Casa del Arbol: Practical Tips for Visiting the Famous Swing

La Casa del Arbol belongs to one of the most famous attractions in Baños (de Agua Santa). It is not “just a treehouse”, it’s more like a small adventure park with absolutely amazing views and famous swings that hang over the edge of the hill. Besides the swings, there are more things to do, like zip lines, viewpoints, and a beautiful garden.

Let’s have a look at what you can look forward to, how to get there and what are other attractions, viewpoints, and hikes around.

What can you experience at Casa del Arbol?

Casa del Arbol is situated in the mountains at about 2600 meters above sea level, overlooking the valley of Banos de Agua Santa with stunning views of the Tungurahua volcano. Once you are there, you can enjoy the following:

1) Casa del Arbol – The treehouse

You can climb up to the famous treehouse. More interesting are two swings hanging down from that tree, which are known as “Swings at the End of the World”. The swing takes you over the edge of the hill. But don’t worry, it is not that scary! It is a nice experience with beautiful views.

2) Two more sets of swings

There are two more sets of swings. One set is for children only, but the other one is great! I encourage you to try even this one because I think that it might be even a little bit bigger than the original Treehouse swings.

3) Double zipline track

Another adventure point is the zipline. There are two tracks, side by side, so you can race with your partner. It is not a huge zipline but it is definitely nice to try.

4) Garden, views, and the viewpoints

Casa del Arbol became famous on social media, so you can be sure it’s a photogenic place with nice viewpoints and decorations. I especially liked the garden full of flowers and nicely decorated benches.

5) Banos sign

If you are a fan of signs, there is a Banos sign, where you can get nice pictures.

6) Cafeteria

There is a small cafeteria by the treehouse, where you can get a coffee, some snacks like empanadas, and more. The prices are favorable.

Entrance fee to Casa del Arbol

The entrance fee to Casa del Arbol is as low as $1 per person, and you can stay there as long as you wish. The entrance fee is lower than at any other “viewpoint” or attraction.

How much time will you need to visit Casa del Arbol?

On average you will need about an hour, which gives you enough time to enjoy the swings, zipline, and to take enough pictures. One hour is also a perfect fit for the bus schedule, which is designed to give you exactly one hour at Casa del Arbol.

How to get to Casa del Arbol from Baños Downtown?

By bus

There are regular buses going from Banos to Casa del Arbol at 11 AM, 2 PM, and 4 PM. The bus starts at the crossroad of Pastaza and Montalvo street (sometimes from the corner of Pastaza and Luis A. Marinez street). It takes about 45 minutes to get there and the ticket costs $1.

Bus departures from Casa del Arbol back to Baños

The bus on the way back leaves at 1 PM, 4 PM, and 6 PM. You will find the schedule also at the gate of Casa del Arbol.

Other options

Another option is to take a taxi. Many tour companies also offer transportation as a part of their tours. Alternatively, you can rent a bike, but we would recommend it only to experienced bikers because it is 12 steep kilometers uphill.

You can also walk there, but we would recommend doing it another way around – go up by bus and hike the trail down – it is a very nice walk.

Hike from Casa del Arbol to Baños

If you love nature and hiking, we encourage you to walk from Casa del Arbol to Baños. There are nice views on the way as well as several more viewing platforms and viewpoints.

Don’t forget to download offline maps (we can highly recommend Locus, which is the perfect outdoor map app), because the trail isn’t marked well, so you will need it in order to find your way.

Trail parameters

• Distance: 6 km
• Time: 2 hours hiking (but with the viewpoint stops and Columpio Fantasias swing, count about 3 – 4 hours before getting to Banos)
• Descent: 900 meters

Trail characteristics: The trail is descending the steep hills above Banos, some parts of the trail might be slippery, especially after the rain. If you decide to hike this trail, wear good hiking boots. It’s not an easy hike, but you will be rewarded with beautiful views of Banos and the valley.

There are also alternative routes on the way to Banos, so you can choose the different hiking trails according to the map.

Map and GPX of the trail to download

We have also prepared for you a map with the trail and all the interesting points on the way.

Casa del Arbor to Baños trail

GPX

Online Map

One more amazing swing – Columpio Fantasias de Volar

This is something for adventure seekers!!! Columpio Fantasias de Volar is located not that far from Casa del Arbol and it is a massive swing over the cliff with spectacular views of Baños downtown.

The swing takes up to three people and it really pumps you up with adrenaline. This is the biggest swing you can experience in Baños. The entrance fee is $12 per person and it’s absolutely worth it. I think there is no better view of Baños than from this swing.

The guys will dress you up in the climbing harness to secure you to the swing bench. The good thing is that you don’t have to do anything (just sit), unlike bungee jumping – when you have to decide to jump.

More things to do in Baños and Ecuador

Read also about another awesome thing to do in Baños:

• Visiting Pailón del Diablo Waterfall, Baños (The Ultimate Guide)

Check our other Ecuador guides:

• Ecuador from A to Z: Practical Tips for Travellers
• Galapagos from A to Z: Ultimate Guide to Wildlife Wonderland
• Hiking in Cajas National Park: The Best Day Trip from Cuenca
• Laguna Cuicocha Hike: The Best Day Trip from Otavalo, Ecuador

Pin this guide for later or for your friends:

Did this post about visiting Casa del Arbol help you? Share it with your friends! It can help them too!