Ecuador

Baños means 'baths,' which is precisely what the town is famous for, and precisely what you should get into at least once while you're here. Most of them are fed by thermal springs burbling from the base of the active Volcán Tungurahua. The water in the pools is constantly being recycled and only looks murky because of its mineral content, which is touted for its restorative and healthful properties. Chlorates, sulfates and magnesium are among the principal chemicals found in the baths.

There are four municipal baths. Three are in Baños (only one is hot), and the fourth is out of town. All have changing rooms and clothing storage. Towels are available for rent, but generally not until after 08:00, so bring your own if you're going for a crack-o'-dawn dip. Everyone is supposed to shower and put on a bathing suit before entering the pools. (Sorry, nudies!) The best-known bath in Baños is La Piscina de La Virgen (Montalvo; admission daytime/night around 1/around 2; ;04:30-17:00 & 18:00-22:00), the only hot pools in town. Other baths include: Piscinas Santa Clara (admission around 1; ;08:00-17:00 Sat & Sun), Piscinas Las Modernas/Las Peñas (Martínez; admission children/adults around 1/1; ;08:00-17:00 Fri-Sun), Piscina El Salado (;04:30-17:00; admission around 2. These are the only other hot pools (apart from La Piscina de La Virgen) and Piscina Gamboa.