Banos: Ruta de Las Cascadas – Valley of the Waterfalls, plus the swing and tower at the top of the world

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BANOS

July 12th, we were in Banos, which literally means baths. This name comes from the hot springs and mineral baths available. Baños sits at the foot of the Tungurahua volcano, which has been steadily flowing hot lava and ash since a big eruption in 1999. There are also several rivers flowing with numerous waterfalls and all coming together in a wonderful valley, like a huge gorge.

I guess the best description that I have is that there is this long gorgeous, green gorge like valley that has dozens of waterfalls tumbling down the sides feeding three large rivers that all meet and head towards the Amazon.

Ruta de las Cascadas

Milton arrived to take us to explore the Valley of the waterfalls the Ruta de las Cascadas in other words: the Route of the Waterfalls. This is one of the best natural attractions in Ecuador, it is a 20-kilometer stretch of the Pastaza River, where 11 waterfalls are found. In addition, this area is a hub of adventure activities.

Milton took the old, narrow, one way route that runs right along the ledge above the river.

We drove some of the route stopping to look down at the river and take pictures of the river and various falls.

Next, Milton suggested for us to walk ahead. He parked along the side, as we disappeared around a corner, then he would drive along and re-park, keeping an eye on us is what he said.

It really was fun walking behind and in front of the waterfalls that were tumbling down the cliffs face.

Upon reaching an area where you could, zip line or cable car across the valley, we chose to cable car across for $1.00. Milton agreed to come for the ride too.

Whoopee, we flew across the valley gorge, me taking pics as we went able to see above and beyond the valley.

The waterfall on the other side was a large one that we could visit but opted not to.

Back on our side we continued along the river valley, past a fish farm for trout and looking out across at the large waterfalls and farmlands.

Arriving at an entertainment area further down the river valley there were many options for entertainment, bridges to cross to the other side, zip lining across, the usual down river sports.

We opted for the hanging bridge that was in part clear so as to suggest there was nothing between you and the river. The crossing was fun, I was amazed and amused by the number of folks that were terrified by the crossing….

There was one stretch where the glass one walked on artificially cracked under you as if it were giving way.

How to make sweet treats?

On we went in Milton’s car for a short drive to a sweet manufacturing business. It was just a little store, but that were chock a block with sweets of all types.

However they all had a few common factors: they were made from sugar cane, fruits, nuts, cocoa, nuts and seeds. In other words they were all totally natural.

We strolled around the store front and then went behind scenes to see the vats of sugar cane and fruits being brewed for the next batches.

Plus we saw the packaging and the garden where many of the fruits were grown. And, Yes, we did buy several packets of yummy snacks.

Rio Verde aka Green river followed by the Pailon Del Diablo or Devils Caldron area and falls.

Next stop was the absolutely beautiful Rio Verde aka Green river followed by the Pailon Del Diablo or Devils Caldron area and falls.

To get to this area we had our guide Milton who knew all the ins and outs plus info about the area parked near a friend’s little tienda.

From there we followed him along a lovely path to, the Isla de Pallion Trail. This area was damp from the river and lush with green vegetation.

All along the path were the wonderful ever present flowering plants. The calm of the shady tree canopy was a contrast to the turmoil of the rushing river below us.

A constant, dull roar in the distance can be heard till finally we reached the first caldron where the river emptied straight down, down, down into the dark cavern below.

Next, the trail drops, taking us down a cemented, sometimes stepped-path to the suspension bridge below. This is why the trail is a called an island; it uses bridges to cross impossibly steep mountain walls. The whole area is damp and the orchids plus bromeliads are thriving in the trees from the rising spray.

The falls are 1,410m or 4,626ft. above sea level and they themselves are 80m or 280ft tall, absolutely massive falls! The waterfall feels so much taller when standing right next to it.

There’s a massive amount of water compressed into a narrow channel before exploding off a mountain ledge. The force of that churning water created a dramatic bowl where it meets the mountain. That bowl holds all of that swirling water before allowing it to exit through a rocky channel down to the valley below. The result is a second drop that is even more dramatic.

We followed along from one suspension bridge to another and then down the steep, slippery stairs, stopping frequently to takes photos. Towards the bottom Milton took a photo of us with the raging down pour behind.

To look down into the Devils caldron and onto the rocks below is absolutely awesome. The power of the water incredible! This was indeed a real wonder to see!

Ecuador is capitalizing on its water supply as it exports the hydro power to Colombia and Peru. In July of this year it exported $32.13 million of hydro electrical energy!

Our next stop was again along the waterfall route. We stopped to look back at the Devil’s Caldron from the roadside. Milton then explained the name with a little diagram he drew, so that we could see the Devils Caldron.

Lunch was in Banos. We chose to go to a small cafe that was delightfully decorated and served the most wonderful sandwiches. All on Milton’s recommendation of course.

The Casa Del Arbol swing and top of the world

This was our next stop. Casa del Arbol Swing is a seismic monitoring station that has capitalized on its perfect mountaintop location next to the Tungurahua Volcano by installing a treehouse with a rope swing.

The swing is called: the Swing at the End of the World, as offers thrills with an unobstructed view of the volcano. The whole area is in a lovely garden setting with beautiful flowers being tended by luminous green humming birds.

The views are amazing, we totally enjoyed wandering around. The swing was great fun, I just loved it!! John was a bit reluctant but once on it he seemed to warm to the ride.

Next stop:Glass Bridge & Extreme Giant Swing

Glass Bridge & Extreme Giant Swing at 2600m high!! This amazing attraction had only just opened in June. Going on the glass platform is exciting! The feel of being able to look straight down several hundreds of feet is mentally stimulating.

We both enjoyed the sensation of walking almost on nothing. But it is the views from the platform that are magical. No number of words can describe the spectacular views.

As for the swing, I was tempted, but at $50 a pop it was just too much of an expense. We then climbed to the very top of the tower and enjoyed the higher view from up where the birds fly.