Ecuador Travel

Velo de la Novia waterfall

El Manto de la Novia Waterfall

The Manto de la Novia (the bride’s veil) waterfall gets its name from the color of its white waters as they cascade into the waiting river below. The waterfall has a height of about 40 meters with its waters coming from the Chinchín River and falling straight into the Pastaza River below. Manto de la Novia is located 11 kilometers outside of the town of Baños de Agua Santa along the road from Baños to Puyo. The waterfall is within the Llanganates National Park, which protects the small Llanganates mountain range off of the eastern Andes. Manto de la Novia is about 6 kilometers above the area of Rio Verde which is rich in waterfalls and lush vegetation. The sound of the falling waters hitting the rocks below as well as the beauty of the waterfall make Manto de la Novia both a peaceful and awe-inspiring experience at the same time.

How to get there

You can access the waterfall either from Baños or from Puyo as it is on the road between the two towns. From Baños, buses leave regularly for Puyo from the terminal. Before purchasing a ticket, explain that you want to be let off at the Manto de la Novia waterfall as the price should be less than going all the way to Puyo. From Puyo, simply do the reverse as when coming from Baños.

Another more adventuresome way to access the waterfall is by making a stop along the day-long bike trip from Baños to Puyo. The waterfall will be on your right-hand side as traveling from Baños to Puyo.

When to go

Baños and the surrounding area, including Manto de la Novia, has a warm, humid climate all year round, meaning that any time is a good time to visit the waterfall. The cable car runs all year, and so the waterfall can be visited at any time of year.

Attractions

• Biking from Baños to Puyo - This is one of the most popular bike trips in Ecuador and bikes can easily be rented in Baños to make the trip to Puyo. Talk with the bike or tour company in Baños about return transportation and the possibility of leaving bikes in Puyo or having them picked up by the company. The ride from Baños to Puyo is mostly downhill, but the ride back is uphill, so catching a truck or bus back to Baños is highly recommended. The journey includes amazing scenery and many waterfalls including Manto de la Novia where you can easily stop along the way.

• Manto de la Novia – The waterfall itself is a breathtaking view, with its single 40-meter fall straight into the river below. It is easy to observe since it is on the opposite side of a gorge through which the Pastaza River runs dozens of meters below the road on which you will arrive. Even if you just want to stop to observe the waterfall from a distance and snap a few photos, visiting the waterfall is an excellent idea.

• Cable Car – Although observing the waterfall from a distance is good, a closer look is even more exciting. There is an electric cable car, which runs from the road across the gorge and over the Pastaza River. Due to the location of the cable car, it appears that passengers will run directly into the waterfall, but actually the ride ends a bit to the left and above the start of the waterfall. The ride is extremely thrilling, offering views of the gorge and river below as well as a closer view of the waterfall.

• Hiking Trail – Another way to reach the other side of the gorge and have a closer look at the waterfall is by following the historic ‘Contraband Path’. This path goes down from the road for about 10 minutes where it meets a hanging bridge which allows visitors to cross over the Pastaza river to the other side. The walk takes a total of about 30 minutes bringing visitors very close to the waterfall on the other side of the gorge. In addition to the breathtaking scenery, the path has a historic element from which it gets its name. The path used to be used by rumrunners who would smuggle the sugarcane liquor made in Puyo out of the city. In fact, the hanging bridge is nearly 50 years old, but still in excellent condition.

• The other side – On the other side of the gorge, there is a small lookout point offering views back across the river to the road side. There are also a few small paths to walk along and explore the exquisite flora of the area. One of the paths leads down to the very top of the waterfall from where you can look over and down at the river below. In addition, there is a small craft market and a tire swing in which you can swing out over a small cliff and the jungle plants below.

• Flora and Fauna – The area of Manto de la Novia is known for its abundant sub-tropical flora and fauna, which can be observed and explored especially on the side opposite the road from Baños to Puyo. The flora is characterized by exotic plants and flowers, including orchids, palms, laurels, and bromeliads. While more difficult to encounter, there are many interesting animals to observe as well, including tapirs, monkeys, spectacled bears, and more.

The Manto de la Novia waterfall makes for an excellent destination, day-trip or stop along the way between Baños and Puyo. No trip to Baños would be complete without at least a glance at this awe-inspiring waterfall. The flora and fauna of the area, thrilling cable car, and historic rumrunner hike with 50-year-old hanging bridge all make for exciting exploration of the waterfall and the surrounding area.