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Walk · Baños de Agua Santa, Tungurahua
Ruta de las Cascadas
The road from Baños to Río Verde, in the Pastaza river valley, with waterfalls one after another like the Agoyán and the Manto de la Novia, tarabitas and tunnels. It can be done by bicycle, chiva or car.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Ruta de las Cascadas
The Ruta de las Cascadas is the section of road from Baños to Puyo that descends the Pastaza river valley between mountain cliffs covered in forest, down to the village of Río Verde, about 18 km away. Along the way dozens of waterfalls appear, some at the roadside, others on the opposite slope. The best-known are the Cascada Agoyán, next to the dam of the same name, and the Manto de la Novia, which falls like a veil over the Pastaza.
The most common trip is by bicycle: you rent one in downtown Baños and ride down the road, almost entirely downhill, with a separated bike lane in sections and detours beside the tunnels. It is also done on a chiva, the open decorated truck that carries groups with music, or by car.
Along the route there are tarabitas, baskets attached to cables that cross the valley over the river, ziplines and suspension bridges. In Río Verde the final stop is the Pailón del Diablo. For the return, pickup trucks and buses take the bicycles back to Baños.
In several sections there is a separate bike lane and detours around the tunnels used by cyclists.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Half a day by bicycle, including stops and the Pailón del Diablo; 2 to 3 hours by chiva.
Best time
In the morning, when the weather is more stable. On holidays there is a lot of traffic on the road.
How to get there
It starts in the center of Baños, where bicycles are rented and chivas depart. The road is the one that goes to Puyo, heading east.
Tip
Rent the bicycle with a helmet and raincoat and use the tunnel detours. On the return, take the pickup truck in Río Verde that carries the bicycle in the bed.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Ruta de las Cascadas
Can you do the Ruta de las Cascadas by bike?
Yes, it's the most common way: the road descends almost all the way to Río Verde, and pickups transport the bikes back.
Which waterfalls can you see along the way?
Among others, Agoyán, Manto de la Novia and, at the end, Pailón del Diablo.
What is a chiva?
An open, decorated truck with benches that runs the group tour with music.