Ruta de las Cascadas Baños de Agua Santa
Ecuador's stunning Ruta de las Cascadas offers breathtaking waterfalls, thrilling adventures, and unforgettable natural beauty.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Ruta de las Cascadas Baños de Agua Santa
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ecuador's stunning Ruta de las Cascadas offers breathtaking waterfalls, thrilling adventures, and unforgettable natural beauty.
"The Ruta de las Cascadas is an adventure lover's paradise with iconic waterfalls and exhilarating activities!"
Bike Rental & Return
Rent bikes in Baños and ride downhill. Pay a small fee to get a ride back up with your bike. :athletic_shoe:
Guided Tours Recommended
IVAGATOURS offers great private tours, especially for groups. Daniel is a highly recommended guide! :star:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pailón del Diablo
Near Rio Verde
Ecuador's iconic waterfall! Experience its immense power up close, even crawling behind the thundering water.
Cascada Manto de la Novia
Along the route
A stunning cascade where you can take a thrilling cable car ride across the gorge for incredible views.
+1
Cascada Machay
Along the route
Discover this breathtaking double waterfall with crystal-clear waters, a true hidden gem.
Adventure Activities
Various locations
From zip-lining and canyoning to ATV tours, adrenaline-pumping activities abound along the route.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Adventure
Timing is Key for Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Bike Rental & Return
Rent bikes in Baños and ride downhill. Pay a small fee to get a ride back up with your bike. :athletic_shoe:
Guided Tours Recommended
IVAGATOURS offers great private tours, especially for groups. Daniel is a highly recommended guide! :star:
ATV Adventure
Explore the route on ATVs for an exhilarating experience, often including stops at multiple waterfalls. :motorcycle: +1
Pailón del Diablo Access
Be prepared to get wet and crawl to get behind the waterfall for a unique perspective. :droplet:
Tips
from all over the internet
Bike Rental & Return
Rent bikes in Baños and ride downhill. Pay a small fee to get a ride back up with your bike. :athletic_shoe:
Guided Tours Recommended
IVAGATOURS offers great private tours, especially for groups. Daniel is a highly recommended guide! :star:
ATV Adventure
Explore the route on ATVs for an exhilarating experience, often including stops at multiple waterfalls. :motorcycle: +1
Pailón del Diablo Access
Be prepared to get wet and crawl to get behind the waterfall for a unique perspective. :droplet:
Capture the Moments
Many tours include photo and video services, allowing you to focus on the adventure. :camera:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning natural beauty and the variety of adventure activities available along the Ruta de las Cascadas. The iconic Pailón del Diablo is a major highlight, with many appreciating the unique experience of getting close to the powerful water. Guided tours, particularly with companies like IVAGATOURS, receive high praise for their organization and knowledgeable guides. Some find the biking route challenging but rewarding, with options for transport back to Baños. +1
"Great tours to Las Cascadas and Casa del Arbol!! For $5 each taking a half day."
Dennis Belichenko
"Second time visiting Baños and of course we had to go with IVAGATOURS to make sure we had a fantastic experience. This is also our second year requesting them, we have only done private tours with Daniel who is awesome and explains everything so well.
Private tours are best when going with a group, friends or family since they will allow more time at the stops and there is not that much rush.
If there is a third trip we would love to try something different and know for a fact this is the place to go for adventures!!
Thank you guys!!"
Melanie Rivera
"We ended up walking all over this place. You pay for it and walk down the hill to the waterfall. Take selfies and get wet. Then you walk across a bridge and then you pay at another side and get to go all the way underneath the waterfall and experience it from a different side. It's pretty tight and you have to crawl to go behind the waterfall. We took bikes down! Have fun exploring! You can wait for a ride at the bottom and pay the nice gentleman a couple dollars to get you and your bicycle back up the hill."
Dani Marie
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Ruta de las Cascadas is easily accessible from Baños de Agua Santa. You can rent a bicycle in town and cycle downhill, or hire an ATV. Many tour operators also offer guided tours that include transportation.
Yes, biking the Ruta de las Cascadas is a popular activity. While much of it is downhill, there are some uphill sections. Many visitors rent bikes in Baños and arrange for a ride back up with their bikes at the end.
If you're concerned about the physical demands of biking, consider taking a guided tour. Operators like IVAGATOURS offer ATV tours and chiva (open-air bus) tours that cover the route with less physical exertion. +2
Baños de Agua Santa, the starting point for the Ruta de las Cascadas, is approximately a 3-hour drive from Quito.
While not as direct as biking or tours, local buses run along the road towards Puyo, and you can ask to be dropped off at various waterfall entrances. However, this requires more planning and flexibility.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, most of the major waterfalls, including Pailón del Diablo, have an entrance fee. These fees are generally quite affordable, typically ranging from $1 to $3 USD per person.
Bike rentals in Baños typically cost around $10 USD for the day. Some places might offer hourly rates as well.
Yes, many tour agencies in Baños offer package deals that include transportation, guided tours, and sometimes even adventure activities for a set price. These can be a good value for a comprehensive experience.
Guided tours for the Ruta de las Cascadas typically last between 3 to 4 hours, though some full-day options are also available. Private tours can offer more flexibility in terms of time spent at each location.
It's best to carry cash (USD) for waterfall entrance fees, as many smaller sites may not accept credit cards. ATMs are available in Baños.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The most famous are Pailón del Diablo and Cascada Manto de la Novia. Other highlights include Cascada Machay, Cascada Agoyán, and Cascada Puerta del Cielo.
You can enjoy zip-lining, canyoning, ATV rides, Tarzan swings, and even rappelling down waterfalls. Many operators offer these as part of tours or as standalone activities.
While some areas might look inviting, swimming directly in the main waterfalls is generally not recommended due to strong currents. However, some designated areas or pools might be safe for a dip.
Wear comfortable, quick-drying clothing and sturdy, waterproof shoes or hiking sandals. You'll likely get wet, especially near Pailón del Diablo. Bring a rain jacket. :athletic_shoe:
Absolutely! The scenery is stunning. Many tours provide photo services, but having a waterproof phone case or camera is a good idea.
📸 📸 Photography
Every waterfall offers unique photo opportunities. Pailón del Diablo provides dramatic shots from various angles, while Manto de la Novia is great for capturing the cable car experience. Look for viewpoints along the road.
A good smartphone camera is sufficient for most visitors. However, if you want to capture the power of the waterfalls up close, a waterproof camera or a phone with a waterproof case is highly recommended to protect against mist and spray.
Early mornings often offer softer light and fewer crowds, making for more serene shots. Midday can be harsh, but the mist from the waterfalls can create interesting atmospheric effects.
Yes, at Pailón del Diablo, there are designated viewpoints that offer the most dramatic perspectives. The cable car at Manto de la Novia also provides excellent photo opportunities.
Drone usage might be restricted in certain areas or national parks. It's advisable to check local regulations before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look for tours that cater to families, like those with patient guides who can help children gain confidence with activities like zip-lining or exploring the waterfalls. 💰 Budget Travelers
Many waterfalls have small entrance fees, typically $1-$3 USD. +1❤️ Couples & Adventure Seekers
+1 The stunning natural beauty provides a romantic backdrop, especially during sunrise or sunset if you can arrange for a later tour. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Ruta de las Cascadas by Bike
This self-guided adventure allows you to stop at various waterfalls at your own pace. Popular stops include the Cascada Manto de la Novia, where you can take a thrilling cable car ride across the gorge, and the iconic Pailón del Diablo, where you can get incredibly close to the powerful cascade. Remember to wear appropriate footwear, as you might get wet and the paths can be slippery.
For those who prefer not to cycle the entire route or want assistance with the return journey, many local services offer transport back to Baños with your bicycle for a small fee. This makes the experience accessible to a wider range of fitness levels.
Guided Tours and Adventure Activities
Many tours incorporate exciting adventure activities such as zip-lining, canyoning, and rappelling. These activities provide a unique perspective of the lush landscape and powerful waterfalls. Guides often assist with safety and provide the necessary equipment, making these adventures accessible even for beginners. Some tours even include professional photography and videography services, so you can fully immerse yourself in the experience without worrying about capturing the perfect shot.
Private tours, especially those with guides like Daniel from IVAGATOURS, are ideal for groups or families, offering more flexibility in terms of time spent at each stop and a more personalized experience. This ensures you can truly savor the beauty and thrill of the Ruta de las Cascadas.
The Majesty of Pailón del Diablo
One of the most exhilarating experiences is venturing behind the thundering curtain of water. This involves navigating narrow, sometimes slippery paths and even crawling through small openings. The sheer force of the water and the mist create an unforgettable sensory experience. Be prepared to get thoroughly wet!
There are different entrance points to Pailón del Diablo, each offering unique views and access. It's worth exploring both sides if time permits. The surrounding area also offers opportunities for shorter hikes and enjoying the lush cloud forest environment.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit