Bucket List / Adventure Travel Goals
Hike To The Pailon Del Diablo
Still to do
Freewheel down the Route of the Waterfalls, then crawl through rock to stand in the spray of the Devil's Cauldron.
The adventure
Baños sits in a green valley at the foot of the Tungurahua volcano, and the best way to leave it is downhill on a hired bike. The Route of the Waterfalls follows the Pastaza River towards the Amazon, passing through tunnels and past cascades that tumble straight off the cliffs, with zip lines and cable cars strung across the gorge along the way.
After around 18 kilometres you lock up the bike at Río Verde and walk down through the cloud forest, where the noise builds until the trees open and Pailón del Diablo, the Devil's Cauldron, appears. The river slams into a narrow rock bowl with a roar you feel in your chest, flinging spray across the viewing platforms and suspension bridge. Squeeze through a tight rock passage, at times on hands and knees, and you can stand right beside the falling water, soaked to the skin and laughing.
Why it’s epic
- Cycling the Route of the Waterfalls, around 18 kilometres of mostly downhill riding from Baños to Río Verde.
- Standing on walkways and a suspension bridge in the spray of the Devil's Cauldron.
- Crawling through a narrow rock passage to a viewpoint right beside the falls.
- Passing other waterfalls on the way, including Manto de la Novia.
What it is
The Pailón del Diablo is a powerful waterfall, reached by a trail and walkways through the cloud forest.
How to do it
Cycle the Route of the Waterfalls from Baños and take a bus back.
Top tip
Bring a waterproof jacket; you'll get soaked.
Need to know
- Hire a bike in Baños and catch a bus or pickup truck back from Río Verde, which many rental shops can arrange.
- Watch for traffic in the road tunnels, and use the signposted bike paths around them where they exist.
- Bring a waterproof jacket and a dry bag for your phone, as you will get drenched.
Plan this trip
- Rough cost
- Under £750 per person, including flights from the UK
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Best time to go
- All year
- Fly into
- UIO airport
Bike hire, entry fees and the ride back are cheap; getting to Ecuador is the main cost.
Make it happen
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Why it’s on my list
Not done yet. If you’ve done it and have tips, tell me about it.
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