Let me share my experience visiting Pailon del Diablo Waterfalls in Baños, Ecuador. One of the great things about this spot is that you don’t need to book an expensive tour to get there. It’s easy to find from both entrances, and the entrance fee is just $2 per person, which makes it accessible to everyone.
When I arrived, I was blown away by the sheer size and power of the Devil’s Cauldron—another name for the falls. Standing close to the roaring water, feeling the mist hit my face, it felt like I was in the presence of something ancient and powerful. The waterfall is located right on the Rio Pastaza, which is part of the vast Amazon River network. I also learned about an old local legend that really stuck with me. According to the story, the Virgin Mary once appeared at this very spot to protect the locals from the nearby volcano, and imagining this connection between the people and their land made the moment even more impactful.
I began my journey in Rio Verde, which is about a half-hour drive from the vacation town of Baños. The trailhead to Pailon del Diablo is located at the end of the Ruta de las Cascadas, a popular bike route that stretches for around 17 kilometers and showcases a series of stunning waterfalls. Riding along this route was an adventure in itself, with each stop offering a new view of Ecuador’s natural beauty. By the time I reached the end of the trail, I was already in awe of the scenery, but I had no idea how much more impressive the final destination would be.
Getting to Pailon del Diablo
Pailon del Diablo is located on the route between Banos and Puyo, and there are different ways to reach there.
TIP: Do not visit Pailon del Diablo on weekends or after 10:30 a.m. (essentially post-breakfast). My wife and I initially made that mistake (you’ll see the photos below), and while the falls were as stunning as expected, our experience was a bit dampened by the crowds. It’s easily the most popular spot in the area and draws a lot of local tourists, too. The narrow trails combined with the lack of foot traffic regulation made it feel a bit overwhelming. If you want to enjoy the falls without the crowd, aim to visit on a weekday, right when the gates open at 9 a.m. Trust me, it makes all the difference!
Here are some options for getting from Baños to Pailon del Diablo:
By Bus
Aside from hiking, taking the bus is the most budget-friendly way to reach Pailon del Diablo. Baños has a centrally located bus station, where you can catch a bus to Puyo. The buses run every fifteen to thirty minutes, so it’s pretty convenient. Just let the driver know you’re headed to Pailon del Diablo, and they’ll drop you off right at the spot since it’s a common stop for tourists.
When it’s time to head back to Baños, simply wait by the main road, and catch one of the returning buses from Puyo. It’s an easy, no-fuss way to travel while keeping costs down!
By Bike
Pailon del Diablo is one of the main highlights on the Ruta de las Cascadas, which, as the name suggests, features several stops with stunning waterfall views. My wife and I chose to explore this scenic route by bike, which is a popular and fun way to take in the beauty of the area. While it’s possible to cycle all the way from Baños to Puyo, we decided to end our ride at the main attraction—Pailon del Diablo.
Biking gives you the flexibility to stop and appreciate the smaller falls along the way, which is part of what makes this journey so special. If you plan on visiting, I’d highly recommend biking this route for the experience alone. Just remember, before you head off to hike the final stretch to the waterfall, be sure to lock your bike securely in the parking lot. It’s a little detail, but one that will let you enjoy the falls with peace of mind.
By Taxi
Hiring a cab is another option to reach the Devil’s Cauldron, but it’s definitely the priciest choice. With so many buses running between Baños and Puyo, my wife and I didn’t see the need to spend $10 to $20 on a cab. However, if you’re pressed for time, looking for extra comfort, or traveling with others to share the cost, it’s nice to know this alternative is available.
While the journey itself isn’t that expensive, cab drivers tend to charge more for waiting, mainly because finding a cab in Rio Verde can be tricky. If you do opt for a cab, make sure to negotiate the price with the driver before hopping in. It’s a small step that can save you a fair bit of money!
Entrance Fee in Pailon del Diablo
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Pailon del Diablo is situated on private land, which means there’s a small admission fee. The cost is $2, and it needs to be paid at a restaurant along the route to the waterfall. You can’t miss it, as the staff won’t let you explore the area without paying this charge first. There are two separate entry points to choose from, which we’ll cover below.
While there are many natural spots in Ecuador that you can visit for free, paying a small fee to see Pailon del Diablo is absolutely worth it. My wife and I appreciated how well-maintained and clean the area was, and most importantly, we felt safe while exploring the trails. The waterfall is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., so you have plenty of time to plan your visit around these hours.
Pailon del Diablo Entry Points
There are two entry points to Pailon del Diablo, and both are close to each other, so you can choose which one to take. The newer path to the viewing platform starts near the soccer field in Rio Verde, and you can easily follow the well-marked route from there.
This route is much shorter than the original, taking less than fifteen minutes at a relaxed pace. It’s an easy walk, and along the way, you’ll cross several suspension bridges, which add a bit of excitement before reaching the viewpoint. However, if you can, avoid visiting during the weekend. The number of local tourists tends to increase significantly, which can make the experience a bit crowded. Look at that:
This newer entry offers a stunning panoramic view of Pailon del Diablo, making it a great choice for tourists who are short on time or prefer to avoid the more strenuous trek involving steps. It’s an ideal option if you’re looking to enjoy the beauty of the falls without a demanding hike. The view from this side is truly breathtaking and allows you to take in the full majesty of the waterfall with minimal effort.
The older path to Pailon del Diablo starts near the parking lot, which is lined with stalls and restaurants. This route descends for about twenty minutes, eventually leading to a restaurant, with the waterfall just a short distance away from there.
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While this track is longer, it winds through a beautiful forest, offering a more immersive experience. If you have a bit more time and your knees are up for the challenge, we highly recommend this trek. For us, it provided a deeper connection to nature, making the effort well worth it.
TIP: Do not visit Pailon del Diablo on weekends or after 10:30 a.m. (essentially post-breakfast). We made this mistake the first time, and while the falls were still breathtaking, the crowds made the experience feel a bit overwhelming. Being the most popular attraction in the area, it draws a lot of local tourists, especially on weekends. The narrow trails, combined with the lack of regulated foot traffic, can make it quite congested. To truly enjoy the falls in a more peaceful setting, aim to visit on a weekday when the gates open at 9 a.m. Trust me, it’s worth planning ahead for a more serene and enjoyable experience.
Exploring Pailon del Diablo At The Best Time (Monday at 9 a.m.)
When we arrived on time, the parking lot was completely empty, and we were the only visitors on the Pailon del Diablo trail! My excitement grew as we ventured in, especially since we chose the entrance that took us through narrow caves to a spot right beside the waterfall. Standing so close to the rushing water with no one else around felt almost surreal. I can’t even imagine how chaotic this area must get on a busy day with the crowds squeezing through those tight passages! Check it out on my video how narrow it is:
We parked our bikes and started walking along the well-maintained path that zigzagged through the forest. With each step, our excitement to see the cascade grew.
When we arrived at the restaurant where we paid for admission, we had two options: either cross a suspension bridge to reach a viewpoint or turn right to get closer to the waterfall. Since there were only a few tourists around, we decided to head straight to the most iconic spot—a set of stairs built into the rock. This area offers some of the best photo opportunities of the cascade, but be careful; it’s also where you’re likely to get soaked from the mist.
We then ventured a bit farther to a place called La Grieta del Ciela. The path leading there is quite narrow and wet, so I’d definitely recommend wearing a rain poncho to stay dry. The experience of walking through these misty, narrow paths made the adventure feel all the more thrilling!
La Grieta del Ciela is a fascinating spot, but crawling through it can be quite tough. It’s definitely not for those who are uncomfortable in tight spaces or have bad knees. However, if you’re up for the challenge, a small viewpoint awaits you at the cave’s exit, making the effort worthwhile. Just keep in mind that it’s a dead-end, so you’ll need to head back the same way you came.
After we finished exploring La Grieta, we returned to the restaurant and took the suspension bridge. Crossing it revealed a beautiful, distant view of Pailon del Diablo, adding a new perspective to our adventure. It was a perfect way to wrap up our exploration of the falls.
Overall, our trip to Pailon del Diablo was absolutely worth the two hours we spent there. The combination of breathtaking views, thrilling paths, and the peaceful moments when we had the trail to ourselves made it an unforgettable experience.
What to Pack
Here are some essentials to carry with you when visiting Baños or Pailon del Diablo:
- Poncho or raincoat: It frequently rains in Baños, so be prepared for some drizzle.
- Waterproof dry bag: To keep your belongings secure and dry.
- Sunscreen: A must-have everywhere you travel in Ecuador to protect against UV rays.
- Snacks or energy bars: Although there are eateries on-site, having a handful of snacks is handy if you get hungry while trekking or biking.
- Refillable water bottle: Help the environment by reducing plastic waste.
- Enough cash: Carry just enough to cover expenses and minimize valuables.
- Insect repellent: I didn’t encounter any issues with insects, but it’s always good to be prepared if you’re sensitive to bugs.
These items will help you stay comfortable and prepared throughout your adventure!
Bottom Line
If you’re seeking adventure, I highly recommend trekking or biking to Pailon del Diablo, also known as the Devil’s Cauldron. The waterfalls offer a breathtaking view that will deepen your appreciation for nature. The adrenaline rush you’ll get from navigating the trails and experiencing the raw power of the falls makes the journey truly unforgettable. It’s a daring trip, but one that’s well worth it for the memories and the stunning sights along the way.
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My wife and I rented a car for 15 days and traveled from the northern part of Ecuador to the south, visiting amazing cities like Quito, Otavalo, Baños, Cuenca, and Guayaquil. Along the way, we explored iconic places such as Cotopaxi National Park, Quilotoa Lake, and many more breathtaking destinations.
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