Jumping Timezones

Pailón del Diablo — Spanish for “Devil’s Cauldron” — is a waterfall on the Pastaza River located approximately 8 kilometres from Baños de Agua Santa in the Tungurahua Province of Ecuador. At roughly 80 metres in height, it is one of the largest and most powerful waterfalls in Ecuador, and among the most visited natural attractions in the country. The falls drop through a narrow basalt gorge, generating a near-constant mist and roar that can be felt and heard well before the falls come into view.

The Falls

The Pastaza River collects meltwater from Volcán Chimborazo and numerous Andean tributaries before channelling through the narrow gorge at Pailón del Diablo. The volume and force of water concentrated into such a tight canyon gives the falls their name — the churning pool at the base resembles a cauldron of boiling water. The falls drop in a near-vertical curtain of white water, splitting slightly around a central rock formation before crashing into the turbulent pool below. The power of the water has carved the surrounding basalt walls into smooth, curved forms over centuries of erosion.

The Viewing Platforms

A network of concrete stairways and viewing platforms descends into the gorge, bringing visitors within metres of the falls at multiple elevations. The most dramatic platform sits almost level with the churning base pool, where the spray is intense and a waterproof layer is essential. A distinctive spiral staircase structure — built into the rock face on a narrow outcrop mid-gorge — provides one of the most striking viewpoints, with the full height of the falls visible above and the raging river below. On sunny mornings, the mist from the falls consistently produces rainbows over the pool, visible from the lower platforms.

The Trail

Access to the falls begins at the small settlement of Runtún, reached by road from Baños. From the entrance gate, a paved and stepped trail descends through lush subtropical vegetation toward the gorge. The trail is well-maintained and clearly signposted, with sections hugging the canyon wall as it drops toward the viewing platforms. The descent takes around 20–30 minutes at a comfortable pace. Multiple viewpoints along the trail offer different perspectives of the falls — from the top looking straight down the full drop, to the base-level platforms directly in the spray zone. The return ascent requires more effort, particularly in the humidity of the gorge.

Visiting Tips

Pailón del Diablo is located about 8 km east of Baños de Agua Santa along the Ruta de las Cascadas — a scenic road that passes several other waterfalls along the Pastaza valley. From Baños, the site is reachable by taxi, ranchera (open-air local bus), or bicycle along the descent route. An entrance fee is collected at the gate. A waterproof jacket or poncho is essential for the lower platforms — the spray is heavy and unavoidable at close range. Morning visits offer the best chance of seeing rainbows in the mist. The site can be very busy on weekends and public holidays; early arrival is recommended.