Machay Waterfalls in Banos, Ecuador
Quick Facts About Cascada Rocío Machay
| Also called | Cascada del Rocío or Cascada Machay on some maps |
|---|---|
| Where | On the Ruta de las Cascadas east of Baños, about 15 minutes past Pailón del Diablo |
| Entry | USD 1.50 to 2 per person (Baños tourism chamber) |
| Hours | Every day, 8:00 to 17:30 |
| Swimming | Yes, in the pools at the foot of the falls and in the river below |
Our Take On Cascada Rocío Machay
We cycled the Ruta de las Cascadas and continued 15 minutes past Paílón del Diablo to Cascada Rocío Machay, my favorite stop on the route. It is one of the few spots along the route where you can actually swim, though we forgot our swimsuits. The descent to the waterfall takes about 20 minutes via wooden stairs and swing bridges. We practically had the place to ourselves.
Cascada Rocío Machay, also called Cascada del Rocío or simply Cascada Machay on some maps, is a must-visit spot in Baños, Ecuador if you’re looking for a scenic swim.
Located about 15 minutes from the famous Paílón del Diablo and around 25 kilometers east of Baños, a visit to Machay Waterfalls is a great addition to a day spent exploring the Cascadas Route. You can easily include it in your itinerary while biking or driving. We chose to visit on our own, and it turned out to be a fantastic experience! Keep reading this post or you could also check how we visited Machay in my big Banos guide:
How Do You Get To Cascada Rocío Machay?
The most popular way to reach Cascada Rocío Machay is by cycling the Ruta de las Cascadas, a trail east of Baños. The first half of the route is typically cycled in a day, with stops at Agoyán, Manto de la Novia, Paílón del Diablo and Rocío Machay. Taxis and buses also reach the waterfall.
The most popular way to reach the Machay Waterfalls is by cycling the Ruta de las Cascadas trail. This scenic route, known as the Waterfall Route, is a 25-kilometer bike path stretching from Baños to Puyo. Along the way, you’ll pass multiple waterfalls, ziplines, cable cars, swings, and even a bungee jump.
While the full route covers the entire 61-kilometer road, only the first half is typically cycled in a day. This section includes stops at Cascada de Agoyán, Cascada Manto de la Novia, Paílón del Diablo, and Cascada Rocío Machay.
Bikes can easily be rented in town for about $10 per day, allowing you to explore the Waterfall Route at your own pace without the need for a guide.
If cycling isn’t your thing, you can still reach the waterfalls by taking a taxi or a bus. Just let the driver know your destination, and you’ll be on your way!
Can You Swim At Cascada Rocío Machay?
Cascada Rocío Machay is one of the few spots on the Ruta de las Cascadas where you can swim, in the pools at the foot of the falls and in the deeper river pools below. The descent takes about 20 minutes via wooden stairs and swing bridges. We forgot our swimsuits, but we had the place to ourselves.
While most tourists cycling the Ruta de las Cascadas tend to wrap up their day at El Paílón del Diablo, I highly recommend continuing just 15 minutes further down the road to Cascada Rocío Machay. It’s one of the few spots along the route where you can actually swim, and it turned out to be my favorite stop because we practically had the place to ourselves.
From the side of the highway, it’s about a 20-minute descent to the waterfall via wooden stairs and swing bridges. The trek takes you through lush foliage and the humid jungle air, making it a scenic and enjoyable journey. It felt like a hidden gem tucked away in nature.
The waterfall itself is stunning, but for the best swimming spots, make your way down to the river where you’ll find deeper pools. These spots are perfect for a refreshing dip, and you won’t have to worry about getting caught in the strong current near the waterfall’s edge.
We, unfortunately, forgot to bring our swimsuits, but we’re sure it would have been an amazing experience to take a swim here. It’s definitely a fantastic way to end your Ruta de las Cascadas cycling adventure. If you’re planning to visit, be sure to pack your swimwear—it’s the perfect spot to cool off after a long ride!
When Is The Best Time To Visit Machay Waterfalls?
Cascada Machay is accessible year-round. In our experience the rainiest period is January to March, which can make the trail muddy, and the driest months are June through August. During that drier stretch the weather is more stable, which makes the trek down to the waterfall and exploring the area more enjoyable.
Cascada Machay is accessible year-round, so you can visit whenever it fits into your travel plans. However, keep in mind that the rainiest period is from January to March, which can make the trail muddy and more challenging.
The driest months are June through August, which we found to be the best time to visit. During this period, you’ll have more stable weather, making the trek down to the waterfall and exploring the area even more enjoyable.
What Should You Pack For The Cascada Rocío Machay Trip?
A half-day trip along the Ruta de las Cascadas needs little equipment. Our recommended items are a durable, lightweight day backpack with a waist strap, comfortable sturdy footwear, a rain poncho or waterproof jacket, sunscreen, a refillable water bottle and a travel camera. Remember that riding a bike with a hefty backpack is not comfortable.
A half-day journey along Ruta de las Cascadas does not require much equipment. Of course, it depends on the weather, but remember that sitting on a bike with a hefty backpack is not particularly comfortable. Here are some of our recommended things to bring:
- A durable and lightweight day backpack with a waist strap
- A comfortable pair of sturdy footwear
- Rain poncho or a waterproof jacket
- Sunscreen
- Refillable water bottle
- Travel camera
Is Cascada Rocío Machay Worth A Stop On The Ruta De Las Cascadas?
If you plan a Ruta de las Cascadas trip, we recommend stopping at the Machay Waterfalls. We found it less crowded than other spots, so there is room to relax. Paílón del Diablo is the main attraction, but continuing about 15 minutes further down the road to swim at Cascada Machay adds something special to a Baños itinerary.
If you’re planning a Ruta de las Cascadas adventure, we highly recommend making a stop at the Machay Waterfalls. It’s much less crowded than other spots, so you can truly relax and soak in the natural beauty without the usual hustle and bustle.
While Paílón del Diablo might be the main attraction on the route, you won’t regret taking the time to explore and swim at Cascada Machay. It’s a hidden gem that adds something special to your experience. Don’t forget to include this amazing waterfall in your Baños, Ecuador itinerary—you’ll thank yourself later!
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Questions About Cascada Rocío Machay
Does Ecuador have waterfalls?
Yes, Ecuador has many waterfalls. Cascada Rocío Machay near Baños lies about 15 minutes past Pailón del Diablo on the Ruta de las Cascadas and is one of the few spots on the route where swimming is possible. Entry costs USD 1.50 to 2 per person, open daily from 8:00 to 17:30.
What is the largest waterfall in Ecuador?
Pailón del Diablo, about 80 m high, is described as Ecuador's largest waterfall since the San Rafael (Coca) Falls disappeared in 2020. It is on the same route as Machay.
What to do in Banos, Ecuador?
Bike or drive the Ruta de las Cascadas, stopping at Cascada de Agoyán, Cascada Manto de la Novia, Pailón del Diablo and Cascada Rocío Machay, where swimming is also possible. Bikes can be rented in town and taxis or buses are alternatives for reaching the waterfalls.
