Extension Guide
The small city of Baños lies at the foot of the active volcano Tungurahua. Named after the hot springs fed by the thermal waters of the volcano, Baños is one of the most popular attractions in Ecuador. Here you can take a trip to see architectural structures of beautiful churches, village museums, and multiple sightseeing spots of the landscape.
A popular church to visit is the Church of the Virgin of the Holy Water, with a magnificent basilica. Community legend says the Virgin of the Holy Water, which the church is named after, is responsible for many local miracles. You can also visit the country’s first Agroecological Park, home to various animals such as zebrallos, llamas, exotic birds, ostriches, horses, alpacas, and white-tailed deer.
Of course, a visit to its namesake, the hot springs, is a must. Local hot springs, such as the La Virgen and El Salado hot springs, are heated directly from the Tungurahua volcano. Bathe in thermal baths of temperatures higher than 22 ºC. According to some people, the minerals in the natural water contain healing properties.
Known as the “Gateway to the Amazon,” Baños is a favorite departure point for jungle tours. Waterfalls cascade thousands of feet down deep river gorges. The thunderous Pailon de Diablo waterfall, surging over a gorge where the Rio Verde and Rio Pastaza meet, is the most impressive. Walk, climb or hike the surrounding trails and volcano, take a jungle tour to the Amazon Rainforest or ride horses deep into the hills.
Whether you enjoy culture, relaxing hot springs, or adventures in the jungle, Baños offers a little bit of everything for travelers.
Duration
2 to 4 days
Effort level
Moderate
Primary focus
Culture & nature
Structure
Guided small group
It supports recovery. Many interns are more fatigued than they realize, and a low-effort plan is often the smartest choice. It is flexible. You can do only hot springs, or you can add short walks and viewpoints without turning the trip into a grind. It is easy to schedule. Baños fits cleanly as a post-internship stop because it does not require complex logistics.
Best for recovery, sleep, and calm days with a simple plan.
Great fit if you want a meaningful Ecuador extension without high physical demands.
A practical reset before returning to school, clinical rotations, or work.
4-6 days
Serengeti and Ngorongoro as the core plan, with buffer time built in. Good for interns who want a clear safari capstone without stacking nonstop travel days.
3-6 days
Tsavo Safari plus one lighter add on, such as Hell's Gate, or a shorter Mount Kenya plan depending on your time. Good for interns who want variety without overcommitting.
3-6 days
Zanzibar, Mafia, Lamu, or Malindi and Watamu as the primary extension. Good for interns who want recovery time, warm water, and a slower pace after clinical weeks.
Hot springs hours and rules can change. Plan with flexibility and confirm details locally rather than building your day on assumptions.
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International Medical Aid provides an exceptional opportunity for students pursuing healthcare and pre-med internships abroad. By offering hands-on clinical experience, cultural competency, and exposure to global health and healthcare policy, IMA sets its interns apart as competitive and well-rounded medical school candidates.
We encourage students to apply or contact us with any questions they may have about the program. With a commitment to safety, cultural immersion, and academic excellence, IMA offers an unparalleled opportunity for students to gain invaluable experience and make a meaningful impact in their field.
