Ruta de las Cascadas + Pailón del Diablo Waterfall in Baños

ByJulien Casanova Updated on

La Ruta de las Cascadas in Baños Ecuador carves through lush canyons to a series of incredible waterfalls. From hiking Pailón del Diablo (aka the Devil’s Cauldron) to ziplining over Manto de la Novia, this adventure delivers a mix of natural beauty and adrenaline. 

The waterfalls reveal themselves in different ways depending how you chose to get there – by bike, chiva bus, or private vehicle. The route is easy to follow, but if you’re unsure where to begin (or want to avoid the hassle of navigating) it’s worth considering a guided Baños waterfall tour.

After spending the day along the Baños waterfall route with a group of friends, I’ve put together this guide. It will help you decide the best way to explore the waterfalls in Baños including practical tips, route options, and a closer look at the star of the show: Cascada Pailón del Diablo.

A dramatic view of the Cascada Pailón del Diablo in Ecuador thundering into a rocky canyon, with winding staircases carved into the cliff offering up-close views.

This article may contain affiliate links. This means if you click a link on my website and make a purchase, I earn a commission at no additional cost to you. For full information, please see my disclaimer here.

What is La Ruta de las Cascadas in Baños?

La Ruta de las Cascadas is a popular waterfall route that runs from Baños along the Pastaza River. The route includes a series of waterfalls that plunge down from the mountains, each one a bit different from the last. The most famous is Cascada Pailón del Diablo, but other highlights include Manto de la Novia, Agoyán, and several more secluded falls.

It’s not a guided route unless you book a Baños waterfall tour. Think of it more like an adventure. Whether you want to bike, drive, or hop on a colorful chiva bus, the Ruta de las Cascadas offers one of the most iconic outdoor experiences in Baños.

A thin waterfall flowing down a steep, bright green mountainside, surrounded by jagged rock formations along the Ruta de las Cascadas in Baños.

How to Explore the Baños Waterfalls

There’s no best way to experience the Baños waterfalls. Some travelers rent bikes to explore while others prefer to book a tour of La Ruta de las Cascadas to reach the main stops. 

My friends and I chose a guided tour because we were able to choose exactly what we wanted to do. The most popular waterfall, Pailón del Diablo, was a highlight for sure. But my favorite experience was the canopy zipline over Cascada Manto de la Novia. I’ll detail both of those later.

Bike the Ruta de las Cascadas

Biking La Ruta de las Cascadas is the most affordable way to explore the Baños waterfalls. Rentals in town are cheap and include a route overview. The road is mostly downhill, but you’ll share space with traffic, so it’s best for confident riders.

You’ll pass several waterfalls along the way, including Cascada Manto de la Novia before reaching Pailón del Diablo. Once there, most riders pay a small fee to load their bikes onto a truck for the return trip to town.

A narrow cobblestone road curves alongside a towering cliff face covered in vines and moss, one of the scenic routes on the Baños waterfall tour.

Baños Waterfall Tour by Car or Chiva

Booking a guided Baños waterfall tour is an easy and affordable way to explore La Ruta de las Cascadas without worrying about logistics. You’ll need to decide if you prefer to arrange a chiva bus in town or book this tour online.

My friends and I booked a private tour so we could customize the route. Early on, we passed several waterfalls in the distance, drove through a tunnel cut into the mountain, and paused beside a roadside stream cascading down the cliff. Our guide claimed it was good for hair growth. So naturally, we all leaned in and let the water soaked our scalp.

If you want a fun, flexible way to experience the Baños waterfalls without dealing with navigating, I recommend you book this customizable tour which visits Pailón del Diablo and other top sites as well.

Tip – While the waterfall route is generally easy to follow, cell service can be unreliable, especially as you get closer to the diablo waterfall. I recommend you download an offline map of the area before you go.

Cascada Pailón del Diablo Ecuador

Of all the Baños Ecuador waterfalls, none are as dramatic as Cascada Pailón del Diablo, aka the Devil’s Cauldron Waterfall. This powerful cascade thunders into a narrow gorge surrounded by dense vegetation and towering rock walls. You’ll hear it before you see it.

The towering Pailón del Diablo waterfall plunges down a narrow gorge, framed by lush cliffs and a winding trail with visitors exploring the site.

The Diablo waterfall drops nearly 80 meters and gets its name from two striking features: a rock formation that resembles a devil’s face and the swirling, cauldron-like pool at its base. The experience of standing beside this roaring force of nature feels both thrilling and a little supernatural.

📍 Map
⌚ Hours: Mon-Thurs 9 am to 10:30 pm, Fri-Sun 8 am to 11 pm
💵 Cost: $3 adults (or $4 if after 6 pm), $2 children and seniors

Next up, I’ll walk you through the two different entrances so you can decide how you want to experience it.

Which Diablo Waterfall Hike Should You Choose?

There are two entrances to Pailón del Diablo and both get you close to the waterfall, just in different ways.

People walk across a suspension bridge high above the jungle canopy with views of green mountains at the Diablo waterfall in Baños, Ecuador.

The new entrance takes you on a 30-minute hike through a series of suspension bridges and platforms that give you a view of the canyon and waterfall from higher up. The original entrance leads to a longer trail with stairs at the end that bring you closer to the base of the falls.

As we approached the entrance to Diablo Waterfall, our tour guide asked if we wanted to hike the long or short route. Not knowing much about the difference, we hesitated at first. But since it was getting late, we chose the short route which was still incredibly awe inspiring.

Is the Pailón del Diablo Trail Difficult?

The short trail to Pailón del Diablo is fairly well paved but it is wet in some areas, so expect mist and slippery spots along the way. Use caution on the stairs and platforms. The longer hike (via the original entrance) is said to be more strenuous, with steeper sections and more elevation gain. If mobility is a concern, the short route is the better choice.

Aerial view of the Devil's Cauldron waterfall crashing into a gorge below, with a twisting path and observation decks hugging the cliffside.

Tips for Visiting the Devil’s Cauldron Waterfall

Pailón del Diablo is one of the most memorable stops on La Ruta de las Cascadas, but it helps to go in prepared. Here are a few quick tips to make the most of your visit:

  • Wear shoes with grip – The paths and steps can get wet and slippery.
  • Bring a light rain jacket – You will get sprayed, especially if you take the original route.
  • Protect your phone and camera – A waterproof case or dry bag goes a long way.
  • Start earlier in the day – Crowds build up fast, especially on weekends.
  • Carry small change – Some facilities charge for bathrooms or parking.
  • Ask your guide about both entrances – Each route offers a different experience.

After visiting the falls, we still had time for a few other experiences. If you’re looking for more ideas beyond the waterfalls, check out my guide on things to do in Baños for more ways to enjoy the area.

Close-up of powerful water spray from Cascada Pailón del Diablo as visitors stand on a viewpoint, surrounded by mossy cliffs and jungle.

Best Viewpoint at Pailón del Diablo

I think one of the most striking views of Pailón del Diablo waterfall is from the upper platform along the short trail. It’s just past the section where waterfall passes over the walkway. From this spot, you can see the waterfall dropping from the canyon wall, the swirling cauldron below, and the opposing platform from the original trail. It’s a great spot for photos that capture the full scope of the setting.

Dense green rainforest covers the hillside along the Baños Ecuador waterfalls route, showcasing the area's lush natural environment.

Planning a trip? But wondering where to stay in Baños Ecuador. Make sure to read my guide which includes the best hotels, both in nature and in town.

Other Stops on the Baños Waterfall Route

While El Pailón del Diablo is the star, the full Ruta de las Cascadas includes several other waterfalls worth seeing. Some you’ll pass from a distance while others make great stops depending on your route and timing.

Here are a few other Baños waterfalls:

Cascada Manto de la Novia

This wide waterfall tumbles down the cliffside across from a popular zipline and tarabita (cable car). Since we booked the private Baños waterfall tour, we got to chose what activities we wanted to do.

A dramatic overhead close-up view of a tall waterfall cascading down a mossy cliff into rocky terrain, captured while on a zipline during a Baños waterfall tour.
View of Cascada Manto de la Novia from the zipline.
A scenic ride on a bright orange cable car crossing a river valley with lush green hills below, part of the Baños waterfall tour experience.

We chose both the tarabita and the zipline! The tarabita takes you out over the river, but it’s pretty calm. The canopy zipline took us flying over the waterfall and it ended up being one of my favorite stops.

📍 Map
⌚ Hours: 8:30 am to 6 pm every day
💵 Cost: $15 zipline, $2 cable car

A sweeping view of a green valley dotted with small houses, with steep mountain ridges framing the background along the Ruta de las Cascadas near Baños.
Lush valley views from the other side of the zipline.

Cascada Agoyán

One of the widest waterfalls in Baños, this one is visible from the road. You’ll likely pass Cascada Agoyán en route to or from Cascada Pailón del Diablo.

A panoramic view of the green Andes mountains surrounding a powerful waterfall plunging into a rocky canyon along the Ruta de las Cascadas in Baños, Ecuador.

Cascada el Rocío Machay

A bit farther out, this lesser-visited waterfall involves a hike and feels more off the beaten path. We had to skip it because we ran out of time. So if you want to visit, I recommend starting the Baños waterfall route early (around 8).

Love Adventure? You don’t want to miss visiting the Swing at the End of the World in Baños, Ecuador.

Best Time to Visit the Baños Waterfalls

The best time to explore La Ruta de las Cascadas depends on the season. Mornings are usually your best bet, especially during the rainy season when afternoon thunderstorms are common. Starting early also helps you avoid crowds and harsh midday sun. Weekends can get especially busy, so try to plan this adventure for a weekday.

Vibrant pink orchids blooming among thick green foliage in the rainforest along the Ruta de las Cascadas in Baños, Ecuador.

Final Thoughts on Visiting the Diablo Waterfall in Baños

Whether you bike, take a chiva, or book a Baños waterfall tour, La Ruta de las Cascadas is one of the most scenic ways to explore the lush surroundings. 

And while you’ll pass several impressive waterfalls along the way, Cascada Pailón del Diablo is the one you’ll be talking about afterward.

From the canopy zipline to stunning canyon views, this is an experience that shows off the adventurous side of Baños.

I'm happy you found me. I'm a solo female traveler and the creator of Cultures Traveled. I specialize in Latin America travel with an emphasis on getting out of routine bucket list travel so you can immerse yourself in the local culture, make friends, and experience new traditions.