Route of 8 Waterfalls in Baños: Hikes, ziplines and culture

Eight waterfalls, four trail hikes, and a choice of zipline or swing at Río Blanco Park

A full-day waterfall route in Baños takes you through eight distinct waterfalls (La Virgen, Agoyán, Manto de la Novia, Pailón del Diablo, Machay, Ulba and El Silencio) with hikes along the Pastaza River corridor and views of Tungurahua volcano. At Río Blanco Park you pick your thrill: canopy zipline, Tarzan swing, glass bridge or Tibetan bridge. The day includes entrance to a traditional melcocha factory where guava sweets are handcrafted, a locally sourced lunch, semi-private transport and a bilingual guide.

The experience

Six hours on the Waterfall Route means moving between sites with purpose: you hike through lush trails at Puerta del Cielo and Machay, swim or wade at waterfalls like Pailón del Diablo and Manto de la Novia, and stand in front of the geological formations each one carved into the canyon walls. The route follows the Pastaza River as it drops through the region, so the waterfalls are not isolated stops but part of a single corridor you move through, with Tungurahua volcano visible across the landscape on clear stretches.

At Río Blanco Park, the day shifts to your choice. You can strap into a canopy zipline that crosses the gorge, swing out on a Tarzan jump, walk a glass bridge or a Tibetan bridge: each one optional, so the adrenaline level is yours to set. Before or after, you visit a working melcocha factory where artisans hand-pull and shape guava-based sweets the traditional way. It is a working space, not a museum, so you see the craft as it happens. Lunch is locally sourced Ecuadorian food, eaten somewhere in the day's rhythm rather than at a fixed hour.

Semi-private transport and a bilingual guide (English or Spanish) move the group between waterfalls and trailheads. The pace alternates high-energy moments (the hikes, the water, the optional swings) with quieter stretches where you stand and look. Bring a swimsuit, towel, insect repellent, water bottle, sunscreen and hiking shoes. The trails are steep in places and the water is cold.

What’s included

• Entrance to four waterfalls (Pailón del Diablo, Machay, Ulba and El Silencio).
• entrance to the melcocha factory.
• semi-private transport.
• a bilingual guide in English or Spanish.
• and a locally sourced lunch.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to11h before

AgesAdult (18 to 80 years) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (2 to 11 years) · Infant (under 2): free

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 54

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Kajol Lavan Travel

Is this one for you?The day involves six hours of moving between sites with moderate to steep hiking, water entry at multiple waterfalls and optional high-adrenaline activities at Río Blanco Park, so it suits travelers with at least moderate fitness who are comfortable in water and on trails. The fixed itinerary and group pace mean you move with the guide's schedule rather than setting your own stops.

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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: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (2 to 11 years); Infant (under 2): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What are the 8 waterfalls on this route?

The route includes La Virgen, Agoyán, Manto de la Novia, Pailón del Diablo, Machay, Ulba, El Silencio and one additional waterfall, each with its own geological character. Pailón del Diablo is the largest and most visited. Manto de la Novia is a thin cascade that fans across the rock face.

Do I have to do the zipline or swing at Río Blanco Park?

No. At Río Blanco Park you choose from canopy zipline, Tarzan swing, glass bridge or Tibetan bridge. Each one is optional, so you pick the activities that match your comfort level.

How much walking and swimming is involved?

You hike through lush trails at Puerta del Cielo and Machay with panoramic views of the Pastaza River, and you can swim or wade at several waterfalls. The itinerary balances high-energy moments with quieter stretches, so the pace is not constant climbing or water time.

What is the melcocha factory visit like?

The melcocha factory is a working space where artisans hand-pull and shape guava-based sweets using traditional methods. You see the craft in action rather than a staged demonstration.

What is included in the price?

Entrance to Pailón del Diablo, Machay, Ulba and El Silencio waterfalls; entrance to the melcocha factory; semi-private transport; a bilingual guide; and a locally sourced lunch are included. Optional activities at Río Blanco Park (zipline, Tarzan swing, glass bridge, Tibetan bridge) cost extra.