Cayambe/Coca Nature Reserve with Hotsprings, 4 Days

 

Level: Moderate to Challenging
ATCA-04

Activities: Hiking, Birdwatching, Relaxing in Hotsprings

Accommodations: Camping and Lodge

Explore the stunning biodiversity of the Cayambe-Coca Ecological Reserve, which is considered to have the greatest diversity of flora and fauna of all of Ecuador's protected areas. Your hiking journey will take place in the highland areas through páramo and cloud forest vegetation and wildlife, to enjoy rare orchids, sightings of the elusive Andean condor, colorful hummingbirds, the occasional encounter with an Andean fox, and much more. You won't regret straying from the beaten path - literally - and camping under the stars with our top-notch team of experienced guides to accompany you and enrich your experience along the way. Let us do the dirty work of camping while you are free to enjoy the Amazon and Andes underfoot and overhead!

Trip highlights:

• Visit a traditional Andean highland hacienda at Hacienda Rancho Alto
• Hike páramo and cloud forest landscapes with stunning views
• Bird watching and sightings of hummingbirds, the Andean condor, eagles, and more
• Learn to spot orchids, polylepis, and other colorful vegetation with medicinal uses
• Lakeside camping under starry equatorial skies
• Explore the stunning rock formations and ancient Inga cultural uses of the corrales
• Relax in the soothing mineral waters at Papallacta Hotsprings Spa and Resort

DAY 1: HACIENDA VISIT & HIKE TO SAN LORENZO, PARAMO AND CLOUD FOREST

We depart in the morning from Quito and drive to Hacienda Rancho Alto in the Andes, located approximately 9,200 feet (2,800 meters) above sea level. After enjoying a traditional highland meal at the hacienda, we begin our hiking adventure, gaining altitude as we pass through glacial valleys until we reach the stunning lookout point of San Lorenzo, the entrance to the Cayambe-Coca Reserve. When we first enter the reserve, a páramo landscape is ours to explore, with puyas, polylepis, and other unique flora awaiting our eager eyes. This climate zone gathers much of the fresh water on the continental divide as it flows down both sides of the Andes. We arrive at our first camp in the afternoon, hidden next to a small stream in a polylepis forest in the beginning of the cloud forest. When we arrive at camp, our guides begin to prepare the evening's sumptuous meal, while we go on a short acclimatization hike through trails that showcase many of the flowers and plants that populate the Andean cloud forest. After enjoying our dinner, we relax and sleep under the clear equatorial night sky. (L, D)

DAY 2:  HIKE AND BIRDWATCHING AT NUNALBIRO LAKE, CAMP AT LAGUNA SECA

After enjoying a nutritious breakfast prepared by our guides, we prepare our day packs and load up our horses with gear before climbing cloud forest trails with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, offering numerous photo opportunities. While hiking, we keep an eye out for cara-caras, majestic eagles, and the elusive Andean condor as we explore the highlands along trails that lead us to the shores of Nunalbiro Lake, the largest and one of the most beautiful of the 81 different lakes in the reserve. We enjoy a picnic lunch with spectacular scenic views before continuing on to reach our campsite on the shores of Laguna Seca, located at an altitude of 14,000 feet (4,290 meters) and near a freshwater river. Once again in the páramo landscape, the expected temperature at our campsite for this night is slightly above 32 degrees (0 Celsius). We enjoy another delicious meal prepared by our guides and relax for the evening beside a campfire that warms our bodies, while the night sky lights up our imaginations. (B, L, D)

DAY 3: HIKE CORRALES WITH VOLCANO VIEWS, PAPALLACTA HOTSPRINGS

After enjoying an early morning breakfast at our campsite, on day three we begin a downhill hike through the obsidian valley, whose stunning rock formations speak to us of the geological activity that formed the Andes. After our descent, we begin an uphill section of our hike through the corrales, impressive granite wall formations with cascading waterfalls along the rock surface. These walls were once used as a mine area by the Inga cave men who populated this area between 10,000 and 5,000 years ago. Our guides are an excellent source of information as we traverse this area of natural beauty and historical significance. As we once again descend in altitude on our hike down from the Corrales, we enjoy impressive views of the Avenue of the Volcanoes, with the majestic peaks of the Antisana and Puntas volcanoes stealing the spotlight along the horizon on a clear day. In the early afternoon, we complete our circuit through the reserve when we arrive once again at San Lorenzo, passing through cattle ranches and fields planted with quinua and potato along the way. From San Lorenzo, our support vehicle transfers us to Papallacta Hotsprings Spa and Resort, where we relax in the soothing, mineral-rich natural thermal waters that bubble out of more than 20 pools of varying temperatures. Spa services such as massages can also be arranged during our stay. We dine and relax for the evening in the comfortable lodgings of the resort, nestled in the beauty of the cloud forest. (B, L, D)

DAY 4: MORNING HIKE AT PAPALLACTA, RETURN TO QUITO

The morning of day four, we awake and can enjoy an optional early-morning cloud forest hike around Papallacta, where we are sure to sight hummingbirds and other beautiful bird species. We return and have time for another dip in the rejuvenating hotsprings before we enjoy lunch and depart for the return drive to Quito in the early afternoon. (B, L)

INCLUDED: All camping equipment and accommodations (2 nights) and one night accommodations at Papallacta Hotsprings Spa and Resort; all meals as described (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner); professional English-speaking guide(s); private land transportation, driver and support vehicle.

NOT INCLUDED: Cayamba-Coca Natural Reserve entrance fee; hotel beverages, tips, or gratuities; guide tips; and personal expenses.

**PLEASE NOTE** This itinerary is subject to change without notice due to seasonal changes and last-minute weather conditions.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• TRAVEL TIME: 2 hours (approx.) drive to/from Quito
• TREKKING TIME: 3 to 4 hours daily
• SEASON: All year
• ALTITUDE: 9,200 feet to 14,000 feet (2,800 meters to 4,290 meters)
• AVERAGE TEMPERATURE: 68° to 32° F / 20° to 0° C
• SUGGESTED ITEMS TO PACK: warm layered clothing, sun block, gloves, flashlight, rain gear, trekking boots, binoculars