New Tourist Attraction
Chaupiurco Waterfall |
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The Chaupiurco Waterfall is a new attraction located close to the community of Alaspungo. Alaspungo is about 38 km (1 hour 15 minutes in car) from the capital city of Quito.
The waterfall is found deep in the heart of cloud forest, where there are also great opportunities for birdwatching.
What to do in Chaupiurco:
- Cloud Forest Hike
- Swimming in the waterfall (optional)
- Visit the Orquid Garden
- Birdwatching
- Great Views
Chaupiurco Waterfall Hike: The owner of the waterfall, Emilio Ramos, will welcome you when you arrive at the information center in Chaupiurco. He is a certified nature guide (liscensed by the Ministery of Tourism), and will be your private guide. To get to the waterfall you will follow the ancient trail of the Yumbos for about 45 minutes. Along the way you will have the opportunity to see a variety of plants and animals, including the tangara Montana, matorralero, moquirufo, ampitas, rapazes, gallinazos, curiquingue, pava andina and others.
The waterfall has a height of 100m, and in sunlight creates a beautiful rainbow. Perfect for unforgettable photos and a refreshing swim after a long hike. Take a deserved break.
Orquid Garden: The Ramos family also owns the Orquid Nursery. They are interested in nature and conserving natural habitat. The garden is about 2 hectares in size and contains not only orchids but ferns and bromeliads.
Birdwatching: Birdfeeders filled with nectar attract many species of hummingbirds for the enjoyment of visitors. Species include the Sword-billed hummingbird and the Black-breasted Puffleg.
What to bring:
- Comfortable shoes for hiking
- Light clothing (preferably with no bright colors)
- Bathing suit and extra clothes if you want to swim in the waterfall
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Camera
- Tent (if camping)
- Binoculars
How to get there: Nono is located 18km from the capital city of Quito. Take the Avenica Occidental north until you come to the Machala road. At the intersection you will see the sign for the Parroquia of Nono. Follow the road until you come to the town of Nono. At the moment the road is not completely paved and can be rough. Follow the Ecoruta from Nono for 1km until you come to a fork in the road, where you will find a sign for the Chaupiurco waterfall. Take the road to the right.From the sign it is 8 km (about 25 minutes) until you come to the community of Alaspungo. Look for a yellow house (information center), which is owned by Emilio Ramos.
