Baños de Agua Santa Waterfalls
Visiting Baños de Agua Santa will be the best experience of your life. Here you will find waterfalls forming an impressive spectacle, and the ecosystem of the area will provide you with fantastic landscapes. Most of the waterfalls are born of the Pastaza River, ideal for a rafting adventure sport.
Each waterfall will provide you a great experience where the adventure activities await you. There are cables, bridges, canyoning, excursion, trekking, cycling, jumping and many more activities.You have a variety of options and many reasons to visit them. You will enjoy what nature gives you at these fabulous places in Baños de Agua Santa! It will surely be your best choice!
Here we are going to show you all the waterfalls that the "little piece of heaven" of Baños de Agua Santa has, so you can enjoy them to the fullest!
Agoyan waterfall of Ecuador is located 7 km. from Baños de Agua Santa, by the road Baños - Puyo in the parish of Ulba, we find the famous Agoyan waterfall in Banos.
This waterfall flows into the Pastaza River, and offers its visitors a great natural spectacle. It is the highest waterfall in the Ecuadorian Andes.
The Waterfall Manto de la Novia in Baños de Agua Santa, has a special feature to be a waterfall that is located within the urban area, and it serves as an escape to get away from the noise of the city. It is the ideal place to take a break.
The waters of the Chinchin River form the cascade Manto de la Novia. This name was adopted because the waters falling from waterfall possess such whiteness that it resembles a wedding robe.
Additionally there is a path which contains an interesting story- they have that in antiquity, smugglers of sugarcane liquor produced in Puyo, used this way to escape from the guards of tobacconists who had terrible clashes. The landscape around the waterfall shows as nature has been developed to give step to the life of plants and wildlife that visitors they can observe crystalline waters forming the waterfall giveing enhancement to the landscape.
The Cascada Manto de la Novia (mantle of the bride) waterfall is approximately 40 meters in height with a single drop. The water is clear, with a temperature of 10 ° C.
Between the vegetation you can find several plants such as the pumamaqui, alder, the Chuquiragua, Almohadilla, Achupalla, Pega Pega, alder, bromeliads, Myrtle, olive, laurel, cedar, pantza, lycopods, palma ramos , Royal Palm, Copal, mahogany, achupallas, chuquiraguas, guayacán, gentians, chontaduro, camphor, neurolepis, tagua, grasslands and a variety of mosses, epiphytes, ferns, bromeliads and orchids.
The name by which it is known is Cascada Pailón del Diablo, this is its common name, but in reality his name is rio Verde waterfall.
Today this cascade is recognized as an icon of tourism in Baños de Agua Santa, for its incomparable beauty. Tourists who know this waterfall refer to her warmly and emphasize being delighted with its landscapes.
Suspencion bridge
This bridge was created by the inhabitants of the place in their marketing need.From here you can obsvervar the riches of the place as lush vegetation, beautiful scenery surrounded by nature that will bring tranquility to your life.
Pass through the crack to heaven
To pass by the place you should go half-inclined, this crack is naturally occurring and is crossed by here to reach the balcony of the Pailón del Diablo. Once here you can take a break and rest. Continuing you will appreciate a wonderful set of rock steps, thus reaching a second balcony; this being the best since from here, you can touch the crystal clear water of the waterfall, get wet, and feel the adrenaline that full feeling you live surrounded by nature.
Photography
For photography lovers, this is a great option because in one place you will find a million beautiful things to capture through your camera lenses.
Characteristics of the Pailon del Diablo in Banos de Agua Santa
In the Pailon del Diablo waterfall in Banos de Agua Santa, you can appreciate 3 waterfalls, thus demonstrating all its attributes in all of its splendor. Those who get to see the waterfall say that the shape of the rock has a resemblence to a reclining face, which is why it is known as the 'Prince of Darkness' and here it is that the name of Pailon del Diablo is given. To be able to appreciate this face, you must look from the suspension bridge.
Climate of the Pailon del Diablo waterfall in Banos de Agua Santa
Flora and Fauna of the Pailon del Diablo waterfall of Banos de Agua Santa
This attractive place is rich in vegitation such as ferns and mosses, due to the humidity that surrounds it. That is why the view of it is characterised by being covered in a green color typical of the large number of trees, orchids, and more.
As well as its exuberant vegetation, the place also has a remarkable fauna among them, such as: monkeys, machin, specacked bear, tapir, puma, porcupine, jaguar, guanta, anteater, etc.
It is formed with the waters of the river Bascun. It has an approximately 35 m high waterfall.To get here, opposite the Bus Terminal, before crossing the bridge of San Francisco take a path to the left, cross the hanging bridge and follow the trail to the left until you arrive on the shores of the Pastaza River 500 metres from the city.
Bascun waterfall is one of the waterfalls in Banos which is characterized by its stunning fall, which allows visitors to observe this magnificent waterfall. Baños de Agua Santa unquestionably has beautiful waterfalls and ideal landscapes for the people who love adventure.
Bascún River: It was born from the melting of the south east face of the Tungurahua Volcano and flows into the mighty Pastaza River forming a beautiful waterfall that bears the same name and its slopes, the same that forms several waterfalls such as the Bascún Waterfall of Nahuaso. From the Bascún bridge you can appreciate this water resouce.
Hikes: The walk can be done to or from the Cascada de Bascun, as more than one sport is an adventure since in its route you can observe a variety of flora and fauna , and you may find species never seen.
A place with imposing beauty, during the tour you can appreciate its natural landscape. In this place you can perform several activities, and in its waters you can enjoy a relaxing bath on its banks.
It is a group of 7 waterfalls, formed with the waters of the Chamana river. It has a fall of 42 m in height, and the flora and fauna is abundant in its surroundings.
Ulba Parish: Ulba is formed in a small valley, crossed by the Pastaza basin. It is integrated by the sectors of La Esperanza, El Palacio, Vizcaya, El Porvenir, La Ciénega, Agoyán, Río Blanco, Yunguilla and Guamag.
This parish is dedicated to the production of sugar cane crops, sweet potatoes, guavas, tangerines, orange trees, limes, tomatoes, granadillas, beans, peas, cabbage, lettuce, chili, and especially white carrots. There is also a typical flower production such as tuberose, daisy, gladiolus and others. The climate of Ulba is a temperate climate, at a temperature of 18ºC
Ideal for observation of flora, fauna, horseback riding, and extreme sport practice (canyoning).
They are formed by the waters of the Guanmayacu River (guadua water). This complex is made up of 4 waterfalls that are located in the Cashaurco farmhouse.
This site is visited on weekends and holidays by families and groups of Educational Centers. The waterfall along the path forms impressive scenarios, which lend themselves to the admiration and delight of the bathers who bathe in these crystal clear waters.
It is widely visited by national and foreign tourists, with an imposing beauty that manifests itself during the tour. Its natural landscape allows you to carry out several activities. More to its surroundings you can enjoy a delicious and relaxing bath since they have discovered very striking small banks .
Climate of the Casahurco Waterfalls in Baños de Agua Santa
To get to the waterfalls: Cashaurco, El Tambo and Algodón are very close to the road. You can self-guide with the map that is in the sector.
Machay is a spectacular waterfall forty meters high, complemented by another small drop where pure and crystalline water pools form. Its crystalline water comes from the Machay River, which descends through a subtropical forest giving formation to a series of falls. The route begins from the Manantial del Dorado waterfall and culminates in the Machay waterfall, which is later joined to the Pastaza river. This tour lasts 2 to 3 hours since you must travel approximately 7 km.
The water of the Machay River is transparent and uncontaminated with a temperature of 10 ºC, which is within the permissible limits of turbidity, containing dissolved solids.
From the Pastaza River a beautiful waterfall springs, where the harmonious landscape invites for a walk. During the walk you will be able to appreciate the nature that exists around the waterfall accompanied with a pleasant climate for the visitors.
This place is not suitable for bathers, however it is advised to take everything you need.
What can be highlighted is that the landscape of the place allows us to observe the different fauna and flora, giving us a fascinating spectacle together with the waterfall. It is ideal for taking photographs and having a nice memory for the tourist who visits it, as the site is a contrast with the architectural constructions that are near the place.
This unique landscape pleases the national tourist and foreign tourist, being pleasantly impressed.
A tarabita that covers 400 meters over the abyss, considered one of the longest in the country, is the point of entry to San Pedro. The starting point is kilometer 14 of the Baños-Puyo road, in the so-called 'Ruta de la cascada'.
Some tour guides refer to this place as the paradise hidden between the mountains of Rio Verde and the Pastaza River hid ancestors to pay tribute to the Pachamama (mother Earth).
A stone path takes tourists to the 15 and 8 meter waterfalls, where back in 1500 Huayna Cápac frequented the 'Route of the Incas' for their rituals, and it is said that Huayna Cápac performed orgies by choosing the most beautiful women of the tribe.
From the terrestrial terminal we take the av. Amazonas via Puyo, until you reach the sector of San Pedro (kilometer 13) where you will find the tarabita that will take you to the beginning of the trail where the waterfall is not accessed.
The waters of the San Pedro River form a triple waterfall that stands out among the greenery of the vegetation.
You can get to the waterfall by crossing the longest tarabita of the country (400rn in length) or embarking on a walk along a path that connects the waterfalls of San Pedro and the Mantle of Ia Novia.
In the surroundings of the San Jorge Waterfall there are paths and natural viewpoints which provide a beautiful view and you can enjoy the beautiful landscape. In this site you can see the entire city, edge of the canyon, waterfalls and unique ecosystems. It is signposted for information to tourists, additionally you can find ecological stops that offer rest to visitors.
The waterfall comes from the waters of the San Jorge River, where you can choose the extreme sport of canyoning with the hiring of a Tourism Operator.
Possessor of an incredible landscape that is composed of a captivating nature, its calm environment invites to get in harmony with the place. This natural beauty, allows rest with the fascinating vegetation that is in its surroundings. A place that promotes the interest of national and foreign tourists.
The San Jorge Waterfall, has a pleasant climate and a temperature that goes from 12 and 22 º C.
Canyoning: A beautiful waterfall in which a new adventure sport known as canyoning is practiced, and located on the side of the same road.
Route: Crossing in Tarabita over the Pastaza River and "El Manto de la Novia" Waterfall, from the road we will see the San Pedro and San Jorge Waterfalls.
Rappel: Each rappel starts from a good natural balcony with great views at the bottom of the valley. The final icing is the famous "Cascada de San Jorge" which gives its name to the descent.
From the San Francisco River flows the beautiful waterfall that carries the same name. From this tributary springs two waterfalls located at km 28 of the Baños - Puyo road. To reach the San Francisco waterfall, you must walk along a path of approximately 1 hour and a half hour to visit the other waterfall that is known as the Refugio del Gallo de la Peña, in honor of an emblematic bird of the sector. During the trip you can observe a great variety of birds, orchids and the immense cloud forest.
From the place you can admire the waterfall that offers an impressive view, with natural landscape and great beauty, and you can see the species they inhabit.
You can not miss the other waterfall that is known as the Refugio del Gallo de la Peña, in honor of a bird characteristic of the sector.
Around this waterfall you can observe the biodiversity of the ecosystem, where our senses will be captivated by so much natural beauty. The colors and perfumes of its characteristic flowers such as orchids, and the variety of plants that adorn the place such as mosses and heliconias.
Where you can visit the primary and secondary forests. There's not enough words for us to describe this magical place.
Additionally in the place you can see trees such as aguacolla, quishuar, molles, polilepis, mahogany, cedar, guayacán, moral, balsam, polilepis, myrtle, pumamaqui, alder, laurel, straw, among others.
The animals that live in the place are located in the whole sector of Banos, some in danger of extinction. For that reason it is important to respect the habitat where these animals are developed. Almost always animals can be seen in the vicinity of the waterfalls, and with a little of luck we will be able to observe to the great majority as they are the jaguar, tapir, porcupine, guanta, spectacled bear, monkey machin, etc.
The beautiful birds that attract the tourist's attention are the hummingbirds, curiquingue, pilco real or chick, duck, Andean gull, real, bunga, pico espada among others.
The waterfall has wonderful landscapes where you can see a lot of birds that sit on the rocks differentiated by their size, color and species.
Refugio del gallo de la peña (refuge of the rooster of the rock): Meet this beautiful waterfall and where you will know the reason for such a curious name.
Parroquia Río Negro (Black River Parish): It is a step parish however this beautiful valley of the Ecuadorian mountains has a beautiful landscape where you can see the Pastaza River. This parish is located on the eastern side of Baños.
Beautiful waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation, this waterfall is easily admired from the edge of the road of Ulba-Runtún.
This is the first of a series of waterfalls that rush along the Ulba River. You can take refreshing baths in this waterfall or in different natural pools along the way. The silence, an impressive view of the waterfall, is where Canyoning is usually practiced.
It is widely visited by national and foreign tourists, with an imposing beauty that manifests itself during the tour. Its natural landscape allows you to carry out several activities.
The Ulba Waterfall has an approximate height of 40 meters.
The Waterfall of the Virgin is located in the Community of Spring with a height of 2997 meters above sea level. 30 minutes by car or 3 hours on horseback, the climate in this sector ranges from 10 to 15 degrees Celsius.
Another reason to visit Buenos Aires as well as Cahuasqui, San Blas and Tumbabiro is the beauty of the surrounding landscape, the variety of climate and innumerable number of exotic species of orchids and medicinal plants among others whose singularity is that they are endemic and unique species in the province.
Nature is a living expression of the power of God, and Baños has been privileged with many of these manifestations. It is so in the center of the city of Baños you can see a majestic waterfall in the form of hair better known as the Virgin's waterfall, given that the ancient inhabitants of the canton claimed that the mother of God bathed in these waters at dawn.
Since then, this waterfall has been visited by thousands of tourists, not only because of the healing values attributed to the water in this waterfall, but also because of the beautiful view that is obtained of the city from the balcony called Miramelindo.
At the foot of this waterfall there is also a small park that contains the virgin carved in a rock, from which springs a watershed known as "water of life", from which thousands of parishioners drink and carry to their homes for the cure of diseases.
This site is commonly visited every day of the year, but the day that has most visitors is when the walk of faith is made. That day, the place has no space for so many people, who come to drink the miraculous water , to cool off with the water from the waterfall, as well as to wash their clothes, in the popular laundry that exists in their exteriors.
To visit this wonderful place no age limit, schedule, or budget is required; everything detailed above can be done for free, as the love of God.
History reports that one night the sacristan of the church of Baños saw a small statue of the Virgin waving in the air, accompanied by two beautiful young women, lowering their feet to a spring that flowed from the mountain. As the event was repeated several times, the parish priest and the faithful gathered in the chapel to ask the Virgin to show their intentions.
The following night, the Virgin appeared to the priest, asking him to build a chapel, next to the spring, promising the healing of the lepers who bathed in the waters.
The work was executed, and when the image was to be transferred to the new temple, the parish priest and the faithful found that it had disappeared.
Some time later a mule loaded with a box arrived at the town square. Nobody knew where he had come from, or who the cargo was for.
The box was handed over to the parish priest who decided to open it in the presence of several witnesses. Stupefied, they discovered inside the box a statue of the Virgin, which is what is venerated today in the sanctuary of Baños.
From that moment began the fame of "Our Lady of the Rosary of Holy Water of Baths".
