san rafael waterfall

abbydent

This is an amazing sight and close by is another waterfall rio malo, san rafael is a must see as it will no longer be as big as pictured due to hidro damns upstrema so if you egt a chance go and visit!

HappyTravelerCathie

I have visited many beautiful waterfalls and this one was ok. The trail to reach it was muddy, slippery, and challenging at times. If your goal is a morning trek in nature, then go for it. There were nice pools that the locals were enjoying.

FastF

I really enjoyed viewing this waterfall of nearly 500 ft in height. Sadly it may be de-watered soon. If you have the chance visit now before it is gone. I kayaked the Rio Quijos down to the dam above the waterfall. The dam will only cover up one class II rapid but it will also effectively dewater the waterfall.

yakermary

I've visited here 4 times, saddens me that this will be gone when the Coco-Sinclair dam upstream on the Rio Quijos is completed, nice easy hike, beautiful views, nice photo opportunity, they were requiring passports or photo ID last time I was there so bring ID.

JeromeD449

We saw quite a few waterfalls around Banos, but this one is amazing! Just gigantic! Loved it! And the hike to get there is really nice (nice track, great surroundings, fun bridges!).

Ferntrekker

The road was significantly better than we were lead to believe and the sites along the way were beautiful. The waterfall was gorgeous.

Apolo12

My dream was to go there but the road was close and nobody tell as anything o any information about these matter

0juanr

The waterfall was closed since the bridges to reach it had fallen because of the weather. Must visit this in my next trip.

becruised

From the small town of Baeza, it's about 1.5 -2.5 hours to get to the waterfall San Rafael with a step-over in el chaco. The drive is through beautiful scenery, but still, it's quite a long drive for what turned out to be only a short hike to the viewpoint of the waterfall.The hike is through a lush and beautiful forrest, about 30mins down to a viewpoint. It's a stunning waterfall to see, but unfortunately you'll have to walk back the same way you just came from. So a 4 hours drive for one hour of walking and a beautiful vista.. you'll decide ;)Watch out: after 5 there are almost no buses back to Baeza

lunanegra5

We visited the waterfall early morning. Be prepared, as it is tropical and warmish... For those that are walkers, it took less than 45 minutes to get to the waterfall from the entrance. We crossed a couple of foot bridges with smaller waterfalls. The foliage is green and vibrant. We saw lots of butterflies and flowers. There is an observation station where you can climb the stairs to view the waterfall. While lovely, it does not compare to the end of the trail where you have an incredible view of the waterfall with rainbows.I loved visiting this waterfall. It is a peaceful and pleasurable walk to and from the waterfall. There are restrooms on site that are clean and ample. No paper towels, though....I would love to go back on my next visit!

HOTELSANMARCOS

tHE AMBIANCE, THE SOLITUDE, THE EXPERIENCE, the contact with nature on its more pure estate. The whole trip was on its own a nice experience, we went there thru a nice mountain scenery and then you will be on the middle of the jungle. Great

Engel2015

I really like the waterfall. You have to walk for about 45min to get there but the trip is worth it because of the wildlife and then when you get there the view is amazing.

282JohnP282

I love nature, peace and tranquility. I was excited when I visited the waterfall. It obviously cannot be compared to the Niagara or Iguazu falls,. This waterfall is unique, the environment surrounded with nature, the pure water, the sound of the animals.. Recommended for nature lovers...

JeffC947

This 'must see' waterfall goes in that category if you have a lot of time in Quito or are in the area. It's a long drive from Quito and probably not worth the entire day it would take you out and back in a car. If you're on your way past it, then absolutely, you should stop. The walk from the parking lot to the overlook is easy and about 20-minutes. San Rafael would be a good diversion from Papallacta if you're staying there as the good roads take you through some heavily vegetated scenery that makes the drive pleasant.

anaranjo12345

3 hours trip by car from Quito, beautiful landscapes, Go there before the new  planned Hydroelectrical plant, uses the water from the waterfall