The waterfall is culturally linked to the Inti Raymi (Sun Festival) where practitioners perform ritual cleansing baths in the cascade's waters.
The Peguche river originates from the Lago San Pablo highlands.
The forest surrounding the trail is composed primarily of non-native eucalyptus trees introduced to the area in the late 19th century.
The site hosts a series of small, naturally formed pools along the river that are used for ritual purposes.
The park is situated at an elevation of approximately 2,600 meters above sea level.
Parqueadero Cascadas De Peguche serves as the primary parking facility and access point for the Peguche Waterfall, a site culturally significant to the Kichwa Otavalo people. The park features a well-maintained trail system that winds through a eucalyptus forest leading to the 18-meter-high waterfall. The site functions as a ceremonial center, particularly during the Inti Raymi solstice celebrations in June. The area includes stone-paved walkways, wooden footbridges crossing the Peguche River, and designated spaces for local artisan stalls. The path from the parking area to the falls is approximately 800 meters long and relatively flat. The site is managed locally to preserve the ecological and spiritual integrity of the indigenous community lands.
The wooden observation deck located directly facing the main waterfall drop.
Wear waterproof footwear as the trail near the waterfall base is consistently wet and muddy.
Bring a light waterproof jacket, as micro-climates in this valley can cause sudden rain showers regardless of the season.
Purchase local handicrafts directly from the indigenous artisans situated along the main trail rather than at the parking entrance.
Do not wander off the marked trail paths into the surrounding private agricultural fields.
Respect the site as a sacred space for the Kichwa people; avoid littering and refrain from loud music.
