San Rafael Waterfall (disappeared) Travel Guide

The San Rafael Waterfall, formerly known as the Cascada San Rafael, was situated on the Coca River, nestled between the Sucumbíos and Napo provinces in Ecuador. It marked the eastern boundary of the Cayambe Coca National Park, residing in the Andean foothills approximately 170 kilometers (110 miles) east of Quito. Prior to its disappearance, the waterfall was a breathtaking sight, drawing tens of thousands of visitors each year. The water plunged 131 meters (430 feet), making it Ecuador's tallest waterfall, surrounded by lush vegetation and rare butterflies.However, on February 2, 2020, the waterfall's course was dramatically altered. A massive sinkhole appeared upstream, diverting the Coca River and causing the once-powerful cascade to cease flowing over its original cliff. The water now falls in multiple sections with a less steep slope, which is not visible from the original viewing stations.The disappearance of the San Rafael Waterfall has had a significant impact on the Coca River and the surrounding environment. The river has carved a new canyon upstream, and large volumes of sediment are depositing downstream. Erosion has damaged bridges and oil pipelines, and there are concerns about the stability of the Coca Codo Sinclair Dam, which was built upstream of the falls. The Ministry of Tourism has no plans to restore the waterfall, marking it as a lost natural wonder.