawn

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GET ALL YOUR ECUADOR NECESSITIES!

SHOP HERE!

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FAQ | IS BAÑOS WORTH VISITING?

Yes, absolutely. It’s a great mix of nature, adventure, and slower moments. Easy to explore and packed with things to do.

FAQ | HOW MUCH DOES HORSEBACK RIDING IN BAÑOS COST?

Expect to pay around $15 to $30 per person, depending on the length of the ride and who you book with.

FAQ | IS HORSEBACK RIDING BEGINNER FRIENDLY?

Yes. The horses are calm and the guides lead the way, so it feels very manageable even if you’ve never ridden before.

FAQ | HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO VISIT PAILÓN DEL DIABLO?

Entrance is inexpensive, usually just a few dollars. Bring cash and be ready for stairs and mist from the waterfall.

FAQ | WILL YOU GET WET AT PAILÓN DEL DIABLO?

Yes. Between the mist and tunnels, you will get damp. Wear shoes you don’t mind getting wet.

FAQ | IS KFC IN ECUADOR ACTUALLY GOOD?

Surprisingly, yes. Everything tasted fresher and it was a great late lunch or early dinner after a long day.

FAQ | WHAT KIND OF DAY WAS THIS OVERALL?

A really good balance of adventure and ease. Active but not overwhelming, with plenty of time to just enjoy where we were.

FAQ | WHAT SHOULD YOU WEAR FOR THIS DAY?

Comfortable layers are key. Wear sneakers or hiking shoes, something breathable you can move in, and bring a light jacket or rain layer. You’ll be walking, riding, and getting misted by waterfalls, so practical beats cute here.