The Waterfall Route by car: from Quito to Baños and the Pailón del Diablo

How to get from Quito to Baños by car

The most direct route leaves Quito heading south on the Pan-American Highway (E35), passes through Latacunga and Ambato and, from there, takes the road to Pelileo and Baños. It’s approximately 180 km and between 3 and 4 hours of driving, depending on traffic leaving Quito and the stops you make.

• Leave early: you will avoid the traffic leaving the city and reach Baños in daylight to drive the route.
• Recommended stop: Cotopaxi National Park is close to the Pan-American Highway; if you have time, combine it on the way there or back.
• Fuel: fill the tank before leaving Ambato; there are fewer gas stations on the Waterfall Route.

What to see on the Waterfall Route

From Baños, the road to Puyo runs along the Pastaza canyon. In the first 20 km you will find several of the best-known waterfalls in the country, most of them visible from the road or a few minutes’ walk away:

• Agoyán: one of the first waterfalls, next to the dam of the same name.
• Manto de la Novia: visible from the road and from the cable car that crosses the canyon.
• Pailón del Diablo: in Río Verde, about 15 km from Baños. You follow trails and suspension bridges until you stand facing the waterfall. It’s the essential stop.
• Machay and other trails: smaller waterfalls to walk to through the forest.

If you continue east, the road goes on to Puyo, the gateway to the Amazon, about another hour’s drive.

Which car suits this trip

The Quito–Baños road and the Waterfall Route are paved, so any car in the Budget fleet will do. Even so, an SUV such as the Chevrolet Tracker will give you more comfort on curves and climbs, more luggage space and a higher driving position. If five people are traveling with suitcases, check the 7-seat category.

Tips for driving the route

• The road has curves and tunnels: turn on your lights in the tunnels and respect the speed limits.
• In the rainy season there may be fog and minor landslides; check road conditions before you leave.
• Park only in the designated areas at viewpoints and attractions.
• Carry cash: some waterfall and trail entrances charge a small fee.

Suggested two-day itinerary

Day 1: leave Quito in the morning, have lunch in Baños and in the afternoon drive the Waterfall Route to the Pailón del Diablo. Day 2: hot springs in the morning, a visit to the Casa del Árbol or the Virgin viewpoint, and back to Quito in the afternoon.

Ready to go? Pick up your car at our Quito office or at Quito airport, and check the requirements to rent a car.

What else to do in Baños de Agua Santa

Baños isn’t just the Waterfall Route. If you stay one or two days, make the most of:

• Hot springs: the thermal pools in the town center are ideal for relaxing after driving.
• Casa del Árbol and viewpoints: in the upper part of Baños there are viewpoints overlooking the valley and, on clear days, the Tungurahua volcano.
• Adventure sports: rafting, canyoning and bridge jumping are booked with local operators. Always choose registered companies.
• Food: try the sugarcane taffy (melcochas), the traditional sweets of Baños, and the local trout dishes.

Where to park and get around in Baños

The center of Baños is small and very busy at weekends. The most convenient option is to leave the car at your hotel or in a parking lot and explore the center on foot. Use the car for the Waterfall Route and the viewpoints, which are outside the town.

Best time to go

Baños has a mild climate all year round, with frequent rain because it sits on the transition between the Andes and the Amazon. The waterfalls carry more water in the rainy season, and sunny days are more common between August and December. On public holidays and long weekends there is a lot of traffic: if you can, travel midweek.

Packing list for the car

• A waterproof jacket and a change of clothes: it’s easy to get wet at the Pailón del Diablo.
• Footwear with good grip for the trails.
• Cash for entrance fees, cable cars and parking.
• Vehicle documents and your valid license.

Stops along the way from Quito

• Cotopaxi National Park: the entrance is close to the Pan-American Highway, south of Machachi. Ideal for seeing the volcano on clear days.
• Salcedo: famous for its fruit ice pops, a classic stop on the road.
• Ambato: the “city of flowers and fruit”, a good place to have lunch and rest before the last stretch.
• Pelileo: known for its denim clothing shops, right on the road to Baños.

How to combine it with other routes

If you have more days, the Waterfall Route combines well with other destinations in the central Andes:

• Quilotoa Lagoon: from Latacunga it’s about 2 hours on a mountain road. You can visit it on the way and stay overnight in the area.
• Riobamba and Chimborazo: from Baños, Riobamba is about an hour and a half away. From there you can drive up to the refuge on Ecuador’s highest volcano.
• Puyo and the Amazon: continue along the same Pastaza road to see the rainforest without flying.

Road safety and the Tungurahua volcano

Baños sits at the foot of the Tungurahua volcano, whose activity is monitored by the Geophysical Institute of the National Polytechnic School. Before traveling, check its official reports and the road conditions. On the road, don’t stop on curves or in tunnels to take photos: use the designated viewpoints. If it’s raining heavily, wait until visibility improves before continuing.

Before traveling, check the reports on the Tungurahua volcano on the website of the Geophysical Institute (IG-EPN).