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San Rafael Waterfall: the former highest waterfall in Ecuador
For many years, San Rafael Waterfall was considered the highest waterfall in Ecuador, with an impressive drop of around 150 meters. This spectacular natural feature was located in the Amazon region along the course of the Coca River.
The waterfall was one of the most striking natural landscapes in the Ecuadorian Amazon.
A powerful waterfall
The force of the Coca River created a massive cascade that plunged from a rocky cliff, producing a constant cloud of mist visible from far away.
The sound of the falling water combined with the surrounding jungle made the site an unforgettable natural spectacle.
A landscape between jungle and volcanoes
The waterfall was located near Cayambe-Coca National Park, a large protected area that preserves ecosystems ranging from Andean páramo to Amazon rainforest.
This location made the region a meeting point between different natural environments.
The natural collapse of the waterfall
In February 2020, an unexpected geological event occurred. The course of the Coca River changed due to a process known as regressive erosion. As a result, the waterfall disappeared and was replaced by a series of rapids and smaller drops upstream.
This event significantly changed the landscape of the area.
Nature constantly reshaping the land
The disappearance of San Rafael Waterfall shows how natural landscapes can transform over time due to geological and river processes.
Although the original waterfall no longer exists, the region remains an example of the powerful forces of nature.
Conclusion
San Rafael Waterfall was one of Ecuador’s most iconic natural landmarks for decades. Its history and disappearance remind us that nature is constantly evolving, even in the most spectacular places on Earth.