THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Walk the high Andean páramo with an ecologist, watch birds at Guango Lodge, then relax in Papallacta’s famed thermal pools. This private day tour mixes wildlife viewing, geology, and restorative hot springs in one full day from Quito.
Walk the high Andean páramo with an ecologist, watch birds at Guango Lodge, then relax in Papallacta’s famed thermal pools. This private day tour mixes wildlife viewing, geology, and restorative hot springs in one full day from Quito.
A thin highland light cuts across the páramo as a private vehicle eases away from Quito and climbs toward the cloud line. The first stop is the Oyacachi moor: grasses ripple like an ocean, peat hummocks hold small lagoons, and the guide—an ecologist—moves quietly, pointing out the slow footprints of spectacled bears and the pale flashes of Andean hummingbirds.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Quilico Expeditions · Papallacta, Napo
A thin highland light cuts across the páramo as a private vehicle eases away from Quito and climbs toward the cloud line. The first stop is the Oyacachi moor: grasses ripple like an ocean, peat hummocks hold small lagoons, and the guide—an ecologist—moves quietly, pointing out the slow footprints of spectacled bears and the pale flashes of Andean hummingbirds.
The route threads through Cayambe Coca National Park, a landscape shaped by volcanic uplift and glacial sculpting; you’ll pass páramo peatlands that evolved to store water and cool the climate below. At Guango Lodge the forest reasserts itself—bromeliads and moss-heavy branches host toucans, tanagers, and dozens of hummingbird species. The cultural backdrop here is Andean: local communities have long used these highlands for grazing and medicinal plants, and conservation work now balances livelihoods with habitat protection.
After a lunch in Papallacta, the final act is a soak at Termas de Papallacta—mineral-rich pools tucked against volcanic outcrops where warm water relaxes altitude-strained joints. Practicalities matter: the day runs roughly nine to ten hours with short walks (up to 1.5 hours) on uneven, wet terrain at elevations above 3,000 m, so acclimatization and layers are essential.
Expect cool, windy conditions in open páramo, sudden rain showers, and excellent birding optics opportunities. The tour is designed for low-impact exploration—bring biodegradable sunscreen, sturdy shoes, water, and a camera with a zoom lens to make the most of the wildlife and wide highland vistas.
moderate.
9–10 hours.
Moderate fitness; short, easy walks but sustained elevation and some uneven terrain require steady balance and basic stamina.
The tour lasts about 9–10 hours, typically departing Quito in the morning and returning the same evening.
Walks are short and the tour is rated suitable for most fitness levels, but it’s not recommended for guests with serious back, heart, or pregnancy restrictions; notify the operator about mobility needs.
Entrances to Guango Lodge and Termas de Papallacta are included, and a snack or lunch is provided; bringing small cash for souvenirs or extra tips is useful.
Birdwatching is excellent—hummingbirds, toucans and tanagers are common; spectacled bear sightings are rare but possible, especially with an experienced guide.
The páramo is a high-elevation ecosystem shaped by volcanic activity and millennia of indigenous agricultural and grazing practices that informed modern conservation efforts.
These páramo and montane forests are fragile water sources; stick to trails, avoid single-use plastics, and follow guide instructions to minimize erosion and disturbance.
Quilico Expeditions operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
A thin highland light cuts across the páramo as a private vehicle eases away from Quito and climbs toward the cloud line. The first stop is the Oyacachi moor: grasses ripple like an ocean, peat hummocks hold small lagoons, and the guide—an ecologist—moves quietly, pointing out the slow footprints of spectacled bears and the pale flashes of Andean hummingbirds.
A thin highland light cuts across the páramo as a private vehicle eases away from Quito and climbs toward the cloud line. The first stop is the Oyacachi moor: grasses ripple like an ocean, peat hummocks hold small lagoons, and the guide—an ecologist—moves quietly, pointing out the slow footprints of spectacled bears and the pale flashes of Andean hummingbirds.
The route threads through Cayambe Coca National Park, a landscape shaped by volcanic uplift and glacial sculpting; you’ll pass páramo peatlands that evolved to store water and cool the climate below. At Guango Lodge the forest reasserts itself—bromeliads and moss-heavy branches host toucans, tanagers, and dozens of hummingbird species. The cultural backdrop here is Andean: local communities have long used these highlands for grazing and medicinal plants, and conservation work now balances livelihoods with habitat protection.
After a lunch in Papallacta, the final act is a soak at Termas de Papallacta—mineral-rich pools tucked against volcanic outcrops where warm water relaxes altitude-strained joints. Practicalities matter: the day runs roughly nine to ten hours with short walks (up to 1.5 hours) on uneven, wet terrain at elevations above 3,000 m, so acclimatization and layers are essential.
Expect cool, windy conditions in open páramo, sudden rain showers, and excellent birding optics opportunities. The tour is designed for low-impact exploration—bring biodegradable sunscreen, sturdy shoes, water, and a camera with a zoom lens to make the most of the wildlife and wide highland vistas.