Tungurahua: Caves, Waterfalls and Hiking Trails
Accommodation in Tungurahua
Explore Tungurahua through its diverse natural destinations: at the JardĂn Botánico Atocha-La Liria, the focus is on plants and birdwatching, while elsewhere you can find caves, waterfalls, thermal pools and hiking trails. Information about buses, distances and walking times varies by destination and can help you fit individual excursions into your travel plans.
Botanical Diversity and Caves
The JardĂn Botánico Atocha-La Liria in Ambato covers 14 hectares and is home to more than 300 native plant species. It is a good place for birdwatching. Those interested in plants will find a different natural experience here from the region’s cave destinations.
The Gruta TurĂstica de la Virgen de Santa Ana de Calamaca is located in the parish of San Fernando in the canton of Ambato. It comprises natural caves with mineral deposits and stalactites. These formations give the site its distinctive character; in contrast, the botanical garden focuses on plant species and birdwatching.
Hiking Destinations and Access Routes
Teligote is a hiking destination in Pelileo. From central Pelileo, take the Ciudad Azul bus to the center of the parish of Teligote. The bus runs every 30 minutes from 6:30 a.m.; from Teligote, continue on foot to Cerro Teligote. Check the bus service again before setting out.
Another hiking destination is Hacienda Hipolongo in Quero. It is located 7 km south of the canton of Quero’s Parque Central, along the San Antonio Hipolongo–Cruz de Mayo road. For the Complejo Lacustre Puñalica in Tisaleo, both the distance from the canton capital and the walking time are provided: the complex is 8.5 km away and can be reached by a one-and-a-half-hour walk along the slopes of Puñalica in the parish of Quinchicoto. Access to Teligote begins with a bus ride followed by a walk; for Puñalica, the longer walk is the main part of the journey.
Turismo Comunitario Cunugyacu is also a hiking destination in Ambato. From the Ambato–Guaranda road, access is via Yacupartina and a dirt road. The route then continues with a 15-minute drive and a 45-minute walk to the Mechahuazca huts and the community of Cunugyacu. Ruta Kuri Pishku is a hiking destination in Patate: from Parque Central de Patate, a hired vehicle takes you to hiking trails in Platupamba, Manteles, Platuquiral, La Suiza, El Triunfo, Llanganates National Park and Vizcaya.
Waterfalls, Activities and Thermal Pools
The Ruta de las Cascadas runs from Baños de Agua Santa in Tungurahua Province to Puyo in Pastaza Province. There are 60 waterfalls of varying sizes along the route. Activities include bridge jumping, canopy, cycling and hiking. Providers and safety conditions may change; check the current conditions before taking part in an activity.
The thermal baths in Baños de Agua Santa have pools with cold, warm and hot water. Some facilities reach temperatures of up to 42°C. This makes them different from the hiking destinations: here, the various water temperatures shape the experience, while elsewhere the focus is on trails and scenery.
Cascada Mundug in Patate has two waterfalls approximately 120 m high. Together with the waterfalls along the Ruta de las Cascadas, they offer another natural attraction to include in your travel plans in Tungurahua.
Discover more destinations: Ambato, Baños, RĂo Negro, Salasaca, Pillaro, Patate, Morona Santiago, Azuay.
For the main travel overview: Ecuador.
