San Rafael waterfall

In spite of San Rafael waterfall (1511m S 00°05.962´ W 77°34.822´) is the highest in Ecuador, it is not know for most of ecuadorians.

The water falling almost 160m forms an impressive cloud when it reaches the ground.

At the entrance of the complex ecuadorians pay USD$ 2 and foreigners USD$10, tehre is a path to the waterfalls, you walk around 20 minutes until a point where you can take nice pics of the cascade.

Unfortunately it is very dangerous to go down the base of the waterfall, so do not cross the warning signs.

If you plan to spent the night near the waterfall there is the Hosteria " El Reventador" (5 minutes far from the entrance) but there is a town 10km farther with more hotel options.

To get the waterfal,l from Quito, you have to go to Cumbaya valley, then pass Pifo and reach Papallacta (3212m S 00°22.461´ W 78°08.553´). In 30 minutes you arrive to Cuyuja and finally Baeza (1948m S 00°27.864´ W 77°53.521´) where you have to take the detour to Lago Agrio.

The road is in perfect conditions but take care with trucks and busses because the way is not wide enough for them. During the trip you´ll visit some towns and places, here there is a list from Baeza to the waterfalls: Hacieda Cumanda (nice place and delicious food), San Francisco de Borja, Sardinas, El Chaco (1628m S 00°20.559´ W 77° 43.893´ ), 2 gas stations, Santa Rosa, San Cristobal (orchids garden), Las Palmas, Pump station El Salado.

More pics from this destination in our gallery.