Gold waterfall and Cunuyacu hot springs located in the Ilinizas

✈️ Exclusive Benefits for Readers

Verified codes to save on your next trip.

In this post we will tell you everything you need to know about the Cunuyacu gold waterfall and hot springs located in the Ilinizas, specifically south.

Have you heard of the little-known red waterfall?, orange or gold from Cunuyacu and its hot springs? Well, here we tell you about this walk that can easily be done in one day.

Post written by Sil – Instagram: @smc_sock
With photos by Sil and Nicolás

---

Other post by Sil:

• Traveling by land in Ecuador? This is what you need to know.
• Polylepis Lodge Experience.
• The magical city of Cusco.
• Tips for visiting the Galapagos Islands.
• Orlando 101: Guide to know the parks
• This is how you can get to know Iguazú in two days
• Knowing Loja in 4 days

Golden waterfall and Cunuyacu hot springs

In this time of omnipresent virus we try to take care of ourselves even on holidays, since it is when more people can be found in the streets of the city. We wanted a low-profile location where you can enjoy a walk in the open air but that was not very crowded and that is how we decided to go to the Cunuyacu waterfall, where in the same place there are hot springs.

Some time ago we had seen a post about little-known places in Ecuador and this place appeared among them, which we did not know of its existence. So after researching and consulting with people who had previously been, we decided that this would be the best destination for the holiday on the condition that you go early to avoid crowds.

In this post I will tell you everything you need to know to get to the famous and hidden waterfall that is also known as red although it is actually more orange, road to the Ilinizas.

How to get to the golden waterfall and hot springs of Cunuyacu?

Getting there could be a bit tricky as Google Maps doesn't have the correct route, That's why I leave you the correct route with which you reach the main road before the start of the climb to the waterfall. The route by car must be done calmly given the road conditions, since it is a narrow road only dirt and in poor condition in several sections, this road will take you 3.5 kilometers to a sign where you can find Mr.. Marco.

This man owns the land right where the park begins/ends, and when you don't have a suitable car to continue the climb, he offers to take any group in his van. Nevertheless, a few meters above you have to register with the park ranger with your ID numbers and the entrance to the natural park is free.

This is the map from any point in Quito to the access road in Pastocalle:

This is the exact place you will need to reach to start climbing, there is a sign that indicates that it is access to Ilinizas Park, so they should be attentive to that sign and that way they will know that they are on the right track, do not look on Google Maps for the hot springs or waterfall, will take you down a path that is not:

The tour

Once at the top, you reach a viewpoint with a maximum space of 5 parking lots, where the view, with a clear sky, it's just amazing. You can observe the Cotopaxi and Antisana, postcard pictures. To the right there is a path down and the waterfall is 5 minutes following that road.

They call it red waterfall because the rocks have turned red – oranges due to the presence of volcanic minerals such as sulfur, however the water is crystal clear and does not have the smell of sulfur or minerals. It is a place surrounded by two mountains and the surrounding floor can be very slippery due to the mud and wet floor..

From the parking lot take 5 minutes to get to the waterfall, we promise you will be surprised, with care they can even stand inches from the waterfall.

Cunuyacu hot springs

Along the same path there is a climb that lasts approximately 25-30 minutes of walking on land. The higher you go, the more impressive the landscape is., so don't miss the breaks.

Finally you can see a small pool with natural water with a capacity of 3 – 4 people (counting social distancing). Is small, and since everything is outdoors and there is nothing in its surroundings, it is advisable to bring a large towel for changing clothes.

To get to the pool you have to cross a stream, it is better to have water shoes or sandals as it can be a balancing act and a bit complicated.. The water has a slight mineral odor, totally crystal clear and really not that hot, we would say no more 20 degrees Celsius, so hot thermal as we know it, It is not, but if it is refreshing after the walk.

I would think that you cannot be happier than resting in a natural hot spring admiring Cotopaxi from afar..

The descent

Once soaked and ready to return, we prepare to return along the path where previously, we had called Don Marco to pick us up and drop us off in his super truck back to the first parking lot.

Among the best recommendations he gave us, It was to visit the park during the week since there is very little influx of people and there is no need to wait for the hot springs. And the other, do not waste time walking from below because one arrives tired and covered in dust.

recommendations

• The ascent is a third order path, it is all full of slippery ground with medium and deep holes. It is recommended to have a tall car with system 4×4 because the four wheel drive will help even if the road is totally dry. It is not recommended to go up in the rain as the whole road turns into mud and many cars get stuck.
• When arriving at the land of Don Marco it is advisable to go up with him, because even if you have your car 4×4 the next stretch of road is even steeper with more potholes and even large stones. If you want to take care of your car, the best option is to get in the van of someone who lives in the area and knows the route. per person charged us $5 dollars per section and $3 dollars for parking. Don Marco's cell phone number is: +593984937041
• Many people leave the car on Don Marco's land and prefer to walk up, but you lose about an hour and forty minutes each way, many of them arrived so tired from the climbs, the dirt and dust that didn't feel like following the waterfall or the hot springs.
• Wear comfortable and breathable clothing, trail shoes or shoes that have a good grip with the ground, there are parts with a lot of mud and fine earth that turns out to be very slippery. Sunscreen is essential and a cap/hat, hardly any shady parts. Bottles with water because there is no business in the vicinity.
• Access hours are from 8 am a 15 hours (take this detail into account so as not to waste time walking up or down)
• It is recommended to arrive as early as possible and even better, if it's during the week.

✈️ Exclusive Benefits for Readers

Search here for hotels ALL over the world at the best price.