El Chorro Waterfall Giron | Stunning 2nd Waterfall Hike
- Created: October 27, 2021 1:00 pm
- Updated: June 9, 2023 4:16 pm
- Distance Instructions
- Travel mode
- walking
- bicycling
- driving
- straight-line
- Distance 1 miles
- Time 1 h 30 min
- Speed 2 mph
- Min altitude 8245 ft
- Peak 10131 ft
- Climb 2106 ft
- Descent 230 ft
This is a map and basic overview on how to hike to the second El Chorro Waterfall in Giron. This scenic day hike is a steep hike whose trailhead is before the main entrance way to the popular El Chorro de Giron Waterfall (Cascada El Chorro del Giron).
Most visitors only visit the main El Chorro Waterfall Giron. There is a small entrance fee to access the main waterfall, but at my time of visit no one was patrolling the second Chorro Waterfall hiking path. However, it's worth it to go and visit the primary El Chorro Waterfall and technically, both are included on the entrance ticket.
El Chorro Waterfall Giron | Main Entrance Fee: $ 3 for foreigners, $2 for citizens | Official ticket booth: close to here | Hours: 8:30 - 17:00 | Facilities: Restaurants, tiendas, benches, observatory decks, add-ons like bridge walk and other adventure activities
The trailhead for the second El Chorro Waterfall Giron is before the main entrance area, right behind the colorful II Chorro signboard.
⁉️ If downloading the map, please verify that the map is correct and follows the waypoints. Oftentimes, there are daily updates to the site, map platforms, and other external issues that may cause a bug in downloading. Be mindful that this map is solely for entertainment purposes. See my full disclosure here. Always hike responsibly and respect the mountains by following a no-trace philosophy, avoid hiking alone, be conscious of the weather and personal limitations, and do not stray from the visible trail
Logistics of the 2nd El Chorro Giron Waterfall Hike
- Out & Back Trail
- Round-Trip Mileage: 2.5 miles
- One-Way Mileage: 1.25 miles
- Entrance Fee: $3 this ticket covers both the El Chorro Waterfall Giron and the hike to the second waterfall
- Difficulty: Moderate, the trail is steep and some sections require scaling some rocks
- Ascent: 2,000 + feet, more if you walk from Giron village
- Trail Markers: The trail mostly follows along a dirt path. During rainy season, this can be pretty muddy. There are green and white signboards with arrows labeled "II Cascada"
- Excursion Duration: +/- 2 hours for this trail and 3-5 hours in total for the day trip
- Day Hike Essentials:
- Plenty of Water, or a water-filter system
- Good Hiking Shoes with Ankle Support
- Rain Jacket
- Layers
- Snacks
- First Aid Kit
How to Reach the El Chorro Waterfall Giron
El Chorro Waterfall Giron is an awesome day trip from Cuenca.
The El Chorro Waterfall is found in the small village of Giron, Ecuador. It's easy to drive here from Cuenca, or day trip using the public bus system. Multiple bus companies through Giron (Girón), but the most frequent and cheapest is Cooperativa de Transportes Giron.
🚌 Cuenca to Giron by Cooperative Giron Buses | Find them near terminal 4 in the Terminal Terreste Cuenca, Booth #05 | Buses run: 6:00 - 19:00 | Last bus TO Cuenca from Giron is 17:40 | One way bus ticket cost: $1.25 USD | Don't forget the 10¢ fee to exit the Cuenca Bus Terminal | Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes | Up to date info here
After an hour and a half, more or less, arrive in the village of Giron. From the main drop-off point, it's possible to either walk to the main El Chorro Waterfall or flag a taxi. The walk is mostly uphill along a road that isn't too busy, especially the farther you walk on it.
Walking to El Chorro Waterfall is an additional 3.3 miles each way and takes around an hour and 15 minutes. It's steep, but scenic. It's a long day if you walk each direction and do the second El Chorro Waterfall Giron hike. I did this and racked up over 10 miles for the entire day.
It's best to take transportation up. Taxis cost around $5, while it's possible to flag down a white mixto truck. If the white truck is full, you can hop in the back and pay 50¢ - $1, otherwise it can cost up to $5 per person.
2nd El Chorro Waterfall Giron Hike
The El Chorro Waterfall Giron hike takes around 2 hours in total, more if you picnic at the top.
Start on the trail behind the rainbow II Choro signboard. The trail is well defined and there are nice viewpoints along the way, especially looking out above the village of Giron and the lush valley. Keep in mind, El Chorro Waterfall Giron is in a cloud forest. That means that early morning is best and by mid-day the waterfalls and trail may be engulfed by clouds.
There will be a fork in the trail a little ways after the Giron village viewpoint. There is a signboard here for now. The left trailhead allows for you to reach the falls. The steeper trail on the right offers another viewpoint, but was closed off by a cattle gate. For now, this viewpoint and steep path on the right remains closed.
On the correct left trail to the second waterfall, you will need to climb up some steep rocks along the trail. Keep in mind, the rocks can be very slippery when wet. The trail here isn't as defined, but head upwards along the rocks with the views of the waterfall in the distance. After that, the trail becomes clear and is a fun and tree covered path that opens up to the base of the second waterfall.
The second El Chorro Waterfall is beautiful and the hike is stunning and worth it. What's nice is that less people walk this trail, so most oftentimes you can enjoy the natural beauty without the crowds compared to the main El Chorro Giron Waterfall site.
El Chorro Waterfall Giron Hike
Want more details and information on how to explore El Chorro Waterfall Giron as a day trip from Cuenca?
Discover charming Giron Ecuador as a day trip from Cuenca
More Cuenca Ecuador Travel Guides
- Awesome Things to Do in Ecuador | 3 Day Itinerary
- Explore the Authentic Cuenca Markets
- Where to Eat in Cuenca Ecuador
- Relax in the Hot Springs of Baños de Cuenca
- 10+ Stellar Ideas for Day Trips from Cuenca Ecuador
- Visit the Otherworldly Cajas National Park
- Laguna Llaviucu an Underrated Loop Trail in the Cajas
- How to Visit Ingapirca Ruins from Cuenca Ecuador
- Cuenca Day Trips for Discovering Artisan Villages
More Ecuador Hikes
- Hike the Ecuador Inca Trail from Achupallas to Ingapirca
- Devil's Nose Hike in Alausi Ecuador
- Hiking Guide for the Quilotoa Loop in 3 Days
Disclosure: This is part of my Hikes & Adventures series, which means these treks can be strenuous and challenging. I have personally done each of these hikes independently, but it does not make me an expert by any means. Please have all the proper equipment, verify the weather conditions, and take into consideration your own physical abilities and/or limitations. Please see my full disclosure for more information here.
1. Trailhead 2nd Waterfall of El Chorro
Trailhead begins behind the II Chorro Colorful Sign
2. Viewpoint Giron Village
Viewpoint of Giron village with a water source
3. Trail Split
Take the left trailhead to reach the base of the 2nd El Chorro Waterfall
4. 2nd Waterfall of El Chorro del Giron
2nd Waterfall
5. El Chorro del Giron
Primary Giron Waterfall
This is a map and basic overview on how to hike to the second El Chorro Waterfall in Giron. This scenic day hike is a steep hike whose trailhead is before the main entrance way to the popular El Chorro de Giron Waterfall (Cascada El Chorro del Giron).
Most visitors only visit the main El Chorro Waterfall Giron. There is a small entrance fee to access the main waterfall, but at my time of visit no one was patrolling the second Chorro Waterfall hiking path. However, it’s worth it to go and visit the primary El Chorro Waterfall and technically, both are included on the entrance ticket.
El Chorro Waterfall Giron | Main Entrance Fee: $ 3 for foreigners, $2 for citizens | Official ticket booth: close to here | Hours: 8:30 – 17:00 | Facilities: Restaurants, tiendas, benches, observatory decks, add-ons like bridge walk and other adventure activities
The trailhead for the second El Chorro Waterfall Giron is before the main entrance area, right behind the colorful II Chorro signboard.
⁉️ If downloading the map, please verify that the map is correct and follows the waypoints. Oftentimes, there are daily updates to the site, map platforms, and other external issues that may cause a bug in downloading. Be mindful that this map is solely for entertainment purposes. See my full disclosure here. Always hike responsibly and respect the mountains by following a no-trace philosophy, avoid hiking alone, be conscious of the weather and personal limitations, and do not stray from the visible trail
Logistics of the 2nd El Chorro Giron Waterfall Hike
- Out & Back Trail
- Round-Trip Mileage: 2.5 miles
- One-Way Mileage: 1.25 miles
- Entrance Fee: $3 this ticket covers both the El Chorro Waterfall Giron and the hike to the second waterfall
- Difficulty: Moderate, the trail is steep and some sections require scaling some rocks
- Ascent: 2,000 + feet, more if you walk from Giron village
- Trail Markers: The trail mostly follows along a dirt path. During rainy season, this can be pretty muddy. There are green and white signboards with arrows labeled “II Cascada”
- Excursion Duration: +/- 2 hours for this trail and 3-5 hours in total for the day trip
- Day Hike Essentials:
- Plenty of Water, or a water-filter system
- Good Hiking Shoes with Ankle Support
- Rain Jacket
- Layers
- Snacks
- First Aid Kit
➯ Hey… don’t forget your Travel Insurance! I love SafetyWing
How to Reach the El Chorro Waterfall Giron
El Chorro Waterfall Giron is an awesome day trip from Cuenca.
The El Chorro Waterfall is found in the small village of Giron, Ecuador. It’s easy to drive here from Cuenca, or day trip using the public bus system. Multiple bus companies through Giron (Girón), but the most frequent and cheapest is Cooperativa de Transportes Giron.
🚌 Cuenca to Giron by Cooperative Giron Buses | Find them near terminal 4 in the Terminal Terreste Cuenca, Booth #05 | Buses run: 6:00 – 19:00 | Last bus TO Cuenca from Giron is 17:40 | One way bus ticket cost: $1.25 USD | Don’t forget the 10¢ fee to exit the Cuenca Bus Terminal | Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes | Up to date info here
After an hour and a half, more or less, arrive in the village of Giron. From the main drop-off point, it’s possible to either walk to the main El Chorro Waterfall or flag a taxi. The walk is mostly uphill along a road that isn’t too busy, especially the farther you walk on it.
Walking to El Chorro Waterfall is an additional 3.3 miles each way and takes around an hour and 15 minutes. It’s steep, but scenic. It’s a long day if you walk each direction and do the second El Chorro Waterfall Giron hike. I did this and racked up over 10 miles for the entire day.
It’s best to take transportation up. Taxis cost around $5, while it’s possible to flag down a white mixto truck. If the white truck is full, you can hop in the back and pay 50¢ – $1, otherwise it can cost up to $5 per person.
2nd El Chorro Waterfall Giron Hike
The El Chorro Waterfall Giron hike takes around 2 hours in total, more if you picnic at the top.
Start on the trail behind the rainbow II Choro signboard. The trail is well defined and there are nice viewpoints along the way, especially looking out above the village of Giron and the lush valley. Keep in mind, El Chorro Waterfall Giron is in a cloud forest. That means that early morning is best and by mid-day the waterfalls and trail may be engulfed by clouds.
There will be a fork in the trail a little ways after the Giron village viewpoint. There is a signboard here for now. The left trailhead allows for you to reach the falls. The steeper trail on the right offers another viewpoint, but was closed off by a cattle gate. For now, this viewpoint and steep path on the right remains closed.
On the correct left trail to the second waterfall, you will need to climb up some steep rocks along the trail. Keep in mind, the rocks can be very slippery when wet. The trail here isn’t as defined, but head upwards along the rocks with the views of the waterfall in the distance. After that, the trail becomes clear and is a fun and tree covered path that opens up to the base of the second waterfall.
The second El Chorro Waterfall is beautiful and the hike is stunning and worth it. What’s nice is that less people walk this trail, so most oftentimes you can enjoy the natural beauty without the crowds compared to the main El Chorro Giron Waterfall site.
El Chorro Waterfall Giron Hike
Want more details and information on how to explore El Chorro Waterfall Giron as a day trip from Cuenca?
Discover charming Giron Ecuador as a day trip from Cuenca
More Cuenca Ecuador Travel Guides
- Awesome Things to Do in Ecuador | 3 Day Itinerary
- Explore the Authentic Cuenca Markets
- Where to Eat in Cuenca Ecuador
- Relax in the Hot Springs of Baños de Cuenca
- 10+ Stellar Ideas for Day Trips from Cuenca Ecuador
- Visit the Otherworldly Cajas National Park
- Laguna Llaviucu an Underrated Loop Trail in the Cajas
- How to Visit Ingapirca Ruins from Cuenca Ecuador
- Cuenca Day Trips for Discovering Artisan Villages
More Ecuador Hikes
- Hike the Ecuador Inca Trail from Achupallas to Ingapirca
- Devil’s Nose Hike in Alausi Ecuador
- Hiking Guide for the Quilotoa Loop in 3 Days
Disclosure: This is part of my Hikes & Adventures series, which means these treks can be strenuous and challenging. I have personally done each of these hikes independently, but it does not make me an expert by any means. Please have all the proper equipment, verify the weather conditions, and take into consideration your own physical abilities and/or limitations. Please see my full disclosure for more information here.