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El Refugio Spa Garden

Baños, Tungurahua

A wellness retreat in Baños with indoor family pools, a barefoot healing trail over crushed volcanic rock, and a large Buddha statue on the grounds.

El Refugio spa nestled in lush green mountainside valley
  • El Refugio Spa Garden photo 2
Photo: David via Google

At a glance

Price
$$
Visit website099 807 4027
Access
Day pass
Amenities
PoolYoga and movement
Good for
Family friendly
Price
Moderate

El Refugio Spa Garden sits on Camino Real just outside Baños de Agua Santa, in Ecuador's Tungurahua province. It's set up as a wellness retreat rather than a straightforward day spa, built around the idea of treating body, mind and spirit together, and it operates on a day-pass basis that's open to families.

The main draw besides the spa menu is the Sendero de Sanación, a healing trail where visitors walk barefoot over crushed volcanic rock. The idea behind it is reflexological: the uneven stone is meant to massage the soles of the feet while you move through a natural setting, combined with breathing and sensory exercises meant to work through stress or stored emotion. Alongside the trail, the property has a complex of covered, family-friendly pools for soaking and swimming, plus a roster of alternative therapies and standard spa services.

A somewhat unusual landmark on site is what the spa describes as the largest Buddha statue in Ecuador, a seated Hotai figure associated with fortune, abundance and good humor, which doubles as a photo stop for anyone passing through.

Staff work in both English and Spanish, which is useful given Baños' mix of local and international visitors. Hours run 9am to 7pm Monday through Friday and stretch to 8:30am–8pm on weekends, so there's room to plan either a quick afternoon visit or a longer weekend session around the pools and trail.

Good to know

What is there to actually do at El Refugio Spa Garden?
You can walk the barefoot healing trail over volcanic rock, use the indoor family pools, and book spa treatments or alternative therapies.
What are the opening hours?
It's open 9am–7pm Monday through Friday, and 8:30am–8pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Is it suitable for families with kids?
Yes, it's classified as family friendly and has pools set up for family use.
What languages do staff speak?
Staff speak both English and Spanish.
Do I need to book in advance or pay extra fees?
The site offers day-pass access at a moderate price tier, but specific pricing and booking requirements aren't listed here, so confirm those details directly with the spa by phone or website.

Details checked October 2, 2026. Prices and hours change; confirm before you go.

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