Pailon del Diablo and the waterfall inside an Andean gorge
Published on 09/23/2026 at 19:04 | Editorial responsibility: Rafael MĂĽller, Editor-in-Chief AD HOC NEWS
Pailon del Diablo is a waterfall near Banos, Ecuador, where the RĂo Verde drops through a narrow gorge of dark volcanic rock. Water, cliff and forest occupy the same confined space, giving the site its enduring image as a natural cauldron.
RĂo Verde plunges through volcanic rock
The waterfall lies in the RĂo Verde parish, east of Banos de Agua Santa, in Tungurahua Province. It stands beside the Baños–Puyo road, which follows the Pastaza valley towards Ecuador’s Amazonian lowlands. Pailon del Diablo near Banos is part of the landscape associated with the Route of Waterfalls.
The RĂo Verde is a tributary within the upper Amazon drainage system. At Pailon del Diablo, its water falls through several stages into a confined rock basin before continuing towards the RĂo Pastaza. The cascade is about 80 m (262 ft) high, although its appearance depends on the angle from the surrounding paths.
A waterfall shaped by water and stone
Dark volcanic rock forms the gorge walls, ledges and boulders around the falls. Tungurahua Province belongs to the volcanic belt of the central Ecuadorian Andes, and the landscape around Banos contains steep valleys, ravines and dense green vegetation.
The Spanish name Pailon del Diablo translates as “Devil’s Cauldron”. It refers to the churning basin beneath the falling water and to the enclosed character of the gorge. The site combines a powerful river with a narrow passage, stone steps, tunnels and viewing areas close to the cascade.
Paths, tunnels and views into the gorge
The approach descends from the settlement of RĂo Verde towards the river. The route includes stairs cut into the rock, narrow passages and viewpoints facing different sections of the waterfall. The paths are part of the physical character of Pailon del Diablo, not merely a route across open ground.
Some viewpoints place the falling water directly beyond the gorge walls, while other sections reveal the river continuing between boulders and vegetation. The gorge and waterfall dimensions give the site a clear vertical scale, but the enclosed rock passage remains central to its character.
Visiting Pailon del Diablo: what travellers from Western Europe should know
- Pailon del Diablo lies east of Banos in the RĂo Verde parish, along the Baños–Puyo road. Public buses, taxis and cycling routes connect Banos with RĂo Verde.
- The approach runs downhill through rock-cut stairs, tunnels and narrow passages. Uneven volcanic surfaces and spray are part of the route.
- The waterfall lies within the Pastaza valley, where the RĂo Verde joins the wider river system leading towards the Amazon Basin.
- The official language is Spanish and the currency is the US dollar.
- Entry requirements depend on your nationality; UK travellers can check the FCDO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice, Irish travellers the Department of Foreign Affairs at ireland.ie.
Searching for Pailon del Diablo on social platforms
These links open searches for Pailon del Diablo on each platform.Frequently asked questions about Pailon del Diablo
Where is Pailon del Diablo?
Pailon del Diablo is near RĂo Verde, east of Banos de Agua Santa in Tungurahua Province, Ecuador. The waterfall lies beside the Baños–Puyo road in the Pastaza valley.
What can visitors expect at Pailon del Diablo?
The route includes rock-cut stairs, tunnels, narrow passages and viewpoints near the falling water. Spray, dark volcanic rock and dense vegetation define the gorge.
What makes Pailon del Diablo distinctive?
The RĂo Verde falls about 80 m (262 ft) through a confined volcanic gorge. Its Spanish name, “Devil’s Cauldron”, reflects the basin and enclosed setting beneath the cascade.
