Upper Sector

 

Laguna de San Marcos (Lake San Marcos)

Camping by the edge of the lake is highly recommended given that this resort encompasses all the natural beauty of a lake at altitude. From San Marcos it’s possible to gain access to Lake Alegria and to the waterfall commonly known as La Chorrera, where tapirs are frequently spotted. There is a path towards the west of the lake, which runs the course of the paramo through tall grass and different bushes.

 

Volcano Cayambe

From the refuge, experienced climbers can reach the summit in around six hours. It’s the country’s third highest peak, characterised by its steep and dangerous slopes, which have been the cause of a number of accidents among mountaineers but which also account for the volcano’s extraordinary beauty. Several condor habitats have been identified in the surrounding areas of the volcano, particularly in the Piemonte region.

 

Cerro Sarahurco (Sarahurco Hill)

The very manner of existence and location of Cerro Sarahurco allow it to accommodate Amazonian ecosystems of altitude, constituting one of the most notable and well-conserved refuges of wild fauna that exists within the upper Andean Amazonian region. Measuring 4,725 metres, it’s possible to climb the peak first by crossing the El Hato paramos arriving at El Volteado, where the base of the peak lies to start the climb.

 

Cerro Puntas (Puntas Hill)

The summit of Cerro Puntas constitutes 48 pointed formations, each between 100 and 150 metres high, which consequently give it its name. Arrival at Cerro Puntas is possible by taking the road towards El Quinche.

 

Laguna Puruhanta (Lake Puruhanta)

As well as being famed for competitive fishing, Lake Puruhanta is also a favourable place for enthusiasts of nature photography. The outer edges of the lake, which are sporadically populated with what remains of aliso forest, are well-suited to camping activities.

 

Papallacta

A new road, constructed to facilitate the Drinking Water Project, which is being carried out in the area, crosses the entire Virgen paramo and part of the Oyacachi paramo, both which house extensive lake networks. This road passes through several polylepis forests, around sixty lakes, ravines and waterfalls and even sights recognised as tapir and condor habitats. Situated near the lake at Papallacta are the thermal baths. These attractive public baths consisting of natural hot springs , which are also used for medicinal purposes, are extremely popular among visitors all year round.

 

Lagunas de Sucus (The Sucus Lakes)

Lakes Sucus, Loreto, Banos and several smaller ones are situated in this area. Popular among visitors, they are also well-known for and extremely suited to competitive fishing.

 

Lower region

 

Volcano Reventador

It takes approximately two days to arrive at the volcano due to the fact that the surrounding zones are extremely rich in wildlife and difficult to access. Located at the base of the volcano is the Cueva de los Tayos (Cave de los Toros), a series of caverns, which houses a particular species of blind bird, characterised by its ability to orientate itself by means of echolocation.

 

Cascada de San Rafael (The San Rafael Waterfall)

The spectacular waterfall at River Quicos-Coca can be witnessed from here. There are also three smaller cascades and one small rapid. A sideroad from the Interoceanic highway leads directly to the waterfall’s natural viewpoint. As well as the aforementioned star attraction, this area is also renowned for its variety of birds, particularly the cock of the rock, and flora displaying typical characteristics of the Amazonian rainforest. A privately-owned campsite here offers accommodation for those wishing to stay overnight.

 

Tours

 

The Oyacachi Community

This is a quichua community, which has been long established here; in the past they were well known for their production of wooden handicrafts such as bats and wooden spoons. Nowadays they have taken to producing a different type of wood-carved handicrafts portraying species of animals native to the area, for example condors, tapirs, bears and fish as well as representations of the landscape, such as the hot springs. El Pueblo Viejo or the ‘ Old Village ’ is the main attraction in the area. Located to the east of the community, the village harbours vestiges of an ancient settlement, which appears to have been abandoned in around 1886. Legends telling of supposed occurrences in the village are plentiful. The statue of the Virgin of Quinche, native to Pueblo Viejo, is housed in the town nowadays. Thousands of devout Catholics visit the town every year to pay homage to her.

 

The Sinangue Community

This ancestral indigenous community is situated on the banks of the River Aguarico. The harmonious relationship that the inhabitants of the community enjoy with their surroundings as well as their involvement in the various environmental protection and ecotourism projects are what makes this community particularl