ACTIVITIES

Cayambe-Coca National Park

Located 47 miles (75 kilometers) from Quito stands the Cayambe Volcano (5,790 meters)—the highest point traversed by the Equator. It is an ideal destination for mountaineering, ecotourism, and community-based tourism; vital for biodiversity conservation and birdwatching, it offers a profound connection with nature in its purest form. The Oyacachi Hot Springs are nestled amidst mountains, rivers, and cloud forests within the Cayambe-Coca Ecological Reserve.

Excursions

Explore various routes that lead you through pastures, forests, and mountain trails—home to spectacled bears and condors—with volcanoes towering on either side of the landscape. Refugio Ruales Oleas Verge: visits to an elevation of 4,600 meters to view glaciers, accessible via tours that include Laguna Verde. Mountain Biking: routes traversing the reserve’s diverse ecosystems.

Birdwatching

From hummingbirds to the Andean condor, this is an exceptional destination, home to nearly 395 bird species and a unique biodiversity that spans ecosystems ranging from high-altitude páramos to cloud forests; it is one of the few places where one can observe the condor up close in its natural habitat. This activity promotes conservation and benefits local communities, highlighting the region’s avifauna in areas such as Papallacta and along high-mountain trails.

Mountain Biking

Thousands of routes winding through valleys and meadows features landscapes of lagoons and opportunities to spot Andean wildlife—including views of the snow-capped Cayambe volcano, high-altitude *páramo* lakes, and native fauna such as foxes and condors. Traversing secondary and tertiary roads, these routes promote conservation and local community support, and are designed for experienced cyclists. Let the world unfold before you.

Papallacta Hot Springs

Located just one hour from Quito at an elevation of 3,250 meters within the unique natural setting of the Andean *páramo*, this Spa and Resort is dedicated to sustainable tourism. Its highlights include medicinal thermal pools (reaching up to 40°C) fed by the Chacana Volcano, cabins nestled amidst the Andean *páramo*, guided hiking excursions, and a steadfast commitment to preserving the natural environment.

Baños Hot Springs

Located one hour from Ambato, these natural waters—originating from the Tungurahua volcano and boasting a high mineral content (36°C–42°C)—help reduce stress and muscle pain, and alleviate respiratory issues thanks to components such as sulfur, magnesium, and potassium. The Virgen Waterfall Hot Springs (situated next to the scenic Hotel Sangay), along with the Salado, Santa Ana, and Santa Clara thermal baths, grace a lush natural setting.