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

Nestled in the heart of the breathtaking Andes, Papallacta Pass offers an unforgettable adventure. Visitors can marvel at the majestic Antisana Volcano while exploring the rich biodiversity of Cayambe Coca National Park and Guango Cloud Forest Reserve. With the guidance of a certified naturalist, travelers can enjoy the natural wonders of Ecuador, from spotting the iconic Andean condor to observing a variety of vibrant bird species. This tour promises an experience that’ll leave a lasting impression, leaving you eager to uncover more about this enchanting region.

Good To Know

• The tour offers stunning views of the Andes, including Antisana Volcano, and opportunities to spot diverse Andean wildlife such as the Andean Condor.
• Guided by a certified bilingual naturalist, the experience allows for immersion in the natural beauty and biodiversity of the Papallacta Pass and Guango Reserve.
• The itinerary includes a visit to the Papallacta Hot Spring Complex for relaxation after the exploration, and a traditional Ecuadorian lunch is provided.
• Birdwatching enthusiasts can enjoy the rich avian diversity of the Guango Reserve, home to species like the Gray Breasted Mountain-Toucan and Andean Guan.
• The tour has consistently received high ratings, with praise for the knowledgeable guide and the exceptional opportunity to experience the natural wonders of the region.

Overview and Experience

Nestled in the heart of the Andes, the Papallacta Pass – Cayambe Coca National Park & Guango Cloud Forest Reserve offers a private tour that promises a captivating blend of breathtaking scenery, diverse wildlife, and relaxation.

Guests can expect spectacular views of the Antisana Volcano and the chance to spot the majestic Andean condor and other unique species.

The tour includes a visit to the Papallacta Hot Spring Complex, allowing travelers to unwind after a day of exploration.

With a certified bilingual naturalist guide, this experience provides an immersive journey into the region’s natural wonders, leaving visitors with lasting memories.

Itinerary Highlights

Departing Quito at 7:30 am, the tour ventures 65 km (41 miles) east, where visitors are treated to the breathtaking vistas of Papallacta Pass. This scenic location provides ample opportunities to spot an array of Andean wildlife, including the majestic Andean Condor, the agile Variable Hawk, the distinctive Carunculated Caracara, the powerful Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle, and the elusive Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe. The tour then continues to the Guango Reserve, where guests can explore the Andean temperate forests and observe a variety of hummingbirds and other bird species, such as the Gray Breasted Mountain-Toucan, the Andean Guan, the Northern Mountain Cacique, and the Torrent Duck.

Wildlife Sightings	Papallacta Pass	Guango Reserve
Andean Condor	✓	–
Hummingbirds	–	✓
Torrent Duck	–	✓
Andean Guan	–	✓

Tour Inclusions

The tour includes a certified bilingual naturalist guide who accompanies guests throughout the experience.

Coffee and tea are provided at the Guango Reserve, and all activities are included in the tour. Guests can enjoy a traditional Ecuadorian lunch as part of the package.

Gratuities and local taxes for Ecuadorians are covered, though personal expenses are not.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and dietary requirements should be communicated at the time of booking.

While the tour involves a small amount of walking, longer hiking trails are available for those interested.

Guests must provide a copy of their passport for local tax exemption, and most travelers can participate.

Additional Information

This tour is not wheelchair accessible. Dietary requirements should be advised at the time of booking. There is a small amount of walking involved, but longer hiking trails are available for those seeking a more strenuous experience. To take advantage of local tax exemptions, a copy of your passport will be required. Most travelers can participate in this tour, though individual fitness levels may vary.

Wheelchair Accessible	Dietary Requirements	Walking Involved
No	Advised at Booking	Small Amount

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts, providing flexibility for tour participants.

Scenic Highlights

The Papallacta Pass and the Cayambe Coca National Park offer a stunning natural panorama.

Visitors are treated to breathtaking vistas, including:

• Spectacular views of the majestic Antisana Volcano, which towers over the landscape.
• Opportunities to spot the iconic Andean Condor, one of the world’s largest flying birds.
• Diverse wildlife, such as the Variable Hawk, Carunculated Caracara, and Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle.
• Lush, temperate Andean forests teeming with rare and beautiful hummingbird species.

This private tour allows guests to enjoy the natural beauty and biodiversity of this remarkable region, creating lasting memories of their Ecuadorian adventure.

Wildlife Spotting

On this tour, visitors have the opportunity to spot a variety of fascinating Andean wildlife.

The Papallacta Pass and Guango Reserve are home to an array of species, including the majestic Andean condor, the powerful Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle, and the elusive Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe.

Keen-eyed observers may also catch glimpses of the agile Variable Hawk and the distinctive Carunculated Caracara.

The Guango Reserve, in particular, is a birdwatcher’s paradise, where visitors can hope to see the magnificent Gray Breasted Mountain-Toucan, the impressive Andean Guan, and the striking Northern Mountain Cacique.

With the guidance of a knowledgeable naturalist, travelers can enjoy the rich biodiversity of these stunning Ecuadorian landscapes.

Birdwatching Opportunities

Nestled within the Guango Reserve, birdwatchers can expect to encounter a diverse array of captivating species.

The region’s lush Andean temperate forests provide a haven for an array of avian wonders, including:

• The Gray Breasted Mountain-Toucan, with its vibrant plumage and distinctive call
• The majestic Andean Guan, a large, turkey-like bird known for its impressive size
• The Northern Mountain Cacique, a striking black and yellow songbird
• The elusive Torrent Duck, a remarkable waterfowl adapted to swift-moving streams

These remarkable birds, alongside countless others, make the Guango Reserve a true paradise for avid birdwatchers seeking to enjoy the rich avian tapestry of the Ecuadorian Andes.

Reviews and Ratings

Visitors have overwhelmingly praised the tour, with 9 reviews awarded a remarkable 5.0 overall rating.

Eight of these were 5-star reviews, while one was 4-star. Reviewers highlighted the guide’s impressive knowledge and enthusiasm for birdwatching, which enhanced the experience.

The beautiful scenery and diverse array of bird species spotted, including the iconic Andean Condor, were also praised.

With consistent top-notch ratings, this tour offers travelers an exceptional opportunity to explore the natural wonders of the Ecuadorian highlands, from the Papallacta Pass to the Guango Cloud Forest Reserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is This Tour Suitable for Families With Young Children?

This tour may not be the best fit for families with young children. While the scenery is stunning, the tour involves some walking and may not cater well to little ones. Parents should consider the activity level when deciding if it’s suitable for their family.

Can I Extend the Tour to Explore Additional Hiking Trails?

Yes, you can extend the tour to explore additional hiking trails. The tour is flexible, and the guide can accommodate requests for longer hikes or more time in the Guango Cloud Forest Reserve.

What Equipment or Gear Should I Bring for the Best Experience?

To make the most of the experience, it’s recommended to bring binoculars, camera, comfortable walking shoes, layers of clothing, sun protection, and snacks. These will enhance wildlife viewing and exploration throughout the day.

Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers Available for This Tour?

The tour operator doesn’t currently offer any discounts or special offers for this experience. However, travelers can inquire about any promotions or seasonal pricing when booking to see if any savings are available.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Focus More on Specific Bird Species?

Yes, the tour can be customized to focus more on specific bird species. Simply let the naturalist guide know your interests, and they’ll tailor the itinerary to maximize your chances of spotting target birds throughout the reserve.

The Sum Up

Papallacta Pass offers a remarkable opportunity to take in Ecuador’s natural splendor. Combining stunning Andean landscapes, rich biodiversity, and expert-guided exploration, this tour promises an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts. Visitors can marvel at the majestic Antisana Volcano, spot iconic Andean condors, and discover a variety of bird species, all while making lasting memories in the enchanting Cayambe Coca National Park and Guango Cloud Forest Reserve.