Brazil
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
the United States
Mexico
the Dominican Republic
South Africa
Australia
Fiji
Trail · Mindo, Pichincha
Tarabita e Santuario de Cascadas
An open-cage cable car that crosses the Nambillo River valley and leads to a trail with several cold-water waterfalls in the middle of the cloud forest above Mindo.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Tarabita e Santuario de Cascadas
The Tarabita de Mindo is about 5 km above the village, along a dirt road. It is an open metal basket attached to a cable that crosses the Nambillo River valley above the treetops, more than a hundred meters high, on a journey of a few minutes. It is a traditional Andean way to cross valleys.
On the other side the trail of the Santuario de Cascadas begins, which descends through the cloud forest to a sequence of waterfalls, with cold pools for swimming at some of them. The path has sections of stairs, bridges and rocky, root-filled terrain, and the full route takes several hours. An alternative trail leads to the Cascada La Reina, further away.
Along the way you will see orchids, bromeliads, butterflies and birds. The trail is dirt and is often muddy.
The tarabita and the trails are locally managed and charge an access fee. Bring swimwear if you want to enter the pools.
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
2 to 4 hours with the tarabita and the waterfalls.
Best time
In the morning, before the afternoon rain. Confirm opening hours before you go.
How to get there
It is about 5 km from central Mindo, along a dirt road that climbs the slope. Go by local taxi, which often waits, or on foot, about an hour uphill.
Tip
Bring swimwear, a small towel and footwear that can get wet. Those who are afraid of heights can skip the tarabita: there is a bridge and alternative paths at certain times; ask at the entrance.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Tarabita e Santuario de Cascadas
What is a tarabita?
An open basket attached to a cable that crosses a valley, traditionally used in the Andes. In Mindo, it crosses the Nambillo River valley.
Can you swim in the waterfalls?
At some there are pools for bathing, with cold water. Follow the signs.
Is the hike difficult?
It has stairs, roots and mud, but it is doable by people with average fitness, at their own pace.