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Tailor-made toursDay of natureNature lovers and bird watchers will fully enjoy these short one-day outings departing from Quito, to the protected cloud forests of Mindo, Papallacta Pass and Pasochoa Andean forest.
Located over 10,000 feet above sea level in a temperate mountain forest, Papallacta Thermal Springs Resort is just two hours away from Quito. Nestled high in the Andean Cordillera at the entrance of the Amazonian jungle, Papallacta features several hot thermal spring pools of different sizes and temperatures. Resort facilities include a first-class hotel and a restaurant offering local and international cuisine. Its main specialty is fresh trout. Depart Quito at 8:00 in the morning for Papallacta Pass, travelling on the Cinnamon Trail. This is the route the Spanish Conquistador Francisco de Orellana took in 1542, when he crossed the Andean mountain range in search of spices and gold, only to discover the Amazon River. Upon arrival, after a refreshing snack and fresh juices, we invite you to visit the Interpretation Centre and then discover your adventurous spirit through a nature walk on marked paths. Alongside pristine mountain streams, you will observe the flora and fauna of the humid mountain Andean forest of the Canyon Ranch, one of the entrances to the ecological reserve Cayambe-Coca. After this pleasant walk, you will feast on a delicious lunch featuring fresh trout from their own trout farm. In the afternoon relax and soak away life’s aches and pains. At Papallacta you will begin to feel the beneficial effects of the life-giving, diaphanous air which originates in a singular meeting of the Amazonian winds with the rocks, forests and water of the high Andean mountains. At the hot thermal spring pools, experience the notable, restorative effects of the crystalline thermal waters (sulphate alkaline terreous). Submerge yourself in the warm water and take advantage of its curative properties in rheumatic, arthritic, digestive and respiratory processes. The water is odourless, crystalline and ever changing. Return to Quito in the afternoon. Useful tips
Pasochoa Forest The Pasochoa wildlife refuge, one of the last remaining areas of ancient humid Andean shrub forest, is located only 45 minutes south of Quito, around the crater of the extinct Pasochoa volcano. Here the forest is home to many native species of Andean plants, birds and mammals. In the 1970’s when looking for an area where to study birds, the Ecuadorian scientist Dr. Fernando Ortiz discovered the primary forest inside the crater of Pasochoa Volcano. Most of the primary forest is localised in the depressed caldera of the volcano, which collapsed after an eruption 100,000 years ago.
The prolific bird life is one of the major attractions of Pasochoa. More than 100 species of birds have been recorded. Among them is the endangered Andean condor, which can often be seen flying above the Pasochoa peaks. Sixteen species of hummingbird can be found in this forest. These include the sword-billed hummingbird, probably one of the most spectacular hummingbirds, due to its very long beak, which it evolved for feeding in passion flowers and guantos. The flora at Pasochoa is typical of Andean forests. It has been estimated that there are more than 250 species of plants here. At least 60 of them are used medicinally and for a wide range of products. Within the reserve there are six interesting trails of different lengths, which are specifically designed to enable visitors to understand the importance of the forest. The management (by Fundación Natura) focuses on environmental education, on topics such as the sustainable use of resources, the protection of the water catchment area, the conservation of biodiversity and biological investigation. Useful tips
Mindo Cloud Forest
Specially trained guides introduce visitors to the mysteries of the Cloud Forest, pointing out its unique flora and fauna. Visit the El Pahuma Orquid Reserve and its Orchid Botanical Garden with flowering orchids mounted on the trees and placed in the vegetation along the trail, consistent with each species' habitat. Labels identify each specimen. Then take a hike on a trail through lush epiphyte-laden cloud forest, alongside a lively sparkling creek, to the 50 metre (165 foot) Pacaya waterfall. The El Pahuma Orchid Reserve is privately owned by an Ecuadorian family who is searching for viable economic alternatives to destructive activities such as logging or cattle raising, and it protects over 600 hectares (over 1500 acres) of tropical mountain forest. Over 170 species of orchids have been identified within the reserve, which lies in a region with one of the highest rates of plant endemism in the world. Orchids, bromeliads, heliconias, ferns, vines, mosses and lichens grow in abundance here. After a brief rest stop, continue to the quaint little village of Mindo, at an altitude of 1300 metres, observing the bird life along the way. Bird watchers may find here some of Ecuador’s most rare species. BirdLife International has designated Mindo as an IBA (Important Bird Area), the first such site in South America. Then visit to the Butterfly Vivarium, housing 25 varieties of butterflies. Flight areas simulate the outside forest with water streams, mineral deposits, and a wide range of wild flowers. Hundreds of caterpillars feed on their host plants in their natural environment to assure the best development of pupae and butterflies. Lunch is served at a local restaurant. Useful tips
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Papallacta Pass
In Pasochoa there is great biological wealth. This protected forest is home to interesting mammals: small deer, bats, the Brazilian rabbit, grass mouse, skunks and pumas can be found here. In addition there are several species of frogs and toads.
The excursion to the renowned Mindo-Nimble Protected Forest has been especially designed for bird watchers and nature lovers. The Valley of Mindo is within the protected Mindo-Nambillo forest, located a short two-hour drive northwest of Quito. The 48,000-acre (19,200 hectares) forest stretches over the slopes of Pichincha Volcano and covers diverse ecosystems ranging from the cloud-high, treeless plateau or "paramo" through subtropical forest to tropical jungle. While Mindo is a haven for bird watchers, it also appeals to photographers and explorers for its outstanding panoramic views. A first short stop is made at the rim of the crater of the extinct Pululahua Volcano, before descending into the Valley of Mindo.