Route of the 8 Waterfalls in Baños: Pailón del Diablo & Río Blanco Adventure
Follow a six-hour loop from Baños through eight distinct waterfalls — from gentle cascades to the roar of Pailón del Diablo — with short hikes, cultural stops, and optional ziplines at Río Blanco Park. This guide explains what to expect, how to prepare, and local insights to get the most from the Waterfall Route.
The Experience
Before You Go
Start early to beat afternoon rain
Cloud build-up and showers are common after midday; leaving Baños in the morning minimizes slick trails and improves visibility of Tungurahua.
Wear shoes with good traction
Trails to viewpoints and down to Pailón del Diablo include wet rock and staircases — grippy hiking shoes reduce slip risk.
Bring a quick-dry swimsuit and towel
Several stops have swimming spots and splash zones near the falls; a swimsuit lets you cool off without losing time.
Carry small local cash
Entrance fees, snacks, and souvenirs like melcocha are often paid in cash at small vendors.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Short viewpoint on Puerta del Cielo for wide Pastaza River panoramas
- •Small melcocha shops in town where artisans show candy-pulling techniques and sell fresh guava sweets
Wildlife
- •Andean hummingbirds
- •White-faced capuchin monkeys may appear at forest edges
Conservation Note
Stick to marked trails to reduce erosion and avoid disturbing fragile streamside vegetation; local operators emphasize leave-no-trace practices and limit group sizes on sensitive trails.
Baños grew as a market town around hot springs and river corridors, serving travelers and farmers on Tungurahua’s slopes; the falls were long used for local irrigation and small mills.
What to Bring
Hiking shoes with good treadEssential
Provides traction on wet rocks and stair sections at waterfall viewpoints.
Light rain jacketEssential
Protects from spray and sudden mountain showers common in the afternoon.
Swimsuit and quick-dry towel
Useful for plunge pools or getting close to misty falls without staying wet for the rest of the day.
1 L reusable water bottleEssential
Staying hydrated at altitude and during active sections is important; refill where available.
Common Questions
How long is the tour and how many waterfalls are visited?
The activity is a full-day tour (about six hours) that visits eight waterfalls including Pailón del Diablo, Manto de la Novia, Agoyán and La Virgen with short hikes between stops.
Are entrance fees and lunch included?
The tour includes lunch and several entrance fees (Pailón del Diablo, Machay, Ulba, El Silencio) as stated in the itinerary; bring cash for optional activities and souvenirs.
Is the route suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
Children can participate but some sections require stair descents and uneven walking; travelers with serious mobility limitations or spinal issues should avoid parts of the route and check accessibility in advance.
What optional activities are available at Río Blanco Park?
Río Blanco offers optional zipline circuits, a Tarzan swing, glass and Tibetan bridges — these are paid on-site and require basic consent and sometimes weight limits.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
6 hours
Location
Baños, Tungurahua
Difficulty
moderate
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers with moderate fitness; requires short hikes, stair descents/ascents, and the ability to navigate uneven, wet terrain.
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