Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
environmental education programs. The reserve is located along the
northern slope of the extinct Pasochoa Volcano (13,734 feet) and is
home to abundant flora and bird life.
The reserve is managed by Fundación Natura, Ecuador's major non-
governmental environmental organization. Entrance-fee proceeds go
toward the protection and administration of the reserve. Weekends
at Pasochoa are often crowded, and early mornings are best for the
avid birder.
From Quito, there are two main ways to get to the village of
Amaguaña, where the turn-off to Pasochoa Reserve is located. It is
less than an hour from Quito by car. There are buses from colonial
Quito, but you are better off taking a taxi (be sure the driver knows
how to get there), or make arrangements through Fundación Natura
for specific driving directions. Once in Amaguaña, a signed cobble-
stone road leads to the reserve entrance a fewmiles away. Locals can
help point you in the proper direction. The entrance fee is $7.
Camping ($3) and cooking facilities ($5) are also available. There's an
information center with decent displays, a restroom, and picnic and
barbecue areas. Take your trash with you when you leave. Fundación
Natura's office in Quito is on America 5653 and Voz Andes,
2-2447-
341.
Hot Springs
Papallacta Hot Springs
Baños de Papallacta is a relaxing natural hot springs re-
sort. I recommend going on a weekday, as the weekends
are often pretty crowded with Quiteños trying to escape
the city streets. The hot springs include several clean
thermal pools surrounded by trees and greenery, which add to the
overall feeling of escape. On a clear day, the views of the snowcapped
Antisana Volcano are spectacular. Facilities at the springs include
showers, a restroom, changing rooms, and a restaurant that special-
izes in farm-raised trout. The restaurant is nice, but the food is a bit
overpriced and nothing to rave about. There is a good, moderately
priced hotel here as well, the Termas de Papallacta Hotel, right next
to the entrance to the baths. Papallacta is also a great place to wind
down after a long journey from the Oriente before returning to the
city. Visit www.goecuador.com/termas for more information.
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