Useful tips fo a visit to the Peguche Waterfall

Many tourists or travelers who visit the Andean market town of Otavalo or nearby Cotacachi include a visit to the Peguche waterfall.

An easy walk from the center of Otavalo (45 minutes). Or a taxi ride from either Otavalo (10 minutes), or Cotacachi (15 minutes).

Background info

The Peguche Waterfall is located just over 3 km/2 mi. from Otavalo. 11km/ 7 mi. from Cotacachi.

Although the name suggests the Waterfall is part of the village of Peguche, it’s located a bit outside its center (1,5 km/1 mile).

The Waterfall is actually part of a small community called Fakcha Llakta (Quichua for the Pueblo de la Cascada, the Waterfall community).

After entering through the old Hacienda gate, you’ll first pass some small stalls & shops that sell snacks & drinks, as well as some handicrafts.

On the right hand side you soon encounter a recently restored Sun Calendar (Inty Watana in Quichua).

A Holy place

For most indigenous people the Waterfall & area around is a Holy Place. Like many other natural highlights in the Andean landscape of Imbabura: mountains, lakes, hills, certain animals & trees.

At certain times ceremonies take place in & around the Peguche Waterfall.

For example, at the June Solstice (Inti Raymi or Fiesta del Sol, June 21) or on New Years day. On these days many locals gather here to take a ritual bath. The water of the area provides them strength & drives away the bad spirits.

After entering a second gate you enter a mysterious forest. Here you have to register & they ask you for a voluntary contribution. Money which they use to maintain the attraction (every coin will do!).

From here, an Inca style trail leads you in about 15 minutes to the Waterfall.

And on you go…

On the way to the Peguche Waterfall you can take trails to the left and right. Depending on the one you choose you end up at a camping/picnic area, a large suspension bridge, thermal baths, the river, or a play ground.

In that sense the Peguche waterfall is an ideal place to visit with children.

At the end of the main trail you’ll find the Cascada or Waterfall.

• The Waterfall of Peguche is located at an altitud of just over 2500m (over 8000ft). The water falls 20m (65ft). Depending on the season it can be up to 6m (20ft) wide.

The trail doesn’t end there though. You can climb up to the left or the right of the fall, leading to several lookout points or Miradores.

When you take the right, you first have to cross a wooden bridge. At the end of that bridge, you can either go to the left leading you directly to the waterfall.

Or you can go to the right. A path that either follows the river, where you end up at a few food stalls/restaurants, as well as a natural cave. Or up, above the fall & its source. The source being the San Pablo lake.

What Else to do in the area

It’s easy to combine a visit to the Peguche Waterfall with other attractions in the neighborhood. More so if you’re taking a taxi tour of the area.

Many people combine the Waterfall with a visit to the Condor Park. Generally, first visiting the Park – which is located on the South Eastern hill above the Waterfall – after which they walk downhill to the Peguche Waterfall.

Clearly it’s possible to do it the other way around. However, be aware it’s a steep climb up to the Condor Park. Trails which aren’t marked either.

• Visit my post on the Condor Park for tips & recommendations, as well as opening days & hours.

How to get to the Waterfall from Otavalo

Most people arrange a taxi from Otavalo ($3) or Cotacachi ($5). Others prefer to walk (when staying in Otavalo).

When walking from Otavalo center, a good starting point is the Train Station and follow the tracks to the north. A road to the right runs parallel to the tracks.

• You have to follow these rail tracks until – after about 3 kilometers (2 miles) – it makes a significant curve to the left (see picture below).

• Instead of continuing on, you have to leave the rail track and make your way up to the houses up the hill.

• A good alternative though is to follow the rail track just a little more until – after the left curve – you encounter a road to the right. This will lead you to the parking area & main entrance.

Tips & recommendations

• You can visit the Peguche Waterfall all day.

• You can buy snacks & drinks before the hike to the Peguche Waterfall. However, you’ll find several small food stores along the way and even more at the Waterfall itself. That is, before you enter the forest trail.

• It can get really busy at the weekends, but it’s a perfect time to see the local people enjoying themselves at the Waterfall – at a picnic, playing ball, just relaxing, having a bath.

• You don’t need a guide at the Waterfall, but those who visit the Peguche waterfall with a guide can enjoy some interesting background stories. Or explanations about the flora & fauna.

• Wear long trousers. In the forest and up the hill you’ll encounter thousands of sandflies that leave itchy little bites. Bites that won’t harm you, but will annoy you, mostly at night.

• In the Andean highlands, always be prepared for every type of weather: cold, warm, sunny, rainy.

• Protect yourself from the sun (at least Factor 50).

Where to Stay

Otavalo

When you are looking for the best place to stay in Otavalo, I’d highly recommend to have a look at our former hotel/restaurant there:

Hotel Doña Esther/Restaurante Árbol de Montalvo.

A beautiful, safe & friendly place in the heart of the city with an excellent, cozy restaurant with a huge variety of local & international dishes. Run nowadays by former staff members of ours. Experienced & professional.

To learn more, go to: Hotel Doña Esther, Otavalo

Cotacachi

However, if you prefer to stay in nearby Cotacachi, I’d like to introduce our new Airbnb in Cotacachi.

A complete rental home we – that’s me & my wife Wendy – recently finished building for people who want to visit & explore the many Things to do in & around Otavalo/Cotacachi.

• We owned & ran the mentioned hotel in Otavalo for over 22 years. After selling the place we decided to continue on with a smaller accommodation in beautiful Cotacachi.

If you first would like an introduction to Cotacachi, click on:

The Beautiful & Magical City of Cotacachi

Casa Santa Ana

An Airbnb we named Casa Santa Ana. After the official name of our “Magical City”: Santa Ana de Cotacachi. As well as Wendy’s mother – my mother-in-law – Anna.

Besides a spacious living room with chimney & full equipped kitchen, our Airbnb has two separate bedrooms. Each with its own bathroom. Ideal for 1, 2 to 4 people. Or also a family with 2 or 3 smaller children.

• Minimum stay: 3 nights. Maximum stay: several months (!).

From the partially covered rooftop terrace – also with a chimney – you have magnificent views of the old city center & surrounding area. Like the mountain of the same name in the background.

• Mt. Cotacachi is the 11th highest volcano of Ecuador (4,944m/16,220ft).

To learn more about this overnight option in Cotacachi, click on:

Casa Santa Ana, Cotacachi.

*****

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For other Things to do in & around Otavalo, go to: Otavalo Attractions

For an overview of all travel posts of my blog, go to: the Home Page.