Banos

Where to stay

Most budget hostels cluster within two or three blocks of Parque Central, especially along Calle Rocafuerte and Calle Halflants. That puts you steps from the bus terminal on Calle Reyes, the taffy shops on Calle Ambato, and the outfitters who book the Ruta de las Cascadas.

Getting around

• Rent a bike from one of the shops near Parque Central (a few dollars a day) and ride the Ruta de las Cascadas downhill toward Puyo, then catch the public bus back. It covers the same waterfalls as the pricier organized tours at a fraction of the cost.
• Book rafting on the Pastaza River directly with outfitters on Calle Maldonado rather than through your hostel desk. The hostel adds a commission for making one phone call.
• The Mercado Central on Calle Ambato has set lunches (almuerzo) for pocket change. Skip the restaurants facing Parque Central for everyday meals, they charge two to three times as much for the same food.

When to go

January through April is the low season when beds are cheapest and easy to walk into same-day. July and August fill up first, especially weekends, and the Christmas and New Year week is the tightest stretch of the year.