Girón Waterfalls and Busa Lake tour from Cuenca

Hike to one of South America's highest waterfalls and walk the shores of a sacred Andean lake

A full-day tour from Cuenca to Girón Waterfalls and Busa Lake with a professional guide in English or Spanish, hotel pickup and drop-off, lunch, and all activities. The route takes you through the dairy valleys south of Azuay province, stops in the historic Girón village to taste regional bread, then leads to a 30-minute hike reaching the first waterfall (one of the highest in South America) before visiting the Sacred Cañari Lake. Children from age 6 are welcome. A vegetarian lunch option is available on request. Choose between a group tour with or without lunch, a private tour, or a shorter half-day version.

The experience

You leave Cuenca in the morning by private vehicle with your guide, heading south into the dairy farming region of Azuay province. The route passes through valleys where cattle graze, and stops in the historic center of Girón village, where you'll taste achira. A regional bread made from a plant native to the area. The guide explains the village's place in Ecuador's history before you continue toward the waterfalls.

The main event is a 30-minute hike through native forest and vegetation to reach Girón Waterfalls, considered one of the highest in South America. The trail follows the water source that feeds the falls, and you'll spot birds and plants along the way. After time at the waterfall, you visit the Sacred Cañari Lake of Busa, a site held sacred by the Cañari and Inca cultures, where you walk the shoreline and take in the Andean landscape. Lunch is included on the group and private tour options (vegetarian available if you request it at booking).

The full tour runs 8 hours door-to-door. A half-day option compresses the experience into 4 hours if your schedule is tight. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, and your guide speaks English or Spanish. The hike itself is moderate. You'll need a reasonable level of fitness, and the elevation and terrain mean it's not suitable for travelers with cardiovascular concerns.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cuenca.
• professional guide in English or Spanish.
• lunch (on the group and private tour options).
• all activities including the hike and lake walk.
• transport by private vehicle for the full day.

Options for this experience

4 options

Half-day tour (4 hours)Guide in English or Spanish · 08:15Half-day tour: Enjoy this pleasant half-day outing, visiting two of the most beautiful natural attractions in the province of Azuay. Pickup is included

Group tour without lunchGuide in English or Spanish · 08:15Good choice for those who would rather bring their own food. Pickup is included

Group tour including local lunchGuide in English or Spanish · 08:15 and 08:30Tour with local lunch: An ideal option for those who enjoy trying local cuisine. Pickup is included

Private tourGuide in English or Spanish · 08:30Private tour including lunch: A private tour tailored to your needs, with you choosing the pickup time and other details. Pickup is included

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:15 and 08:30

AgesAdult (13 to 75 years) · Child (6 to 12 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortInfant seats availableNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Polylepis Tours

Is this one for you?Book the group tour if you want to share costs and meet other travelers; choose the private tour for a custom pace and flexible timing; pick the half-day option if you have only a morning or afternoon free and want to see the waterfall without the full 8-hour commitment.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 12 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

How long is the hike to Girón Waterfalls?

The hike to the first waterfall takes approximately 30 minutes through native forest, following the water source that feeds the falls. It's a moderate walk, and you'll see birds and regional vegetation along the way.

What is the Sacred Cañari Lake of Busa?

Busa Lake is a site held sacred by the Cañari and Inca cultures in the Andean region. You walk around the lake's shores as part of the tour, and the guide explains its cultural significance.

Is lunch included, and can I request a vegetarian meal?

Lunch is included on the group tour and private tour options. The half-day tour and the group tour without lunch option do not include a meal. Vegetarian options are available. Let the operator know at the time of booking if you need one.

What happens in Girón village during the tour?

You stop in the historic center of Girón village to taste achira, a traditional bread made from a plant native to the region. The guide also shares the village's historical significance in Ecuador.

Do I need to arrange my own transport, or is pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off in Cuenca are included in the tour. You travel by private vehicle with your guide for the entire 8-hour day (or 4 hours on the half-day option).

What is the fitness level required for this tour?

You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The 30-minute hike to the waterfall and the elevation involved mean the tour is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.