If you’re looking for activities in Otavalo, a visit to Peguche Waterfall, or Cascada de Peguche, should definitely be on your list.
Known locally as Las Cascadas de Peguche, this beautiful spot is one of the top tourist attractions in Otavalo and the surrounding area. What makes it even more special is its cultural significance—it serves as an indigenous ceremonial site, where cleansing baths are performed a few days before the Inti Raymi festival.
The waterfall itself cascades down from the slopes of the Imbabura volcano, situated at the northern tip of San Pablo Lake. Located just 4 kilometers south of Otavalo, it sits at an elevation of 8,760 feet. The Peguche River, which feeds the waterfall, continues downstream and is renamed Jatun Yacu (meaning “large water”) after it plunges from the falls.
A Sacred Place
The Sun Calendar serves as a key indicator that the area around Peguche Waterfall is a sacred place for many indigenous communities.
Throughout the year, various ceremonies are held at the waterfall, particularly during significant dates like the June Solstice (Inti Raymi or Fiesta del Sol on June 21) and New Year’s Day. On these special occasions, locals gather to take part in a ceremonial bath, believing that the waters here grant them strength and help ward off evil spirits. It’s a profound tradition that highlights the deep spiritual connection between the people and this natural site.
Best Time to Visit
Peguche Waterfall, much like Otavalo itself, is a destination you can visit year-round. The temperature usually hovers around a pleasant 18 degrees Celsius, with rainfall being the main variable.
The drier months are from June through October, though you can still expect the occasional light afternoon shower. If you want to experience the waterfall at its most impressive, plan your visit after a heavy rain or during the rainy season. That’s when the water flow is at its peak, making for a truly spectacular sight.
How to Get to Peguche Waterfall
There are multiple ways to reach Peguche Waterfall from Otavalo, thanks to its close proximity. For those who enjoy a bit of exercise, walking or renting a bike are great options. Alternatively, you can take a bus or hire a cab for a quicker trip.
If you’re based in Quito, there are also tours available that include a stop at the waterfall, making it easy to incorporate into a day trip while exploring the region. Whether you prefer a leisurely walk or a guided tour, there’s a convenient option for every type of traveler.
By Foot
Walking to Peguche Waterfall is the most cost-effective option. It is a 3.3-kilometer walk (one way), and you may choose to trek in both directions or take the bus back. If you have plenty of time, you can opt to visit Peguche by walking.
By Bus
Since we were short on time, we opted to take the bus to Peguche Waterfall. If you’re planning to do the same, head to Otavalo’s bus station and look for a bus operated by the Imbaburapac cooperative. The easiest way to find the right bus is simply to ask someone at the station.
Buses leave every thirty minutes and cost just $0.35 per person. While a car ride would only take about five minutes, the bus takes a bit longer—around fifteen to twenty minutes—since it travels through the suburbs and makes several stops along the way.
By Taxi
If you want a more private journey, you may alternatively take a cab to Peguche. Depending on where you are coming from, the trip will cost between $2 and $3. It is still a very low cost, especially if you share the trip with others.
By Bike
Another option to go to Peguche is biking. Several travel businesses in Otavalo offer rent-a-bike services for a few hours or even longer.
By Tour
There are also tour packages that include a top at Cascada Peguche. You may book a tour if you prefer to visit Peguche as a stop from other Otavalo attractions.
Entrance Fee
Peguche Waterfall is a free attraction, but a small donation is always appreciated to help with the site’s upkeep. Most visitors contribute about $1, so be sure to bring some change.
If you’re looking for budget-friendly activities in Otavalo, visiting Peguche Waterfall is definitely one for the books. Upon arrival, we signed in at the entrance, and after that, we were free to explore the area at our leisure. The best part? The site is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week, making it easy to fit into your itinerary whenever it suits you.
Peguche Trail
The Bosque Protector Cascadas de Peguche offers a well-maintained network of paths that lead to the waterfall, as well as trails to the upper falls and surrounding hills. The bridges and small chalets throughout the area are in great condition year-round, thanks to the efforts of the local community, Comunidad de Peguche, who manage this Protected Forest.
If you’re into cycling, this is an excellent area to explore by bike. Starting from the San Pablo del Lago region makes for a particularly scenic ride. The trails are well-suited for cyclists of all skill levels, so whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, you’ll enjoy the routes through this beautiful landscape.
Our Hike to Peguche Waterfalls
An Inca-style path leads you to the waterfall in about 15 minutes from the main entrance. As you explore the park, keep in mind that this area holds deep significance for the indigenous communities, with the waterfall itself considered a sacred and spiritual site. It’s important to be respectful while visiting.
The walk to the waterfall is a pleasant one, with the route winding through a beautifully maintained park filled with lush vegetation, particularly the fragrant eucalyptus trees. Along the way, you can enjoy glimpses of local flora and fauna.
We chose to head straight to the waterfall, but you can easily turn back and explore deeper into the park afterward. Once we reached the bridge and crossed over, we were rewarded with a stunning view of the waterfall. You can get even closer if you wish—there’s a large rock that’s perfect for photos, but be prepared to get wet from the mist! It’s all part of the fun and adds to the experience.
Peguche Waterfall
The trail doesn’t stop at the waterfall itself. You can continue exploring by heading up either side of the falls, where you’ll find several viewpoints, or Miradores, offering fantastic vistas. If you’re up for a bit more adventure, you can climb even higher, but be sure to come prepared with the right gear.
We ventured about halfway up the trail and discovered a small cave along the way. Taking off our shoes, we crawled through it, uncovering a few hidden spots that were perfect for photos.
Looking back from the base of the waterfall, we noticed a small village where locals sell food and handicrafts, adding a charming touch to the experience.
After returning to the entrance, we decided to explore a different path by turning left, which led us deeper into the park. Along the way, we stumbled upon a natural pool. Though the water wasn’t particularly warm, we couldn’t resist taking off our shoes and dipping our toes in for a refreshing break. It was a peaceful end to our exploration of the park.
After spending a bit more time exploring the park, we decided to head back and walked to the bus station.
In total, our time exploring the area lasted over two hours. However, if your focus is just on visiting Peguche Waterfall without venturing deeper into the park, you can easily cover it in about an hour. It’s definitely worth setting aside some extra time if you want to fully enjoy the trails and peaceful surroundings.
Bottom Line
Cascadas de Peguche may not be the most famous attraction in Otavalo, but it’s certainly worth a visit. We’re so glad we included it in our Ecuador itinerary—sometimes, it’s the lesser-known spots that leave the biggest impressions.
If you’re spending a few days in Otavalo, we highly recommend making time to visit Peguche Waterfall. Its natural beauty, cultural significance, and peaceful surroundings make it a truly rewarding experience that captures the essence of the region.
