Pailón del Diablo
Pastaza
Pailón del Diablo, meaning "Cauldron of the Devil," is one of Ecuador's most spectacular natural wonders located near Río Verde in the Tungurahua Province. This impressive waterfall is formed by the Río Verde river, plunging approximately 80 meters before merging with the Pastaza River. Its name derives from the distinctive rocky formation near the falls that resembles a devil's face, coupled with the turbulent, powerful flow that creates a cauldron-like basin. The site offers two main visitor routes: a short path featuring panoramic views via asymmetrical double suspension bridges and access to the hidden emerald lagoon called Encañada del Duende, and a longer route that allows close proximity to the waterfall with dramatic staircases but fewer attractions. The surrounding cloud forest setting enriches the experience with lush greenery and diverse ecosystems. Over time, the area has evolved from a hidden gem with difficult access to a celebrated tourist destination, recognized for its natural beauty and adventure opportunities. Visitors can reach the falls easily from Baños de Agua Santa and enjoy extended visiting hours, making it a versatile destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
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Consejo: The best time to visit Pailón del Diablo is during daylight hours to fully appreciate the waterfall's grandeur and surrounding scenery. It is recommended to wear sturdy walking shoes and be prepared for occasional light rain due to the cloud forest climate. Visitors can purchase entrance tickets at the site, with discounts available for children and seniors. Booking a guided waterfall tour from Baños or using local Chiva buses to Río Verde can enhance the visit. For the most comprehensive views, take the short route with suspension bridges, but if you prefer to get closer to the waterfall's base, the longer route is ideal.
Datos interesantes
- •Pailón del Diablo is Ecuador's largest waterfall following the disappearance of the San Rafael Falls.
- •The name "Pailón del Diablo" refers to the devil-shaped rock formation near the waterfall.
- •The waterfall features two asymmetrical double suspension bridges offering panoramic views.
- •Encañada del Duende, a hidden emerald lagoon, lies between Pailón del Diablo and the nearby San Miguel Waterfall.
- •The name San Miguel Waterfall nearby is linked to the archangel Michael, believed to watch over the devil trapped below.
Historia
The name "Pailón del Diablo" has been in use since at least the 1940s, inspired by the waterfall's devil-shaped rock formation and powerful flow.
Initially, the area was difficult to access due to poor infrastructure, and the waterfall remained relatively hidden throughout much of the 20th century.
In the 1940s, a suspension bridge was built across the Pastaza River to facilitate transport and provide views of the falls.
In the 1990s, private land acquisitions led to the development of tourist routes: the short route known as Cascada El Pailón and the longer Pailón Grieta al Cielo.
A third access called Falls Garden was briefly opened but was not commercially successful.
Today, the waterfall is a prominent tourist attraction in Ecuador's cloud forest region.
Guía del lugar
Short Route (Cascada El Pailón)
This route offers a shorter, more accessible path from Río Verde featuring panoramic views of the waterfall via two asymmetrical double suspension bridges. Along the way, visitors can enjoy sights of the San Miguel Waterfall and the hidden emerald lagoon called Encañada del Duende, surrounded by tropical plants.
Long Route (Pailón Grieta al Cielo)
The longer route follows the lower side of the waterfall, allowing visitors to approach closely beside the falls. It features dramatic staircases but fewer attractions compared to the short route and does not provide a full frontal view of the waterfall.
Contacto
Teléfono: (03) 249-3165