For a small town, Baños has a very vibrant nightlife. In fact, it feels a lot like Quito's Mariscal district, in miniature. Stroll down Eloy Alfaro, off Ambato, and you'll find a string of bars and dance clubs pumping out pop, rock, salsa, and reggaetón until the early hours. Peñas -- bars hosting traditional live music -- are also popular among locals and visitors alike. Dance clubs and peñas charge an average of $2 (£1.35) admission.
For dancing, Trébol Discoteque (tel. 03/2740-428), Montalvo and 16 de Diciembre, opposite Parque Montalvo, is the town's top spot. It stays open until near dawn and is an excellent "after-hours" spot. Leprechaun (tel. 03/2741-537), Eloy Alfaro and Oriente, is another popular party joint (especially among foreigners), with an upbeat atmosphere and a diverse musical repertoire, while Santo Pecado (tel. 08/5123-386), Eloy Alfaro and Ambato, blasts out Latin beats, including reggaetón, and gets pretty full.
A recommend peña is Mocambo (tel. 03/2742-733), Eloy Alfaro and Ambato, which extends over three floors, is a great place to mingle and people watch, and has a great cocktail menu. Café-Bar Barbass (tel. 03/2742-470), Eloy Alfaro and Ambato, and Jack Rock (tel. 03/2741-329), Eloy Alfaro 541 and Ambato, are the town's rock bars. La Abuela (tel. 03/2740-923), Eloy Alfaro and Ambato, is a smaller, cozier, more subdued cafe/bar, perfect for chilling out with a cold beer or cocktail, while La Casa del Loco, Eloy Alfaro and Espejo (no phone), is one of the town's many pool bars, with more of a local clientele.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
