Papallacta Pass - Cayambe Coca National Park & Guango Cloud Forest Reserve

Explore a remarkable range of Andean habitats in a single day, from the high-elevation páramo to the lush cloud forest on the eastern slopes. At Papallacta Pass, enjoy expansive views and excellent opportunities for landscape photography, along with chances to observe high-altitude species in open terrain. As you descend into Guango Cloud Forest Reserve, the focus shifts to close-range observation and photography, with feeders that regularly attract a variety of hummingbirds and other forest species. This route offers a productive combination of habitats, light conditions, and bird activity, making it especially rewarding for birdwatchers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts seeking both diversity and quality sightings. Optional add-on: End the day relaxing in the thermal waters of Papallacta Hot Springs.

1. 1

   Stop 1

   4 hours

   After an early departure from Quito at 7:30 am from your hotel, you'll drive some 65 km (41 miles) east of Quito the road brings you into the high elevation paramo at the Papallacta pass, a very tundra-like habitat. On clear days the views of the surroundings and various volcanoes are breathtaking; a stop right up at the pass is one of the best spots to photograph the snow-capped Antisana Volcano as it towers over the mountains below. If the weather allows, from this point on we should start scanning the sky from time to time for the Andean Condor, Variable Hawk, Carunculated Caracara, and Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle, which may soar overhead. At the highest elevations, you’ll seek out the secretive and cryptic Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe and other unique wildlife of this region. Andean Bears can be found in this paramo, special natural feeding sites where the presence of bears is frequent all year round. sometimes close enough to have wonderful views and photographs.

2. 2

   Stop 2

   4 hours

   Later you’ll drive to Guango Reserve, where you will embark on a hike along the trails around the lodge to get a taste of the beautiful Andean temperate forests; hummingbirds will take your full attention. The cloud forest concentrates the highest diversity of these winged jewels in the Americas. Colorful mixed flocks with birds such as Lacrimose and Hooded Mountain Tanagers, Blue-backed Conebill, Black-capped Hemispingus can be seen around the lodge. Here you have possibilities of seeing very local birds like the stunning Gray Breasted Mountain-Toucan, Andean Guan, and Northern Mountain Cacique. Along the Papallacta River, you’ll try to find a unique resident of fast-flowing mountain rivers, a powerful swimmer, and diver: the Torrent Duck. This could definitely be one of our day highlights!

• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
• Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
• Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
• A small amount of walking is involved along trails with irregular terrain although if participants require longer hiking trails are available.
• Copy of passport of one of the group members is require for billing purposes (local tax exemption)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.