How to Reach Ecuador's Epic Fairytale Swing at the End of the World

Draw a line south from Quito, the capital of Ecuador, and you’ll arrive in the city of Baños de Agua Santa. It’s around a three-and-a-half hour journey by bus. While the destination is known primarily for its dramatic waterfalls, Pailón del Diablo and Agoyán, it’s also the jumping off point for Casa del Árbol, home to the Swing at the End of the World.

Legend has it that the swing was built to help monitor the seismic activity of the Tungurahua volcano. However, it fast became a tourist attraction, thanks to its picturesque location and the thrilling sensation of swinging over a bottomless abyss. Afraid of heights? Don’t worry – you aren’t really hurtling over a steep drop-off, as the hillside is just a few meters beneath you. The swing has also been updated to include a safety cable and a lock-in seat to keep you firmly in place.

On arrival, you’ll see a swing atop a steep hill – this isn’t actually the Swing at the End of the World. It’s worth a go, but not as scenic as the real deal. The actual Casa del Árbol swing is on the other side of the hill, usually preceded by a queue. There’s also a zipline to whizz down, plus a handful of nature trails. And if all that adrenaline gets you thirsty? Grab a cold beer and snack at the cafe before departing.

Sunny, clear days provide the best conditions for visiting the Swing at the End of the World. As the swing is perched 2,600m (8,500ft) above sea level, cloudy or overcast days will obscure the Tungurahua volcano in the background. Arrive early to beat the crowds, and make sure you bring a jumper or jacket – it can get chilly at this altitude.

Hiking is a major attraction in nearby Baños. Popular routes include the trail to the Bellavista viewpoint; it’ll take around 45 minutes to reach the outlook, but the incline requires a decent level of fitness. Alternatively, hire a bike to explore the waterfall-dotted Ruta de las Cascadas, which leads to Puyo. There’s no need to cycle the entire 60km (37mi) stretch – from the final waterfall, Pailón del Diablo, you can take a bus back.

The best way to visit Casa del Árbol is by guided tour. Book the Culture Trip eight-day adventure through Ecuador, which includes a visit to the Swing at the End of the World. Adventurous travelers can even hike from downtown Baños. There are several trails to take; you should reach the swing in around two-and-a-half hours, depending on your fitness levels.

This is an updated rewrite of an article originally by Carolina Loza Leon.