As a result of the country falling on the pacific ring of fire that runs from North America to Asia together with over 2 dozen volcanoes, Ecuador offers an abundance of Hot thermal springs to both visitor and resident that are dotted throughout the whole country.

On the coastline.- As a result of movement from the continental plates against oceanic ones the resulting heat flows into the water and is highly commended for its healing abilities due to mineral and sulfurous properties and has temperatures often between 20 to 30 centigrade.

At the base of the Andes.- A second gathering of springs occurs where plate tectonics stress has caused temperatures from 40 to 50 Centigrade south of Guayaquil for example.

1,500 m and above.- A third meeting of springs may also be found in the upper part of the Amazon region although access is not easy and the sites have not been worked on.
Along with Baños which has several beautiful springs supplied by the active Tungurahua Volcano, most springs can be found north of Riobamba around similar volcanic activity.

In the Alcedo Volcano.- A final natural spring variation can also be found in the craters themselves and good examples of one may be seen on the Galapagos islands in the Volcanic interior of Alcedo that is purported to even bring to the boil rain waters.

Yanayacu.- Baños of Yanayacu, is Located some two hours from Guayaquil on the road to Cuenca.

Baños San Vicente.- Located between Atahualpa and Santa Elena. 30 minutes from Salinas. It is very famous for its curative mud baths, massages and indoor pools. Accommodation is available in the village.

Chachimbiro.- Close to lbarra.

Nangulví.- Near Otavalo.

Aguas Hediondas.- Located west of Tulcán (1 1/2 hours).

Papallacta.- One of the best hot springs in Ecuador, very close to Quito.

Oyacachi.-Located close to Cayambe. These springs are still under development.

Palitagua.-Located South of Baños, on the flats of the Tungurahua volcano. About 60 minutes from Baños and from Puela (A small village close to Baños) an 1 hour 45 minutes' walk.

Baños.- (Tungurahua) hot springs. Also very popular throughout Ecuador. Around Baños you'll be able to find 4 different complexes and the city itself offers plenty accommodation.

Baños.- Located 10 minutes by bus from Cuenca. These are the hottest springs of the country.

El Placer.- Located in Sangay National Park,close to the village of Alao, in the province of Chimborazo.