Waterfalls, caves, botanical diversity and hiking destinations offer different perspectives on nature in Tungurahua. Some discoveries involve a hike, while others are located along a route with several activities or invite you to go birdwatching.

Waterfalls and Thermal Baths

From Baños de Agua Santa in Tungurahua Province, the Ruta de las Cascadas leads to Puyo in Pastaza Province. The route features 60 waterfalls of varying sizes. Activities along the Ruta include bridge jumping, canopy tours, cycling and hiking. So, alongside the waterfalls, a range of activities takes center stage; you can choose whichever ones interest you based on your own preferences.

The thermal baths in Baños de Agua Santa also offer a different kind of water experience. Their pools range from cold to warm to hot; some facilities reach temperatures of up to 42 °C. In Patate, Cascada Mundug has two waterfalls approximately 120 m high. The approximate figure describes their height, while the two waterfalls are another specific feature of the destination.

Hiking Destinations and Different Ways to Get There

Teligote is a hiking destination in Pelileo. From central Pelileo, the Ciudad Azul bus travels to the center of the community of Teligote; according to the schedule, it runs every 30 minutes starting at 6:30 a.m. From there, continue on foot to Cerro Teligote. Since the bus connection is relevant to your journey, check the schedule again before you travel.

In Quero, Hacienda Hipolongo is a hiking destination located 7 km south of Parque Central, on the San Antonio Hipolongo–Cruz de Mayo road. Complejo Lacustre Puñalica is a hiking destination in Tisaleo, 8.5 km from the canton capital. The approach involves a one-and-a-half-hour walk along the slopes of Puñalica in the community of Quinchicoto. The directions given differ: for Hipolongo, the focus is on its location south of the central park and the road, while for Puñalica, the distance and walking time are also specified.

Turismo Comunitario Cunugyacu in Ambato is also a hiking destination. From the Ambato–Guaranda road, the route goes via Yacupartina and a dirt road; the directions then specify a 15-minute drive and a 45-minute walk to the Mechahuazca cabins and the community of Cunugyacu. To reach the hiking trails on the Ruta Kuri Pishku in Patate, take a rented vehicle from Parque Central de Patate to Platupamba, Manteles, Platuquiral, La Suiza, El Triunfo, Llanganates National Park and Vizcaya.

The walking times given do not refer to equivalent sections of a route: for Complejo Puñalica, a one-and-a-half-hour walk is specified, while at Cunugyacu, a 45-minute walk follows a 15-minute drive. For Teligote, the bus connection is described as taking you to the community center, from where you continue on foot to the cerro.

Caves and Plant Life

Gruta Turística de la Virgen de Santa Ana de Calamaca features natural caves with mineral deposits and stalactites. It is located in the community of San Fernando in the canton of Ambato. At Jardín Botánico Atocha-La Liria in Ambato, the focus is on plants and birdwatching: the grounds cover 14 hectares, are home to more than 300 native plant species and are suitable for birdwatching. Together, these destinations showcase two different aspects of nature: cave formations and botanical diversity that also offers opportunities to observe birds.

When choosing your accommodation, you can base your decision on the discoveries that interest you most: waterfalls and activities, hiking destinations with different access details, or caves and plant life. This lets you get to know Tungurahua from several specific perspectives, without assuming that all the destinations offer the same kind of outing.

Discover more destinations: Ambato, Río Negro, Baños, Salasaca, Pillaro, Patate, Pichincha, Carchi

For the overview of destinations: Ecuador.