Tucked away in Baños, Ecuador is a scenic swing you have to try, called The Swing at the End of the World (or La Casa del Arbol). Full-time travel blogger, Jen Ruiz, shared her experience of swinging at the end of the world in Ecuador on Experiences You Should Have Podcast. Listen above to hear the full experience or read through the show notes below.

Swinging at the End of the World is a Must-Do activity when visiting Baños.

There’s a treehouse at La Casa del Arbol and there are two swings available there. There’s a belt on the swing and you can stop yourself with your feet when you swing back, which gives jaw-dropping views of mountainous terrain below. It’s run by locals who work for tips, who can keep you swinging on this scenic swing. La Casa Del Arbol gives the perception of swinging into the end of the world with a steep drop under you and it is an experience you should have.

Pro Tip #1: If you’re one who doesn’t like spinning, then tell the swing operators to not spin you when leaving the platform.

Pro Tip #2: If you go earlier in the day, or later in the afternoon–you’ll get more time for swinging. The longer the line, you’ll probably be on the swing for 2-3 minutes. You can get back in line for as many times as you want.

Pro Tip #3: Bring cash (currency is US dollars) as it was about $1.50 plus tip for the swing pushers.

Baños boasts a population of 14,000 people and it is known as a very safe and friendly town in Ecuador. It’s an adventurer’s dream as it offers bungee jumping, paragliding, and many other adventure sports for a fraction of the price you’d pay elsewhere in the world, as well as swing at an iconic scenic swing. It’s about 190 km from Quito Ecuador, which is one of the main hubs for flying in and out of Ecuador.

It’s not easy to get there; once you get to Baños, you need to take a bus or get other transportation up to the higher elevation. A lot of tourists are now traveling just for that, so there’s more accessibility. If you can go to the Swing at the End of the World (Casa de Arból), take the blue bus that leaves from the corner of Vicente Rocafuerte and Calle Pastaza every 6 am, 11 am, 2 pm, and 4 pm. It comes back the same way at 8 am 1 pm, 4 pm, and 6 pm. It costs $1/pp (US dollars) and takes approximately 40 minutes from downtown. Note that these times may have changed, so check the bus schedule.

There isn’t really an age or height restriction, you’ll need to have the child understand the gravity of what they’re doing and be able to hold on and take it seriously. It’s a rocky, rough terrain. Cars can go up to the very top, there is a ramp that isn’t necessarily wheelchair friendly, and there is about a minute or two of walking.

At the time of this podcast, you have to show a negative COVID test within three days. Most of the activities in Baños are outdoor activities, which is a plus during a global pandemic. Check out Ecuador’s Covid travel guide for more up-to-date information.

Be bold with your options when you travel somewhere new, especially if you’re by yourself. Don’t be afraid to try something unique on your own! Travel is not guaranteed and you should take any opportunity you have to try and see more of the world.

Jen Ruiz is a lawyer turned full-time travel blogger and author. She is a #1 Amazon bestseller, 3-time TEDx speaker, and 2-time award winning travel journalist. She has been featured in The Washington Post, Forbes, and ABC News.