Morona Santiago: Waterfalls, Rivers and Culture

Morona Santiago can be explored through a wide variety of landscapes and experiences: Sangay National Park, waterfalls, rivers and cultural traditions each offer something different. When planning your trip, consider nature destinations and the city of Macas as specific reference points. This will help you decide which aspects interest you most during your stay.

Sangay National Park and Wildlife Viewing

Sangay National Park also extends into the province of Morona Santiago and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its habitats include glacier and volcanic ecosystems, cloud forests and Amazon rainforest, as well as wetlands, lakes, páramos and highland grasslands. Its diversity therefore ranges from highland landscapes to forests and wetlands. The park also provides a habitat for mountain tapirs and spectacled bears, as well as other threatened species.

At Laguna Kakaram, visitors can observe the forest and lush vegetation, as well as numerous birds, mammals and reptiles. Mirador Alto Upano offers a different perspective on the landscape: from there, you can see Sangay Volcano, its surroundings and the Río Upano. Views also include mountains, rivers and Amazon rainforest. If you enjoy taking in a variety of landscapes, this offers a contrast to observing the wildlife and plants around the lagoon.

Waterfalls and Activities on the Water

At Cascadas de Evenecer, a walk of about 20 minutes leads to a first waterfall, which is 30 meters high. From there, it is about another 25 minutes on foot to the larger waterfall, which is 90 meters high. The two stages differ both in their approximate walking times and in the height of the waterfalls. Admission is free, but a guide is required. Allow time for the required guided visit and confirm this requirement before your visit.

Cascada Yungallí consists of two waterfalls surrounded by lush vegetation. Canyoning is also available there: participants rappel or descend between rocks and waterways. This is a different way to experience the waterscape from walking to Cascadas de Evenecer. The Río Upano, meanwhile, is suitable for white-water rafting, kayaking and tubing. It crosses the canton of Morona for about 97 kilometers and is between 500 meters and one kilometer wide.

On weekends and public holidays, the Río Upano is a gathering place for residents and visitors. Local events, artistic performances and sports competitions take place there. Since the program may change, check current dates if an event is part of your plans.

Local Experiences and Cuisine

At the Río Ambusha, clear water and a natural setting are complemented by traditional Shuar huts. Traditional cuisine is available there by order; check in advance if you are interested in this service. The dishes also offer an insight into regional cuisine: typical Amazonian dishes from the Morona region include ayampaco, chicha de chonta and caldo de novios.

Another way to learn about the province’s wildlife is to visit Centro de Rescate los Jaguares, a rescue center for native wild animals. It is located in the community of Proaño at kilometer 7 on the road from Macas to San Isidro. The center currently lists 45 animal species, including jaguars, parrots, guans, coatis, caimans and monkeys. The species list may change.

Macas: Traditions and How to Get There

Celebrations take place each year at Santuario Nacional Purísima de Macas on February 18, August 5 and November 20. Worshippers walk and make pilgrimages to the cathedral. The sanctuary also houses a six-meter-high white statue of Christ. The listed feast days and the statue offer two different ways to discover Macas’s religious traditions.

Macas can be reached by flights from Quito via Edmundo Carvajal Airport, or overland from Cuenca, Riobamba or Puyo. Allow about five hours for the journey from Cuenca. Routes and schedules may change, so it is advisable to check them before traveling. These travel details apply to Macas; make separate plans for other destinations in Morona Santiago.

Whether you are more interested in time outdoors, regional cuisine or religious celebrations depends on which of these aspects you want to combine on your trip.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Huamboya, Macas, Palora, Santa Elena, Pichincha, Los Ríos, Orellana, Guayas.

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