The best place in Baños to observe the Tungurahua volcano is undoubtedly the Tree House. Located at 2,660 meters above sea level in the town of Runtún, with panoramic views over the town itself or the mountains that surround it, it is an ideal place whether you want a bit of peace and quiet or if you want activities for children.
The town has many attractions, such as hiking trails, and you can spend the day doing all these things while enjoying incredible scenery, and then return to Baños and rest at Papachos Hostel.
“To get to the Tree House, a beautiful site in the city of Baños Ecuador, you can do it by your own car or with tours that leave every day at 10am, 12pm or 1pm (cost $6-$10).
The most comfortable way would be by bus, since they tend to be more available than quadricycles; but they run at different times depending on how full they are. If you choose to drive, take the road out of Baños towards Puyo.
Look for a fork in the road to the right leading to Runtun. Be mindful not to cross the Ulba bridge, as that means you’ve gone too far. Following the signs will guide you accurately. For those opting for the bus, keep an eye out for buses heading to Runtun. The buses depart at specific times – 11 am, 2 pm, and 4 pm – ensuring you a convenient and hassle-free journey to the entrance of Casa del Arbol. Plan your visit accordingly to catch these scheduled departures for a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.”
The next day, I was in the middle of the Ecuadorian jungle! I drove along the Panoramic Highway (CH1) for about 3 hours before heading into the heart of the jungle.
I knew this was my last chance to get some amazing snapshots before the trip came to an end.
I visualized myself playing the role of the protagonist in one of those famous photos of the “Swing at the End of the World” in Baños de Agua Santa. The swing is located in a tree house by the edge of the river at the end of the world.
I got in the middle of that swing, put on my GoPro and took a picture where it looked like I was flying through the air.
IT WAS THE BEST PHOTO I TAKEN ALL WEEK! I spent the next couple of hours taking more photos and wandering through the jungle, experiencing all its smells, sights and sounds.
The former military officer of the Geophysical Institute, Don Carlos Sánchez, has lived for many years on the north side of the Runtun volcano. He built his house just below the crest of the hill, so he could keep an eye on his coca crop while still having quick access to the highway in case of need. Its location puts it a step ahead in monitoring activity near Tungurahua, thanks largely to its proximity to an access point so close to ground level, where you can see what’s going on on the surface without having to worry about anything. type of interaction.
When visitors come to this natural viewpoint, they do not hide their concern about the danger to which Carlos Sánchez is exposed. However, this vigilante reassures them when he confesses that he has a hiding place to protect himself every time the volcano expels incandescent stones with his sighs. Sometimes he tries to talk about his job as a lookout, and other times his detailed reviews of all the Tungurahua eruptions since it became active again are more than entertaining content on its own, especially considering how close you can get to the spot! live any of the two experiences!