San Gabriel is located some 40 km south of
Tulcán, a small village with a few basic hotels. An interesting place to visit nearby, just 5 kilometers east is
Bosque de los Arrayanes, which is an excellent place for birdwatching and also two waterfalls, known as "Cascadas de Paluz", located 4 kilometers north of the village [
Following north on Bolivar street]. The highest one is about 60 meters.
Getting there. There are frequent jeeps leaving from the main plaza to
Tulcán in San Gabriel and also frequent buses to
Quito [
US$3*, 4 hours].
Places to visit
Calera
The complex has two swimming pools with temperate water in a pleasant surrounding area. The admission fee is around US$1
*. To get there take a jeep from
El Angel for about US$20
* on weekdays. On weekends is cheaper [
US$1* per person].
Gruta de la Paz [Grotto of Peace]
Twenty three km from San Gabriel lies a cave formed by the Apaqui River. This is where the sanctuary to Our Lady of Peace can be found. Every week, thousands of pilgrims come to this spot and bathe in its thermal springs.
Paluz Waterfall
Located just 4 km from San Gabriel, the Paluz River drops an impressive 30 m down a breathtaking waterfall of the same name. The area’s exuberant vegetation is reflected in the waters of this awe-inspiring river.
Myrtle Forest
The Santa Martha de Cuba Myrtle Forest lies seven km from the village of San Gabriel. With a reddish trunk and thick foliage and covered in moss and
orchids, these trees cover an area of about 40 hectares and is a great place for hiking and bird watching, alike.
*The prices are approximately
