04 Mar The Swing at the End of the World in Baños, Ecuador
I am sure you have not heard of a swing with a cooler name before. The Swing at the End of the World is located at La Casa del Árbol in Baños, Ecuador. All you have to do is pay the $1 entrance fee to then swing over a cliff’s edge with the beautiful scenery of rolling hills and Tungurahua volcano in the distance. It turns out swings are not just made for kids on playgrounds. Keep reading below to learn everything you need to know for your visit.
When in Ecuador, why not hop just one country over and visit Peru? You can then explore the ruins of Machu Picchu and marvel at the colors of Rainbow Mountain.
Contents:
1) Location of the Swing at the End of the World
2) Getting There
3) Opening Hours and Entrance Fee
4) Best Time to Visit
5) Background and Logistics
6) My Experience on the Swing at the End of the World
7) Additional Attractions at La Casa del Árbol
8) Additional Attractions in Baños
1) Location of the Swing at the End of the World
The Swing at the End of the World is located in Baños (also known as Baños de Agua Santa), Ecuador. For reference, the town of Baños is approximately three hours and 45 minutes south of the capital city of Quito. When in Quito, I highly recommend you check out El Virgen del Panecillo and Basilica del Voto Nacional. After you visit both, you can then decide which attraction holds the best view of the city.
The “Swing at the End of the World” is more of a nickname for the swing located here. The formal name, which will be listed on google maps, is La Casa del Árbol.
Parking
There are a few parking lots in which you can park your car if you are driving. As you make your way up the hill to La Casa del Árbol, you will see a few parking lots along the way. The closest parking lot is about a five minute walk from the swing. However, be aware that the road is pretty steep. Prepare for a short yet steep walk with comfortable shoes.
River running through Baños
2) Getting There
There are a few options concerning how to arrive at La Casa del Árbol so you can then fly through the air on the Swing at the End of the World. Which option is right for you depends on where you are staying, your budget, and your timeline.
By Car
First, you can drive. There are parking lots available for the attraction, which I mentioned above. The drive from Quito to La Casa del Árbol is just under four hours while the drive from downtown Baños is around 30 minutes. Please note that the road up to the swing is uphill and fairly windy. If you tend to get motion sick easily (like me), then you might want to take some motion sickness medicine beforehand.
By Taxi – Swing at the End of the World
Second, you can take a taxi from downtown Baños. This option is going to be a bit more expensive, but you are paying for the convenience. A one-way taxi fare to the swing might cost around $10. If you need a round trip taxi, just double that to estimate your costs.
By Bus
Third, you can hop on a bus from downtown Baños, and it will take you right to the swing. Bus schedules can change quite frequently, so it is best if you check the schedule once you arrive in town. However, you can expect the bus to run at least a couple of times per day. Riding a bus is a bit cheaper than a taxi, for it will only cost $2 or $3 for a round trip fare.
Taking in the view from the Swing at the End of the World
By Tour
Fourth, you can book a tour that explores the town of Baños and includes a visit to the swing. While this will be the most expensive option, it will be pretty convenient, especially if you are only staying in Quito and need transportation. For example, there is a round trip tour from Quito to Baños that includes a visit to the Swing at the End of the World as well as waterfalls and more.
By Hiking – Swing at the End of the World
Fifth, you can hike from downtown Baños to the swing at La Casa del Árbol. However, this option is not for the faint of heart due to the fact the hike is quite difficult. The trail is approximately four miles (~6.4 kilometers) round trip with an elevation gain of close to 2,600 feet (792 meters). An average hiker can complete the trail in around four hours.
Please note that if you choose to hike, it will be uphill the entire time. The trail does not offer many breaks, so be sure to wear proper hiking shoes and bring plenty of water.
View of the surrounding landscape from La Casa del Árbol
3) Opening Hours and Entrance Fee
The opening hours for La Casa del Árbol, which includes the Swing at the End of the World, vary based on the day. They are open on Saturdays and Sundays from 7:30am to 7:00pm. However, they are open from 8:30am to 6:30pm on weekdays from Monday through Thursday and from 8:30am to 7:00pm on Fridays.
The entrance fee is only $1 per person. In my opinion, that is a small price to pay for such a unique experience with beautiful scenery. While I tend to be a bit frugal with my money, I am happy to pay to make memories I will never forget. Also, please note that Ecuador’s currency is US dollars.
Swinging away on the Swing at the End of the World
4) Best Time to Visit
If you would like to try and avoid the crowds, then my recommendation is to visit on a weekday morning or afternoon. If others are there when you arrive, you will need to wait in line for your turn on the swing. That being said, the line can get quite long on a beautiful, weekend day. You might have to wait for 30 minutes or so in that case.
Additionally, I would recommend visiting on a day with clear skies. Why? For the view, of course! You will be able to see the rolling hills in the distance, covered with lush green grass and trees. Moreover, you might catch a glimpse of the Tungurahua volcano if you are lucky.
How Long Do I Need to Visit the Swing at the End of the World?
Plan for at least 30 minutes to one hour for your visit. While your actual time on the swing will only be a minute long or so, it is best to plan for additional time in case there is a line. More and more people are discovering the Swing at the End of the World, so it is quite possible there will be a line of people waiting when you visit.
Additionally, you can spend time exploring the other attractions at La Casa del Árbol. For example, you can grab a bite to eat at a nearby restaurant, check out a smaller swing, and shop for some souvenirs.
Panoramic views from the Swing at the End of the World
5) Background and Logistics
Believe it or not, the Swing at the End of the World was not built for tourists. Instead, tourists stumbled upon it in the early 2010s, and it has been growing in popularity ever since.
Another incredibly popular spot in Ecuador is Mitad del Mundo, or the Middle of the World. Be sure to plan a visit there as well so you can say you stood on the equator.
Creation of the Swing at the End of the World
Carlos Sánchez is the brain behind the Swing at the End of the World. It is said he built it in order to monitor the seismic activity of the nearby Tungurahua volcano due to the fact past eruptions have devastated the town of Baños.
Carlos did not build the swing for tourists originally, but they have since discovered it. The swing’s unique location and beautiful surrounding scenery is something to not be overlooked. Now the swing is a total tourist attraction with people from all around the world visiting it every single day.
View of the surrounding landscape from La Casa del Árbol
How to Start Swinging
You might wonder how people are getting these incredible photos with them swinging through the air. Well, do not fear, for you can achieve the same thing. The first option is to have a friend or family member with you push the swing. There is a large ramp area, so it is completely safe for someone to grab onto the swing and push you into the air.
Another option is to ask a stranger nearby. It is quite possible someone else might be traveling alone, or they might just be happy to help out. The last option is to have one of the employees there push you on the swing. There are employees at La Casa del Árbol to oversee the swing, entrance fee, and whatnot, and they can also assist with pushing the swing for you. However, it is nice to offer them a small tip of a few dollars afterwards if they do so.
The tree that holds the swing captivated by clouds
Upgrades to the Swing at the End of the World
While the swing first started as just two ropes and a wooden plank, it has seen a variety of upgrades over the years. For example, when I visited the swing was reinforced with stronger ropes holding it up. Additionally, there was a rope you could put around your waist to act as a sort of seatbelt.
However, it has been upgraded even more since then. They have upgraded the ropes holding the swing to an even greater extent, for they are now climbing ropes of the utmost quality. Moreover, the ropes now attach to a pole extending from the tree rather than the tree itself. Additionally, the seat has little railings on the side to keep you safe as well as an upgraded rope to act as a seatbelt.
Swinging Off a Cliff
When you look at pictures of people on the swing, it often looks as though they are swinging off the edge of a cliff. Hence, the name “Swing at the End of the World”. However, it is not as dangerous as it seems. There is a steep edge, but it is not a total drop off. Nevertheless, that did not make my parents feel any better when I showed them pictures.
Getting some air while swinging above Baños
6) My Experience on the Swing at the End of the World
My experience on the Swing at the End of the World was INCREDIBLE. I visited when I was studying abroad in Ecuador during undergrad. Therefore, I was with a big group of people – everyone in my study abroad cohort. I was not the first or the last on the swing, but rather somewhere in the middle.
I thus had my excitement bubbling up for a good couple of minutes before it was my turn. When it finally was my turn, I was ready to go. I did not really feel nervous to any extent, but rather just excited. Yes, the swing goes over a cliff edge, but I was thinking more about the experience and the views.
As I was swinging along, I had a friend standing behind me to snap some photos. I mean, what is a visit to the Swing at the End of the World without a classic photo?
It is hard to describe exactly what I felt while swinging, but it was a mesh of happiness, peace, and freedom. I was not stressing or thinking about anything else at the moment, but rather I was just appreciating the beautiful scenery and the fact I could have this experience.
You can actually see the tree that holds the swing from this angle
7) Additional Attractions at La Casa del Árbol
While the Swing at the End of the World is the main attraction at La Casa del Árbol, there are a few other additional attractions as well.
First, there are some shops and restaurants nearby and along the road from Baños to La Casa del Árbol. Feel free to stop by for a bite to eat or souvenirs to bring back home for friends and family.
Second, there is a smaller swing nearby to the Swing at the End of the World. While it is not as impressive and does not go over the cliff’s edge to the same extent, it is still worth a try, especially if there is no line. Due to the Swing at the End of the World’s popularity, some people have crafted smaller swings nearby and in other locations to offer a similar experience. Check out the picture below to see an example.
Third, there is a short zipline close to La Casa del Árbol. It just runs over a portion of flat ground and not through the valleys or anything extreme like that. Nevertheless, it is always fun to zip through the air.
Having fun on one of the additional swings at Casa del Árbol
8) Additional Attractions in Baños
The town of Baños in Ecuador is filled with adventurous as well as a few more laid-back activities. The Swing from the End of the World is just one of many. For example, there is also canyoning, white water rafting, rock climbing, paragliding, waterfalls, hot springs, and more.
Adrenaline-Based Activities
Ready for some great news? You can find a tour for each and every one of these activities.
First, you can explore waterfalls in a new manner with a canyoning tour that involves cascading down multiple waterfalls of varying heights. Second, get on the water with a white water rafting tour as you paddle down Class III to Class IV rapids on the Pastaza River.
Third, the previous eruptions of the Tungurahua volcano created what is known as basalt rock columns, and you can explore them on a rock climbing tour that lasts four hours long. Fourth, Baños has incredible scenery, and you can get a fabulous view of all of it on a paragliding tour.
Whitewater rafting in Baños
More Relaxing Activities
Maybe you are looking for a bit more of a laid-back activity? The town of Baños also has a few of those!
First, you can have a bit more of a relaxing day with a tour that includes visiting a few of Baños’ stunning waterfalls. For example, the tour visits Pailón del Diablo, which is one of the most popular waterfalls near Baños.
Second, let all of your worries melt away as you relax in a hot spring. There are a few located within the town of Baños, for example El Salado and Luna Runtun.
Pailón del Diablo in all its glory
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Head over to Peru to visit one of the seven wonders of the world: Making the Most of Machu Picchu in Peru.
While in Peru, be sure to visit the mountain of colors: Hiking and Horseback Riding to Rainbow Mountain in Peru.
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