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FULL DAY PAPALLACTA + SPECTACLED BEAR SEARCH
Pick-up 7:00 am from your hotel. Some 65 km (41 miles) East of Quito, the road brings us into the high elevation paramo (moorland) at Papallacta, a very tundra-like habitat. On clear days the views of the surroundings and various volcanoes are breath-taking; a stop right up at the pass is one of the best spots from where to photograph the snow-capped Antisana Volcano as it towers over the mountains below.
If weather allows from this point on you should start scanning the sky from time to time for the Andean Condor, Variable Hawk, Carunculated Caracara and Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle that may soar overhead. You’ll keeps your eyes open scouting for one of the most elusive and emblematic species in the Andes The Spectacled Bear. It is in the paramo, north east of Quito where you can increase your probabilities of a great encounter with bears and other Andean wildlife, sometimes close enough to have wonderful views and photographs. The area to visit covers the surroundings of two national parks with special natural feeding sites where the presence of bears is frequent all year around. The paramo is rich in important food sources for the bears’ mostly herbivorous diet; Puya sp. is pretty abundant in this ecosystem also covered with grasslands, small bushes and elfin trees.
You’ll also check stands of Polylepis woodland, a unique well adapted woody endemic species to the mid- and high-elevation regions of the tropical Andes. Some Polylepis, which grow well above normal tree line within grass and scrub associations at elevations over 4000 meters, making part of the fascinating landscape of the Andes.
Later on you’ll arrive to the best thermal water complex in Ecuador, from here on it’s time to relax and absorb the benefits of this therapeutic waters. The richness of the hydro thermal waters in Papallacta is due its location: a volcanic complex with more than 3 million years of persistent activity called Chacana. The area consists of a large volcanic caldera 35 km north-south and 15 km east-west, including small volcanoes of very viscous lava called domes, and half a hundred tributaries of hot springs.
The hot springs that feed Termas Papallacta arise from deep geological layers through fissures, up to the surface, loaded with minerals and potential for health benefits. The source temperature of the thermal baths varies between 30°C and 70°C (86°F and 158°F). At the pools the temperature ranges from 36°C to 38°C (97°F to 100.4°F).
More than a destination, Papallacta is an integral holistic experience that will awaken your senses and a chance for a deep connection with nature.
Pricing
- 1 pax $ 290
- 2 pax $ 170
- 3-4 pax $150
- 5-7 pax $110
- 8-10 pax $90
$40 USD per person in groups of 1 or 2
$25 USD per person in groups of 3 or more
-Naturalist & Birding Guide
-Private transportation
-Lunch and soft drinks
-Snacks and water
-All excursions and entrance fees to the reserves
-Tips
-Alcoholic beverages
-Any other item not specified
Trip considerations
PLEASE NOTE:
This is a sample itinerary subject to change due to weather conditions, safety, and particular interests of guests and groups. Changes and additions are made in order to maximize wilderness enjoyment and cultural interaction with local people.
People taking medical prescriptions or who have any medical condition, must go through the medical department before entering the pools.
