Gold waterfall and Cunuyacu hot springs located in the Ilinizas

In this post we will tell you everything you need to know about the Cunuyacu gold waterfall and hot springs located in the Ilinizas, specifically south.

¿They have heard of the little-known red waterfall, orange or gold from Cunuyacu and its hot springs? Well hereí We tell you about this walk that can easily be done in a day.ía.

Post written by Sil – Instagram: @smc_sock
With photos of Sil and Nicolás

Other post by Sil:

• ¿Travel by land in Ecuador? This is what you need to know.
• Polylepis Lodge Experience.
• The mábeautiful city of Cusco.
• Tips for visiting the Gal Islandsápaid.
• Orlando 101: Guíto see the parks
• Así you can get to know Iguazú in two daysías
• Knowing Loja in 4 días

Golden waterfall and Cunuyacu hot springs

In this éIn times of omnipresent virus, we try to take care of ourselves even on holidays., since it is when más people can be found on the streets of the city.  He wantsíwe love a locationólow-profile place where you can enjoy an outdoor walk but it is not very crowded and it is like thatí We decided to go to the Cunuyacu waterfall, where in the same place there are hot springs.

a while agoás habíWe have seen a post about little-known places in Ecuador and among them appearedó this place, which I don't knowímasters of their existence.  Así what afterés to investigate and consult with people who haveígone previously, we decided that this beingíto the best destination for the holiday with the conditionóDon't go early to avoid crowds.

In this post I will tell youé everything you need to know to get to the famous and recóndita cascada que spaghettiéIt is not known as red although it is máIt's orange actually, víto the Ilinizas.

¿Cóhow to get to the golden waterfall and hot springs of Cunuyacu?

I can arriveíto be a bit complicated since Google Maps does not have the correct route, That is why I leave you the correct route with which you reach the main road before the beginning of the climb to the waterfall.  The route by car must be done calmly given the road conditions.ía, since it is a narrow road only dirt and in poor condition in several sections, this path will take youá 3.5 kilómeters to a sign where you canán find Mr.. Marco.

It is señor es dueñor the land right where the park begins/ends, and when you don't have a suitable car to continue the climb éHe offers to take any group in his truck.  Nevertheless, a few meters más above you have to register with the núc groupersémeet with the park ranger and entry to the natural park is free.

This is the map from any point in Quito towards the víaccess to Pastocalle:

This is the exact place to goán arrive to start climbing, there is a sign that indicates that it is access to Ilinizas Park, so you should pay attention to that sign and soí sabrán that they are on the right track, do not look on Google Maps for the hot springs or waterfall, take themá at a víbecause it is not:

The tour

Once at the top you reach a viewpoint with a larger space.áximo of 5 parking lots, where the view, with a clear sky, It's just incredibleíble.  You can observe the Cotopaxi and Antisana, postcard photos.  To the right is a downward path and the waterfall isá a 5 minutes following that road.

They call it red waterfall because the rocks have turned red – oranges due to the presence of volc mineralsáunique as sulfur, However, the water is crystal clear and does not have the smell of sulfur or minerals.  It is a place surrounded by two mountainsñand the surrounding floor can be very slippery due to mud and wet ground..

From the parking lot take 5 minutes to get to the waterfall, we promise you will be surprisedán, with care they can even stand at centímeters from the caígives water.

Cunuyacu hot springs

Along the same path there is a climb that lasts approximately 25-30 minutes of walking on land.  While más high you climb the landscape is máIt's awesome, así Don't waste your breaks.

Finally you see a smallña swimming pool with natural water with capacity 3 – 4 people (counting social distancing).  It is smallña, and since everything is outdoors and there is nothing in its surroundings, it is advisable to bring a large towel for changing clothes.

To get to the pool you have to cross a stream; it is best to have water shoes or sandals as it can be a balancing act and a bit complicated.  The water has a slight mineral odor, totally crystal clear and really not that hot, dirímasters that not meás 20 degrees centídegrees, so hot thermal as we know it, It is not, but it is refreshing afterés of the walk.

Believeíbecause you can't beás happy resting in a natural water hot spring admiring Cotopaxi from afar.

The descent

Once soaked and ready to return, we prepare to return along the path where previously, habíWe called Don Marco to pick us up and take us down in his car.úper van back to the first parking lot.

Among the best recommendations you gave usó, It was to visit the park during the week since there is very little influx of people and there is no wait for the hot springs.  And the other, Don't waste time walking from below because you arrive tired and bañpowdered ado.

recommendations

• The ascent is a third order path, It is all full of slippery earth with medium holes and other deep ones.  It is recommended to have a tall car with system 4×4 why the double tractionón helpá even if the path isá totally dry.  It is not recommended to go up in the rain as the whole road turns into mud and many cars get stuck.
• Upon reaching Don Marco's terrain it is advisable to climb with él, since for meás that one has his car 4×4 The next stretch of road isún más steep with más holes and even large stones.  If you want to take care of your car, the best optionón is getting into the truck of someone who resides in the áArea and know the route.  Per person he charged usó $5 dólares per section and $3 dólares through the parking lot.  The núDon Marco's cell phone number is: +593984937041
• Many people leave the car on Don Marco's land and prefer to walk up, but you lose about an hour and forty minutes each way, many of them arrived so tired from the climbs, the earth and dust that you don't haveíI still want to continue to the waterfall or the hot springs.
• Wear clothes cófashionable and breathable, trail shoes or shoes that have a good grip with the ground, There are parts with a lot of mud and fine dirt that turns out to be very slippery.  Sunscreen is essential and a cap/hat, There are almost no shady parts.  Bottles with water because there are noneún business in the surrounding area.
• Access hours are from 8 am a 15 hours (take this detail into account so as not to waste time walking up or down)
• It is recommended to arrive asás early as possible and betterún, if it's during the week.