My wife and I had a lot of fun on this tour. The waterfall walk was very enjoyable and the visit to the Shuar neighborhood and homestead was enlightening.
Jan R. · United States
ToursByLocalsVerified on toursbylocals.com ↗
The story
Where the coastal plain meets the mountains
Bucay sits where the flat country around Guayaquil ends and the western slopes of the Andes rise into cloud. It is close enough for a day and wild enough to feel far away: rivers, waterfalls, hanging bridges, sugar cane, and a Shuar family who share their customs with visitors. Part of every tour supports a social or environmental project.
- 07:00
Into the cloud forest with a ranger
Pickup in Guayaquil, then about two hours across rice and banana country until the first green hills rise and the air turns cool and damp. In Bucay you meet the local ranger who lives and works right here. The trail starts gently, then tilts: roots, river stones, and a hanging bridge that sways just enough to make everyone laugh.
- Late morning
Under the falls
You hear the waterfall before you see it. The ranger knows the way between the rocks, where the footing is good and where the pool is deep enough to step in. Swim if you like, in cold water straight off the mountain, or sit on a warm stone and watch the spray catch the light. Children scramble, parents follow, and everyone ends up a little wet.
- Midday
Sugar cane juice, made by hand
Back near the road, a hand press and a pile of freshly cut cane. You feed the stalks through and put your own weight into it, and green-gold juice runs into the glass, sweet and cold. It is the traditional way, and it tastes of the field it came from. Brunch or lunch can be added here, a local plate to go with your effort.
- Afternoon
A visit with a Shuar family
In the afternoon a Shuar family welcomes you to their homestead. They share how they live, their customs, the plants and crafts they keep, and answer whatever you are curious about. It is a conversation, not a performance, and the questions you bring matter. Then the drive back to Guayaquil as the light goes, muddy shoes and all.
