El Chorro vs. The Girón Cascades: A Cuenca Guide's Advice on Choosing Your Waterfall Day Trip

As a certified guide who has spent years leading travelers through the cloud forests and páramo surrounding Cuenca, I’ve navigated the muddy trails to Girón’s waterfalls more times than I can count. The most common point of confusion I see? Travelers using "El Chorro" and "Cascadas de Girón" interchangeably. They are not the same.

This is the single most critical piece of information for your trip: one is a well-trodden, multi-tiered spectacle perfect for most visitors. The other is a wild, formidable giant that demands serious preparation. As your local expert, I’m here to cut through the confusion and give you the on-the-ground details you need to choose the right adventure—and return safely.

Option 1: Cascadas de Girón – The Accessible Spectacle

When most people talk about the "Girón waterfall," they mean this series of three main cascades. It's the more popular, accessible, and developed of the two options.

The Journey: From Cuenca’s Terminal Terrestre, you’ll take a bus from the Transportes Girón cooperative. The 90-minute ride costs exactly $1.50 USD. Once in Girón’s sleepy main square, you will need a camioneta (a white pickup truck that serves as a local taxi) for the final 15-minute drive up a bumpy road to the trailhead. Negotiate the price beforehand; expect to pay around $5-$6 for the ride up. Arrange for a pick-up time for your return, as there's no cell service at the entrance.

The Hike & The Three Levels (The Part Most Tourists Don't Know): You'll pay a small entrance fee at the gate (currently $3 for foreigners, less for locals). This is where you need to understand the trail’s three distinct sections:

1. The First Waterfall (Easy): A gentle 10-15 minute walk on a stone path leads you to the base of the magnificent first cascade, El Chorro. It's a powerful, misty, and breathtaking sight, and for many, this is a satisfying enough destination.
2. The Second Waterfall (Moderate to Difficult): From the first falls, a steep, often muddy trail with rustic railings climbs for about 45-60 minutes to the second cascade. This requires good hiking shoes and a decent level of fitness. The reward is a more secluded waterfall and incredible views back down the valley.
3. The Third Waterfall (Expert/Often Closed): The path to the third waterfall is a treacherous, unmaintained scramble that is frequently closed due to landslides. I do not recommend attempting this without a professional local guide who has recently assessed the conditions.

What to Expect:

• Altitude: The base of the first waterfall sits at approximately 2,640 meters (8,660 feet).
• Difficulty: Ranges from easy to difficult, depending on how far you go.
• Facilities: Basic restrooms and a small shop selling snacks and drinks at the entrance.
• Guide's Tip: After your hike, ask your camioneta driver to drop you at a local spot in Girón town for tortillas de choclo con café (sweet corn griddle cakes with coffee). It’s the perfect reward.

Option 2: El Chorro de Girón – The Untamed Giant

Now, let's talk about the other El Chorro. Located in a different, more remote valley, this is a single, colossal waterfall plunging hundreds of meters from the high páramo. This is a true backcountry adventure, not a casual hike.

The Journey: The logistics are a significant hurdle. A standard camioneta may not be willing or able to make the journey, as the road is significantly rougher and requires a 4x4. You must be exceptionally clear with your driver. Use this specific phrase: "Quiero ir al Chorro alto y grande de San Fernando, la caminata larga y difícil, NO a las cascadas turísticas." (I want to go to the high and big Chorro of San Fernando, the long and difficult hike, NOT the tourist waterfalls). You must arrange for the driver to wait for several hours, which will cost significantly more ($30-$50 for the round trip and wait time is a realistic starting point for negotiations).

The Hike: This is a challenging 4-6 hour round-trip trek through a high-altitude valley. The trailhead starts near 2,900 meters (9,500 feet), and the path is often just a muddy track through cow pastures that can disappear entirely. It involves steep ascents, slippery descents, and potentially crossing small streams. The biggest, most underestimated risk here is the weather. Fog can roll in with shocking speed, reducing visibility to near zero and making navigation extremely difficult. This is not a marked trail system; getting lost is a very real possibility.

What to Expect:

• Scenery: A raw, powerful, and humbling experience. You will likely have this majestic waterfall all to yourself.
• Difficulty: Difficult. For experienced, well-equipped hikers only. Requires navigational skills.
• Facilities: None. You are completely self-sufficient. Pack in everything you need and pack out all of your trash.
• Crowds: You will likely be the only one there. This is its primary appeal and its primary risk.

The Verdict: Which Waterfall Is Right for You?

Choose the CASCADAS DE GIRÓN (The Accessible Spectacle) if:

• You are a family, a casual walker, or a moderately experienced hiker.
• You want a guaranteed "wow" moment without extreme physical exertion (at the first waterfall).
• You prefer having basic facilities nearby and a clearly defined path.
• You are traveling on a tighter budget using public transport.

Choose EL CHORRO DE GIRÓN (The Untamed Giant) if:

• You are a serious, experienced hiker with proper backcountry gear and navigation skills.
• You crave solitude and an off-the-beaten-path adventure that few tourists ever experience.
• You understand and are prepared for the risks of unmarked trails and rapidly changing Andean weather.
• You have hired a professional guide or have planned your logistics meticulously.

⚠️ A Guide's Final Safety Briefing

The Andes are not a theme park. The single biggest mistake I see tourists make is underestimating the terrain and the altitude. Volcanic rock is incredibly slippery when wet, and a simple fall can have serious consequences miles from help with no cell signal. At the more remote El Chorro, you are truly on your own. There are no park rangers to call, and a twisted ankle can escalate into a dangerous overnight situation. Always start your hike early to avoid the near-daily afternoon rain and be back in Girón town well before dusk. Respect the mountain, know your limits, and when in doubt, hire a professional guide.

Whichever path you choose, these waterfalls offer a profound connection to the power and beauty of the Azuay region. Prepare well, travel smart, and you'll be rewarded with an unforgettable day.