What I Wish I Knew Before Bridge Jumping In Baños, Ecuador: Risks, Cost, And More
Adrenaline junkies flock to Baños like broke backpackers to a free pizza night, and for many, bridge jumping is at the top of their list (yes, it’s a little bit different from bungee jumping). Baños is dynamic because not only does it offer heart-pumping adventures, but on the flip side it has healing experiences that you might want to consider afterwards. No matter what you’re looking for, chances are that Baños has something for you to enjoy.
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My Experience Bridge Jumping In Baños, Ecuador
I’ve always wondered what it would be like to free-fall through the air, and for $20 I got to find out exactly what it’s like, if only for a few seconds. When I went to buy my pass for the jump the operator informed me that bridge jumping is different from bungee jumping. If you go bridge jumping in Baños, you’ll have harness attached to your mid and upper sections, versus just around your ankles and lower body as they do in bungee jumping. But the jump is just as thrilling, terrifying, and awakening.
Before engaging in bridge jumping, be sure you’re covered with travel medical insurance by SafetyWing, which is this most affordable travel insurance company. It’s a good idea to get it for any of your adventures outside of your home country, too!
Where To Bridge Jump In Baños, Ecuador
There are a couple of bridges that you can hop from in Baños, and I suggest going to the one that is walkable from downtown. There is another one just outside of town, but you would most likely need some sort of transportation to get there and the scenery isn’t as stunning. It seems to me that it doesn’t really matter which company you buy your jumping pass from, as there are only a couple of spots to jump from, so everyone ends up in the same place in the end.
I got my ticket for jumping from a place downtown and had a 15 minute walk to the bridge. Once I got there, I gave the operator my ticket and they harnessed me up. The whole process of purchasing my ticket, walking to the bridge, and jumping took about a half hour.
What Bridge Jumping Is Like
Once I was all secure and ready to go, I hesitantly (and sweatily) wobbled up a plastic step stool, slid over the fence, and stood on a small platform that hovered over a mind-blowing gorge. Once on the platform the operator told me to stand up and open up my arms. Although they told me to jump out and away from the bridge, my body refused to move and they ended up pushing me. It was a terrifying first few seconds of falling and tumbling, and then it was pure bliss once I was up-right again and taking in the view from the rope.
Is Bridge Jumping Dangerous? Tips For Bridge Jumping & Safety Risks To Consider
The jump was worth it for me, despite being sore in my neck (and eventually my whole body) for a few days. If you decide to take a leap of faith, here are some things you should know:
- Make sure you’re covered with travel medical insurance by SafetyWing (my favorite travel insurance company!)
- Bridge jumping is not recommended for those who have current injuries
- Bridge jumping is not recommended for those who have had neck/spinal injuries in the past
- You will most likely be sore for a few days after bridge jumping
- You can eliminate some of the whiplash by jumping/diving as hard as possible forward off of the platform
- You are allowed to carry a GoPro or other small camera with you on your jump
- There will be someone taking your video and photos while you jump, and you can buy them afterwords for $5
- Jump at your own risk. There is no guaranteed safety in this activity!
Other Things To Do In Baños, Ecuador
After catching a sore neck from bridge jumping in Baños, consider taking a soothing soak in one of their local thermal pools, getting a massage, or chow down on the best plant-based food in the area. If you’re ready for more adrenaline, try out the Swing At The End of The World, go zip-lining, canyoning, or white water rafting. The list is endless!
