Cascada Magica (Rio Malo Waterfall), El Chaco

Cascada Magica del Rio Malo: Details

To reach Cascada Magica del Rio Malo you need to take a bus to El Chaco/Las Palmas and probably rent a taxi to get there or an easier way is to go by car:

• Highlights: Cascada Magica de Rio Malo Waterfall.

• Duration:  1 hour (5-10 minutes walking distance from the parking lot).

• Price: Free (1$ USD for parking).

• Outfit: Swimming Clothes.

• For more information about tourism in El Chaco, please consult the official El Chaco tourism page.

Making the Most of Your Cascada Mágica Adventure

The following sections explain how to reach Cascada Mágica del Río Malo and what you need to know before visiting. These are listings from a booking partner of this site, not tours I took. They cover other adventures in the Ecuadorian Amazon:

Cascada Magica del Rio Malo: Curiosities

Cascada Magica del Rio Malo Waterfall is in Ecuador’s Napo province, in the Amazon Region, in the buffer zone of the Cayambe-Coca Ecological Reserve, and it has a 164 ft. (50 m.) vertical drop. It is locally known as Rio Malo, meaning “bad river”, and also as “Cascada Magica” or “Magic Waterfall” in Spanish.

The San Rafael Waterfall, also in this region, collapsed on February 2, 2020, after erosion of the river Coca. Since then Cascada Magica del Rio Malo is one of the taller waterfalls you can visit in the area.

When we visited, there was a sign at the end of El Chaco town that read “Prohibido el Paso”, Forbidden Passage. It warns travelers that the road toward Lago Agrio was closed by a landslide. Access to the waterfall was still open, because the closure is about 4 km after the waterfall. Road conditions change, so check locally before you go.

To get to this waterfall, make your way from El Chaco to the intersection of the Troncal Amazonica road (E45) and Rio Malo. From there, a stroll through cane fields of approximately 656 ft. (200 m.) leads to the waterfall. The round trip covers a distance of 2.15 mi. (3.46 km). The base of the waterfall is a spot for a swim, but be careful because there are no on-site safeguards.

The force of the waterfall throws up a lot of spray. Being close to the waterfall means you will get soaked, so wear suitable clothes for water before the short walk from the parking area to the falls.

Entry is free, and the temperature is around 20 degrees Celsius.

*If you want to reach San Rafael for the view of the El Reventador Volcano, you need alternative routes because of the landslide. One option was a cable car used mainly by construction workers, which takes you to the area where work on the landslide is underway, and from there you continue on foot. The other options are routes through Carchi Province or Loreto, which take longer. Road conditions change, so check locally before you go.

What should i bring to Cascada Magica del Rio Malo?

This is a general gear list with partner links. These are suggestions, not products I have tested.

Clothing & Accessories:

• Tshirt: Breathable Tshirt (Tech or Merino), or a Lycra
• Jacket: Waterproof Jacket
• Shorts: Shorts, and Swimming Clothes
• Shoes: Hiking Shoes, and Flip Flops
• Hat: Cap
• Sunglasses
• Dry-fast Towel
• Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
• Change of Clothes

Useful Extras:

• GoPro/Camera: Be careful if your camera isn’t waterproof
• First-Aid Kit
• Mosquito Repellent: This is a tropical area where mosquitoes are common, so it is advisable to have mosquito repellent on hand.
• Sunscreen +50 SPF
• Food / Snacks
• Thermos or Water-filtering Bottle

Check out my complete guide on What’s in My Backpack. It covers photography gear and clothing for hiking, mountaineering, scuba diving, rainforest, and city-street photography.

My Experience on the Cascada Magica del Rio Malo

We embarked on an exhilarating journey from Quito, a three-hour drive that led us to the captivating destination of Cascada Magica del Rio Malo Waterfall. As we arrived in El Chaco, we inquired about the “forbidden passage” sign and were reassured by the locals that it was merely a cautionary measure for those attempting to reach Lago Agrio, as the road was closed due to a landslide.

Upon reaching the parking lot, a friendly lady greeted us, opened the gate, and charged a nominal fee of $1 USD for parking. Excitement filled the air as we prepared our backpacks, packing our swimming gear, ignoring our friend Eddie’s advice to change into swimwear beforehand, assuming we could do so near the waterfall. Little did we know what awaited us.

From the Parking Lot to the Waterfall

We set off on a scenic path enveloped by lush vegetation, eagerly anticipating our first glimpse of the magnificent waterfall in the distance. As we approached, we noticed two paths: one to the left, a typical hiking trail, and another leading straight ahead, promising closer proximity to the waterfall for breathtaking photographs. Opting for the latter, we continued our journey.

At a vantage point near the waterfall, a prominent rock provided the perfect backdrop for Steeven’s impromptu photo session. Little did we realize that the sheer power of the waterfall had drenched us completely. Waterproof boots, pants, rain jacket, and even our camera were soaked through. We quickly realized the importance of changing into swimwear at the car and venturing to the waterfall with only essential gear. It was a lesson learned amidst the mist, rain, and humidity. Beware, and protect your non-waterproof cameras as they may fog up.

A different perspective of the Cascada Magica

Undeterred by our drenched clothes, we boldly crossed the small river and ascended a nearby hill, maneuvering through the slippery mud and dense foliage. Much to our delight, we soon realized that this arduous path led us to the ultimate destination of the normal hiking trail. From this elevated vantage point, we were treated to an even more jaw-dropping view of the majestic waterfall, making every step and muddy slip well worth the effort.

A word of caution for those seeking a refreshing summer day swim or a leisurely stroll: Cascada Magica del Rio Malo Waterfall is an adventure in itself. Its immense power is ever-present, regardless of weather conditions. Be prepared for an adrenaline-fueled experience rather than a tranquil afternoon escapade.

Afterwards, we retraced our steps back to the car, where we changed into whatever clothes we had, including my waterlogged boots (as I had forgotten my flip-flops). But that’s a tale for another adventure, the captivating Gruta de Los Tayos, which I have just written about. Embrace the opportunity to indulge in both of these extraordinary experiences, as they are conveniently located nearby and offer unforgettable memories waiting to be made.

What about you, have you already been to the Cascada Magica del Rio Malo Waterfall?  Leave me a comment down here if you have and what was your opinion.

Thanks for reading through and I hope you have fun on this adventure. I will drop more of my favorite shots underneath, enjoy!

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