El Chorro waterfalls and Busa lake tour from Cuenca
Overview
Available languages
8 hours
Mobile ticket
One of the most outstanding waterfalls in Ecuador is the Girón Waterfalls, within this journey you will admire beautiful valleys with cattle, and you will have the opportunity to taste a delicious yogurt typical to the area, site recognized for contributing much of dairy products to the South of the Ecuador,you will also have an encounter with the history of Ecuador during your visit center of Girón village where you will try a tasty bread known as "achira", produced with a plant typical of the region.
Once you arrive to the Girón waterfalls you will enjoy a hike of approximately 30 minutes to reach the first waterfall (Considered on of the highest waterfall in South America), appreciating some birds and native vegetation of this fantastic place which provides water to Girón. You will also visit and walk around the Sacred Cañari Lake of Busa, a place that encloses the mysticism of the Andean cultures.
Additional Info
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
On this tour, the guide will take you to the south of the province of Azuay, to enjoy the magic of the Chorro waterfall and the Busa lake, sites considered sacred by the Cañari and Inca cultures. Also you will visit the historical district of Giron town.
What‘s Included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Professional guide
Lunch (Less in the option without lunch)
All activities
Transport by private vehicle
Personal expenses
Entrance fee
Tips
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Half Day Tour (4-hours)
Half day Tour: Enjoy this nice half day tour, visitiing 2 of the most beautiful natural attractions in the province of Azuay.
Pickup included
Group Tour without lunch
Nice option for people who prefer to bring their own food.
Pickup included
Group tour with local lunch
Tour with local lunch: Perfect option for people who like to try local food.
Pickup included
Private tour
Private tour with lunch: Private tour designed according to your requirements, you will decide the pick up time and other details.
Pickup included
Reviews
36 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Awesome guide
MJ01234,,Sep 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Great guide; Nice day trip to a waterfall and a lake; Delicious food as part of the tour next to the lake; In regards to scenery there are more interesting things to do, e.g., Cajas national park
Great day trip from Cuenca
MattJones72,,Aug 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Diego was an awesome guide! Just a wealth of information on the flora, geology, and history of the region. He spoke very good English. Overall a great day and would highly recommend this tour.
Great Tour
christinas3blue,,Aug 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great day tour and way to see the Ecuadorean countryside. El Chorro is a beautiful waterfall and Lake Busa was very nice. Edi was a great guide who could answer any question and had really interesting stories about the country and area. I leaned a lot! When we went, it was only our group so ended up being a private tour. If between Cajas or this one, I would recommend doing the Cajas day trip first since the scenery is amazing but if you have a another day, this one is also very good and gives a different look at the area around Cuenca, which has a lot of beautiful landscapes.
Fun and Informative
N8807JTjamiec,,Jul 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Sebastian was incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and friendly. His passion for Ecuador truly shone through as he shared so much fascinating history and insight about the country. The sites we visited were stunning, and the waterfall in particular was absolutely breathtaking. If you’re open to a bit of light hiking, not too strenuous, this tour is a fantastic choice.
Beautiful landscape and regional history
susanlH3704VH,,Jun 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My driver was Diego Parra of Polylepsis Tours, which I booked through Viator. When Diego learned of my difficulty in walking, he adjusted my private tour accordingly. I was grateful to only walk up to the first of three Chorro waterfalls at Girón and to see Busa Lake without walking around the whole lake. He even provided a walking stick, which I failed to bring along, and which is so helpful to people who are not yet adjusted to the high altitude In addition to those sights and the delicious meal at Don Mario's restaurant at Busa Lake, Diego also took me to the museum "Casa de los Tratados" (where a peace treaty was signed on a table with a leather top) and the scenic view of the memorial of the war between Peru and Ecuador. As an English teacher in the USA of Spanish-speaking students who come from many countries, I am always happy to learn as much as possible about the culture and history of the places I visit. Diego was very knowledgeable and provided much information about the history and culture of Girón, Busa, and the surrounding areas.
Guide made the experience
J2893ONkathleenw,,May 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Diego was the best guide, full of knowledge and professionalism as well as great sense of humor. The Giron Falls are beautiful!
Guide made the experience
Kathleen W,,May 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Diego was a great guide! He had so much information, was kind and professional, a great day! Falls were beautiful!
Extraordinary!!!
Curious67086274649,,Mar 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Extraordinary places!! Cute experience in Girón and Laguna Busa recommended 100% for anyone who visits him lol
An interesting and worthwhile trip.
capn kenc,,Mar 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Another very enjoyable tour with Polylepis. We stopped at Giron on the way to the falls, a laid back old school town with many 'Chola' in traditional dress. They were not dressed up for tourists cos apart from us there wasn't any, its the way they live there. Then on to the falls. I'm 75 and my partner 70 (neither of us that fit!) and we managed the 100m or so up the steps to the lower falls viewing area, so dont let the terrain put you off. Wear good strong shoes and carry a waterproof jacket, cos if it has been raining and the falls are heavy, you will need it. A great experience. Sebastian the guide was very good. We also stopped at a monument to a significant victory Ecuador had over Peru in the 1820s. Sebastian had great knowledge of the events and history of the formation of Ecuador as a country, which really made the trip a very interesting as well as enjoyable experience.
Waterfall, Lake, & History
Stacey E,,Feb 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour was very enjoyable! The Girón waterfall was gorgeous & Basa lake was pretty & peaceful. While in Girón, we even got to see a beautiful valley view at a former battleground & walk through a museum about the war between Ecuador & Peru. The tour ended with a delicious lunch of traditional Ecuadorian food. We were fortunate to have Diego as our guide, as he was able to share a lot of interesting information with us.
Related Experiences
Operated by Polylepis Tours