San Rafael waterfall is located approximately 180 Km from Quito on the boundary of Napo and Sucumbíos provinces. The Quijos River makes two startling falls offering a spectacle complemented with a stunning rainbow when the day is sunny. The waterfall is 160 meters high, making it one of the tallest in Ecuador.

Besides the gorgeous views, the rich flora and fauna surrounding the waterfall is similar to the one found in the rainforest with its tall trees and abundant wildlife, as it stretches down the valley to the East and the Amazon forest.

The average temperature in the area is 20° Celsius. The hike to the waterfall offers tourists a beautiful scenery of butterflies, various species of birds, and mammals.

A typical bird here is the rooster of the rock, a red and black bird with an eye-catching crest. Boas, eye-glasses bears, deer, cervicabras, pumas, and other mammals can also be found in the surroundings, although much more difficult to spot.

The Reventador volcano is a nearby attraction while visiting San Rafael waterfall. The entrance to the volcano is just fifteen minutes away from the waterfall.