Agoyán waterfall near Baños de Agua Santa, Ecuador
© Laura BC/Getty Image
Route of the waterfalls
Coursing down the Andes, just as the mountains meet the Amazon jungle, the Pastaza River is forced through a narrow channel before shooting over the mountain's edge, plunging 200ft (61m) into a cauldron-shaped pool. Agoyán, better known as El Pailón del Diablo (The Devil's Cauldron) is Ecuador's tallest and most famous waterfall. It's a highlight of the Ruta de las Cascadas (Route of the Waterfalls), a popular circuit of the many waterfalls and hot springs near the mountain town of Baños de Agua Santa.
Baños is in the shadow of one of South America's most active volcanoes, Tungurahua. The once-sleepy town has become a gateway to the Amazon for outdoor adventurers who love to hike, zipline, rock climb or cycle down the mountain to this roaring cascade. Top tip: Bring a raincoat. The best way to experience the awesome power of The Devil's Cauldron is to walk onto a swaying suspension bridge and follow the steep steps down the mountain, around and behind the roaring curtain of water, soaking in the view. Literally.
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