(4000 sea level, free)
The "Milagrosa" waterfall is one od the attractions of the Cayambe Coca National Park in Ecuador. It is called "milagrosa" = miraculous because it is in the middle of a Polylepis forest and was part of the ceremonies or rituals of the Shaman. It is located 1Km from the "Baños" Ranger control in the Cayambe-Coca National Park or 6K from Papallacta hot springs.
From the ranger control, there is 900 meters for a very good maintained pathway. Then it is necessary to take a small muddy pathway (100 meters) in order to arrive to the waterfall. This pathway is wonderfull located because it follows a small river surrounded by a Polylepis forest.
This waterfall is part of the 12Km hiking water and life = "el Agua y la vida" which arrive to the ranger control and go through some lagoons. This zone above 4000 sea level is very susceptible to weather change. Thus, it is recommend to be prepared for rain, cold and muddy pathways.
There are two ways to reach the waterfall. First, it is necessary to reach the ranger control "Baños" which is 7.5Km from Papallacta city or 5km from Papallacta hot spring. A taxi is around $30 return and wait for you 2 hours. One way $10. Many people walk from the Papallacata hot spring. the second way is to do the 12Km hiking water and life = "el agua y la vida". This hiking departs from the highest point on the Quito-Papallacta road in the zone called antennas near the virgin. After 11Km for a easy walk going through many lagoons, 1Km before the ranger control you need to take the small muddy pathway to reach the waterfall and then continue to the ranger control.
Caverna de Jumandy Tena - Ecuador turismo Friday 21 February 2025
Tourism
