Antisana Ecological Reserve and Papallacta Thermal Springs

Day 1: Early departure from Quito to the Antisana Ecological Reserve. Enjoy this wild ecosystem from high mountain forests to the paramo grasslands. A wide variety of flora and fauna inhabit this area.

The spectacular Andean scenery with its changing landscapes provides great photographic opportunities.

Birding at the Antisana reserve is one of its highlights. You don’t need to be an expert to spot and enjoy many of its local species of birds: from the majestic Andean Condor, hawks, buzzard-eagles, falcons, ground tyrants, cinclodes to the rare Black Faced Ibis are some of the long list of birds frequently seen in the area.

The Mica Lake provides habitat to Andean Gulls, Coots and Teals as well as many ground birds. Among the mammals present are the Andean Fox, White Tailed Deer, Dwarf Deer, rabbits and the elusive pumas, Spectacled Bears and Mountain Tapirs.

By the middle of the day we find a sheltered place to enjoy our picnic lunch. Overnight at The Papallacta Thermal Springs. (PL)

Day 2: The thermal springs are nestled in these beautiful Andean Highlands.  Spend the day in these curative sulfate alkaline thermal waters, enjoying the extraordinary landscape and if lucky a breathtaking view of the snow capped Antisana. Take the opportunity to hike the trails along the rushing river while enjoying the unique endemic species of flora and fauna. More than 160 species of birds, including hummingbirds, tangaras and occasionally the great Andean Condor have been recorded.

In addition, visitors have the opportunity to visit the “Exploratory” research and interpretation center, which offers audiovisual information on those species only found around Papallacta. (B)

PM return to Quito.

• Location: Nature and Wildlife Tours
• Duration: 2 days / 1 night
• Start / End: Quito / Quito
• Activities: Walking and hiking, nature and wildlife viewing, relaxing in hot springs
• Highlights: Antisana Ecological Reserve and the Mica Lake, Papallacta hiking trails, Papallacta Thermal Springs
• Season: All year
• Included: Accommodation, bilingual guide, private transportation, meals mentioned in itinerary
• Not Included: Tips, personal expenses, meals not mentioned in itinerary. Entrance fees to SPA.
• Prices: Price upon request