Information
Landmark: Cascada de AgoyánCity: Banos
Country: Ecuador
Continent: South America
Cascada de Agoyán, Banos, Ecuador, South America
Overview
Cascada de Agoyán, the tallest waterfall near Baños, thunders down a rocky cliff just 6 km (3.7 miles) from Banos-de-agua-santa_banos" class="underline">Baños de Agua Santa along the well-known Ruta de las Cascadas.Towering 61 meters-about 200 feet-the tallest waterfall in the region roars with water from the Pastaza River, which winds its way toward the vast Amazon Basin.This waterfall isn’t just a breathtaking sight-you can hear the roar from half a mile away-it also helps power Ecuador’s hydroelectric plants.Getting there’s easy-just head about 10 minutes out of Baños by car or bike along the Baños–Puyo road, where the air smells faintly of pine.The best way to go is by bike-most travelers rent one in Baños and pedal the Ruta de las Cascadas, passing Agoyán, Manto de la Novia, Pailón del Diablo, and other waterfalls that roar in the mist.Hop on a Chiva, the colorful open-air truck, for a guided tour that pauses at Agoyán so you can take in the view and snap a few photos.By car or taxi, it’s just a short drive from Baños-ten minutes watching the green hills roll past-so visiting on your own is simple.Top Sights and Must‑See Spots 1.The Cascada de Agoyán roars to life after heavy rain, the Pastaza River surging with muddy water and spraying mist that clings to your skin.You can watch its power surge from a few spots along the road, where the spray sometimes catches the light.Number two.Unlike the other waterfalls in Baños, Agoyán flows under the watch of a hydroelectric dam built in 1987, its steady rush partly tamed to power the region’s lights.At times this slows the water to a gentle trickle, but in the rainy season it roars over the rocks in a dazzling rush.Three.One of the best ways to see Agoyán is to hop on a tarabita, the traditional cable car that floats high above the river, offering a sweeping view of the rushing waterfall and the steep, green canyon walls.Number four stood alone, scratched in pencil at the corner of the page.Thrill-seekers can dive into local adventure sports, like zip-lining high above the Pastaza River, where the rush comes with a sweeping view of Agoyán’s roaring falls.For thrill-seekers, bridge jumping-puenting-offers that heart-pounding rush as you leap into open air.Five.The Agoyán waterfall sits nearby, one of many you’ll find scattered along the Ruta de las Cascadas, where mist hangs in the air and the roar follows you down the road.Many visitors keep going to explore Manto de la Novia, San Jorge, and Pailón del Diablo, all just a quick drive apart, where you can hear the waterfalls rumble before you see them.Rainy season runs from October to May, when the water roars harder and the falls crash in a mist you can feel on your skin.Dry Season (June–September) brings bright blue skies and crisp air, perfect for cycling through dusty trails and diving into adventure sports.If you’re exploring Baños and the Ruta de las Cascadas, don’t miss Cascada de Agoyán-it’s a breathtaking stop where mist cools your face and the roar follows you down the trail.You can take in Agoyán’s stunning beauty from a cliffside lookout, glide over the river in a swaying tarabita, or feel the rush of wind as you zip-line past the roar of the falls.
