Ecuador Travel

Molinuco waterfall

Overview

The Molinuco waterfall is located just an hour or so away from Quito, and is situated close to the Rio Pita, at an altitude that varies depending on the part of the area where the traveler is standing, between 2800 and 3780 meters above sea level. The nearby Refugio Ecológico Molinuco was created in July 2004 and consisted of 80 hectares, which was part of the Hacienda Patichubamba.

The area has become more and more popular lately. Visitors to this area find that they have a unique and fun experience, while within safety and comfort. Visitors here can enjoy the natural environment in a location that is somewhat off the beaten path for other tourists.

The best time for people to visit is in the drier months of May to October; however, it is also convenient to visit at other times, though there may be a little rain. In general, the climate of this area is the typical climate of the Andes region. The ecosystem here supports a wide variety of plant life. Flora that can be found here exists in the primary forest land and there are more than thirty different species of plans. Some highlights include orchids, bromeliads and achupallas. Interesting bird life includes a variety of different species, in particular from the hummingbird family. Mammals that live in this habitat include rabbits and foxes.

Visitors to this area can partake in a number of different activities. One of the most popular activities is hiking, in particular, taking the ecological trails and hiking to the Molinuco Waterfall. Those who want to continue their outdoor experience can camp out for the night at the Refugio, or in other areas. Other travelers may enjoy fishing, mountain biking in some of the designated areas or wildlife and bird watching. There is lots to keep children entertained here.

Highlights

Hiking – the Molinuco area gives tourists the opportunity to hike on a number of relatively short trails, passing alongside the Rio Pita and to the waterfall at Molinuco. These ecological trails vary between 45 minutes (return) and just over two hours (an hour each way). The trails include the Molinuco Waterfall, Playon del Vado and a viewing area, from which on a clear day, it is possible to spot volcanoes in the distance.

Camping – the more adventurous traveler may prefer an overnight spent outdoors, camping in this area. There are extensive areas available for camping here, and one of the advantages of camping in this area is that there are places to make camp fires and facilities are convenient. The camping here is in a secure spot and there are play areas for the kids.

Waterfalls – in total there are 18 waterfalls along the Rio Pita. The one named Chorrera de Molinuco is very accessible, though others can be reached. There are other waterfalls in the area and some trails to these waterfalls require a number of river crossings. For these, there are cables that can help the hiker to navigate the waters. The trail to Chorrera del Pita takes approximately one hour, while the trip to Cóndor Machay is about a three hour hike. This is the most dramatic of the waterfalls in the area with 90 meters of falling water.

Fishing – one of the preferred pastimes in this area is fishing. In some places there are designated pools where the visitor can give at trout fishing a try. It is possible for travelers to practice here, or to learn.

Mountain Biking – a popular activity in the Molinuco area is mountain biking. There are a number of trails that can be taken to pursue this sport in the beautiful, forested countryside near the Rio Pita. Be sure to check that all equipment is working well before setting out, and then enjoy the ride in this area that is less visited by foreign tourists than other locations in Ecuador.

Wildlife – the Rio Pita is a good place to observe the teeming animal and bird life that lives here along the banks of the river or in the forest land. Much of the flora and fauna in this area is native and well preserved. Visitors interested in spotting the wildlife should bring a set of binoculars.

Getting There

Molinuco is not the most straightforward place to visit by using public transportation, as it is a little out of the way.

One of the best ways to get to the Refugio Ecológico Molinuco is to take a bus from the Plaza La Marin bus station in Quito’s Centro Historico part of town. Travelers who take a bus to La Marin will find that there are many buses going in that direction from all parts of Quito—conductors will be hanging out of the window or door shouting “La Marin, La Marin”. The cost to get there is $0.25 on a bus.

From Plaza La Marin, a bus can be taken to Sangolquí, or San Rafael and then onward to Sangolquí. The area of Sangolquí to be in is the “Sector el Colibrí”. From there, a bus can be taken to Cashapamba and onward to Loreto, the closest hamlet to the Refugio Ecológico Molinuco. Alternatively, visitors may wish to save time and pay a little more to just take a taxi to the Molinuco Refugio, rather than spending energy trying to negotiate the bus system. The Refugio Ecológico Molinuco is just 30 minutes from the suburb of Sangolquí, and is located on the River Pita (Rio Pita). Expect to pay approximately $15-20 for a taxi from Sangolquí to the Refugio Ecológico Molinuco. On a bus, the journey will cost no more than a couple of dollars.