Trekking around Papallacta thermal springs inside Cayambe Coca National Park and Antisana Volcano Reserve

We offer one to four day trekking plans about a half hour from the famous thermal baths at Papallacta. In addition it is possible to include a day of horseback riding to the Campana Machay Cave. The trekking program finishes with a visit to the steamy baths where you can sooth your aching muscles. All tours traverse delightfully moist landscapes in this high altitude cloud forest area. All routes are located between 3500 to 4200 meters above sea level. We supply comfortable and stylish rubber boots. We consider this some of the most beautiful trekking in the entire country.

"Base Camp" is a wonderful rustic home that is also a working trout farm and restaurant. The food is excellent and of course included in the trek package. Because we are based here there is no need to carry heavy backpacks and hikers can concentrate on the surroundings rather than toiling under a heavy load.

Decide how many days you want to spend and choose the treks that interest you. We recommend at least two or three days to appreciate the area in a relaxing atmosphere. A good choice for day one is Laguna Sucos because it is historic and mostly downhill. The Papallacta nature trail and thermal baths make an excellent last day.

Laguna Sucus (blue line trek)

Laguna Sucus is recommended as the first day's trek. Parties start high (around 4000 meters) in a somber Polylepis forest. The brooding trees and hanging moss give everything a green tint. Quickly the trail joins an ancient path first cut by the Spanish explorers on their way to the Amazon. This ancient trail is heavily overgrown. As high grasses replace the trees, modern day explorers continue on the Spanish path high above Laguna Sucus where it disappears and we take a 5 minute walk down to the lagoon.

The route crosses a small dam and runs along the other side of the lake before we climb some hills and descend to a rushing cascade. Now in a broad valley, we walk over wet terrain and reach a second Polylepis forest who's overhanging, cave-like branches make a good lunch spot. We leave via a small stream and a rocky cascade. Back in the open valley we continue descending to the house and a dinner of fresh trout. Trekkers get to appreciate the richness and sometimes strangeness of this landscape. Eventually we enter an area of pastures and farmland as we approach our destination. This is a land of very traditional, simple living. The hike ends at a working trout farm where we spend the night.

Round Trip: 5 - 5.5 hours

Laguna de Volcan (yellow line trek)

Laguna de Volcan (yellow line trek) The destination here is Volcano Lagoon. This loop hike starts from our base and proceeds straight towards Antisana, the fourth highest glaciated mountain in Ecuador. The route climbs steadily through grass to an area of ponds. From the last pond it is a short distance and a steep descent to the Laguna near a waterfall. Groups need 2-3 hours to arrive at this point. The route then follows the opposite shoreline in order to examine an old lava flow from Antisana. From the lava flow we follow the shoreline to cross a wide but almost completely dry riverbed. The return trip begins with a grassy ascent. Another 2-3 hours of travel over the rolling landscape is required to return to the starting point.

Round Trip: 6 - 7 hours

Mirador (green line trek)

This is our "summit" hike near Papallacta. The object is the Mirador, or Lookout, at the head of the valley, or for strong groups Pico Cosango. The elevation at the top of the Mirador is 4121 meters (13,516 feet) and 4200 meters for Cosango which is an ascent of more than 500 meters. The first 1 - 1.5 hours is on a trail through very dense cloud forest on a new path built by the local family. This path climbs to a spot a little below the Mirador. From this spot the route follows the open ridge the rest of the way. Clouds permitting, exceptional views of Antisana and Cayambe are possible. From the Mirador, Pico Cosango is about 1.5 hours further. The descent crosses open grasslands and skirts around forests and ponds. There are a few muddy spots.

Round Trip: 6 hours.

Papallacta nature trail and thermal baths

This is what most tourists come to Papallacta for — the baths. But before submerging ourselves into the steaming, crystal-clear water we first visit the small onsite museum dedicated to the local flora and fauna and then hike La Isla, a nice nature trail that follows a rushing stream. There is a short and big loop. Both are well maintained and run on both banks of the stream. Very enjoyable and rubber boots are not needed.

After the warm up hike we enter the thermal baths that the area is so famous for. There are a myriad of different pools with water temperatures ranging from heart stoppingly cold to nearly scalding hot. You are sure to find a temperature that suits you. While lounging it is possible to see hummingbirds and views of Antisana. After hours of lounging we go for lunch at the trout farm before returning to Quito.

Round Trip: 1 hours (short loop) or 2.5 hours (larger loop) hiking, 2-3 hours in the thermal baths

Fishing tours inside Cayambe Coca National Park

It is also possible to arrange 1 day fishing tour in Laguna del Volcan, it means the whole expedition with return takes one day and one night.

Cueva Campana Machay (horseback ride and trek, red line)

For a change of pace we also offer a riding option. This is a very interesting combination ride and trek with a visit to Campana Machay Cave. Tours leave at 8.00 in the morning and ride through the páramo toward Antisana along the way we encounter a natural hot springs (too small to sit in). After some hours of riding we dismount and walk uphill to the cave and take a break. After resting and snacking we return down the valley.

Moggely have been guiding both BBC and Discovery Channel expeditions lately, for different filming projects in thie area. Moggely is specialized in expeditions in the Cayambe Coca, Papallacta and Antisana area and is the only operator of trekking tours in the area.