A full-day trip from Cuenca that blends a cloud-forest hike to the 250-foot El Chorro de Girón waterfall with a rim walk around scenic Busa Lake. Expect muddy singletrack, dramatic spray at the falls, and a local lunch before returning to town.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step out of the van into a cool, damp air that clings to your jacket; the valley ahead is a patchwork of grazing fields and steep cloud-forested slopes. Road dust gives way to soft mud as the trail narrows and bromeliads and orchids lean over the path. The forest feels alive—moss reaches like fingers, and the waterfall ahead announces itself before you see it: a long curtain of water dropping roughly 250 feet into a misty bowl.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
7–8 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for someone with moderate fitness; you should be comfortable on uneven, steep terrain for up to an hour at a time.
Wildlife
History
The Tarqui Valley and surrounding towns were active in Ecuador’s independence era; small monuments mark 19th-century skirmishes and local historic sites.
Conservation
Cloud forest corridors are fragile—stick to trails to limit erosion, pack out trash, and support local guides who contribute to community-based tourism.
Reserve your spot on the Giron Waterfall and Busa Lake today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Wear grippy footwear
Trails to the waterfall are often muddy and slippery; ankle-supporting hiking boots with a sticky sole help prevent slips.
Bring rain protection
Cloud forest weather can change quickly—pack a breathable rain jacket and a rain cover for your pack.
Carry at least 1–2 liters of water
Hiking and humidity increase exertion; hydrate before and during the hikes to avoid fatigue.
Start early
Depart Cuenca in the morning to avoid afternoon showers and to have better light at the waterfall and Busa Lake.
Waterproof hiking boots
Provide traction on muddy, root-strewn trails and support on uneven ground.
Breathable rain jacket
Protects from frequent cloud-forest showers and waterfall spray.
2L hydration system
Keeps you hydrated through sustained hiking and humid conditions.
Light daypack with rain cover
Carries water, snacks, layers, and protects gear from damp forest conditions.