Papallacta Pass - Cayambe Coca National Park & Guango Cloud Forest Reserve
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 15 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Papallacta Pass - Cayambe Coca National Park & Guango Cloud Forest Reserve worth booking?
Papallacta Pass - Cayambe Coca National Park & Guango Cloud Forest Reserve is a 8-hour experience in Quito, Ecuador, from $255 per person. It scores 65 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 15 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 65 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (15)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $255 per person
Explore a remarkable range of Andean habitats in a single day, from the high-elevation páramo to the lush cloud forest on the eastern slopes. At Papallacta Pass, enjoy expansive views and excellent opportunities for landscape photography, along with chances to observe high-altitude species in open terrain. As you descend into Guango Cloud Forest Reserve, the focus shifts to close-range observation and photography, with feeders that regularly attract a variety of hummingbirds and other forest species. This route offers a productive combination of habitats, light conditions, and bird activity, making it especially rewarding for birdwatchers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts seeking both diversity and quality sightings. Optional add-on: End the day relaxing in the thermal waters of Papallacta Hot Springs.
What you get
About this experience
Explore a remarkable range of Andean habitats in a single day, from the high-elevation páramo to the lush cloud forest on the eastern slopes. At Papallacta Pass, enjoy expansive views and excellent opportunities for landscape photography, along with chances to observe high-altitude species in open terrain. As you descend into Guango Cloud Forest Reserve, the focus shifts to close-range observation and photography, with feeders that regularly attract a variety of hummingbirds and other forest species. This route offers a productive combination of habitats, light conditions, and bird activity, making it especially rewarding for birdwatchers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts seeking both diversity and quality sightings. Optional add-on: End the day relaxing in the thermal waters of Papallacta Hot Springs.
What's included
Included
- Certified bilingual naturalist, birding, photography guide
- Coffee and tea at Guango
- Lunch
- Private transportation
- All activities
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Not included
- TIPS
- PERSONAL EXPENSES
What you'll see and do
After an early departure from Quito at 7:30 am from your hotel, you'll drive some 65 km (41 miles) east of Quito the road brings you into the high elevation paramo at the Papallacta pass, a very tundra-like habitat. On clear days the views of the surroundings and various volcanoes are breathtaking; a stop right up at the pass is one of the best spots to photograph the snow-capped Antisana Volcano as it towers over the mountains below. If the weather allows, from this point on we should start scanning the sky from time to time for the Andean Condor, Variable Hawk, Carunculated Caracara, and Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle, which may soar overhead. At the highest elevations, you’ll seek out the secretive and cryptic Rufous-bellied Seedsnipe and other unique wildlife of this region. Andean Bears can be found in this paramo, special natural feeding sites where the presence of bears is frequent all year round. sometimes close enough to have wonderful views and photographs.
240 minutes here · Admission included
Later you’ll drive to Guango Reserve, where you will embark on a hike along the trails around the lodge to get a taste of the beautiful Andean temperate forests; hummingbirds will take your full attention. The cloud forest concentrates the highest diversity of these winged jewels in the Americas. Colorful mixed flocks with birds such as Lacrimose and Hooded Mountain Tanagers, Blue-backed Conebill, Black-capped Hemispingus can be seen around the lodge. Here you have possibilities of seeing very local birds like the stunning Gray Breasted Mountain-Toucan, Andean Guan, and Northern Mountain Cacique. Along the Papallacta River, you’ll try to find a unique resident of fast-flowing mountain rivers, a powerful swimmer, and diver: the Torrent Duck. This could definitely be one of our day highlights!
240 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
Options you can book
Hot Springs add-on
Papallacta HotSprings complex: Add a visit to the best thermal water complex in Ecuador, includes entrance fee. Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes: Extended trip duration Pickup included
Papallacta Pass - Cayambe Coca National Park & Guango Cloud Forest Reserve
Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Neotropical Nature and Birding Trips
Know before you go
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
- Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
- A small amount of walking is involved along trails with irregular terrain although if participants require longer hiking trails are available.
- Copy of passport of one of the group members is require for billing purposes (local tax exemption)
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 15 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
15 verified traveler reviews for Papallacta Pass - Cayambe Coca National Park & Guango Cloud Forest Reserve. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Fantastic
Fantastic day of hiking in the Paramo with a superb guide, Santiago, who had an encyclopaedic knowledge of birds, with an afternoon topped by an Andean Bear sighting! Fabulous day, brilliant company Neotropical my third time using them. Will go with them again.
via Tripadvisor
Where passion and knowledge come together for an amazing experience!
I had a spectacular outing with Santiago. Everything about it was perfect from where we went to his deep knowledge of the area, conservation efforts past and present, the fauna and flora and the passion that he brought to finding as many birds and mammals as possible. Everything was well-organized and the sites we went to were wonderful. He know so much about the area and what to potentially see at each site. The communication about booking the trip was excellent. If/when I go back to Ecuador, I will definitely book with them again and I am even looking into going on trips with them in other countries. Thank you for a wonderful day!!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your incredibly kind and thoughtful review! It truly means a lot to hear that your experience with us was so memorable and enjoyable. We are especially happy to know that you appreciated not only the wildlife and birding experience itself, but also the conservation stories, natural history, and passion that Santiago brings to every tour. Sharing the incredible biodiversity of Ecuador while helping travelers connect more deeply with these ecosystems is exactly what motivates us every day. We’re also glad to hear that the organization, communication, and selected sites met your expectations and helped create such a rewarding experience. Ecuador is an extraordinary country for wildlife, and every outing offers something unique and exciting to discover. Thank you again for your trust and support. It would be an absolute pleasure to welcome you back to Ecuador in the future and hopefully also on one of our wildlife adventures in other South American destinations as well! Safe travels and thank you for spending the day with us!
via Tripadvisor
Face to face with bears and seedsnipes
Papallacta Pass was one of the highlights of my two weeks guided trip organized by Neotropical. At the top of Pappallacta Antennas we had stunning views on Andes and a close encounter with a pair of rufous-bellied seedsnipes. On the way back towards Quito we saw as well a family of spectacled bears (mother with two cubs) and solitary male. Local trails around Papallacta seem to be perfect for longer scenic hikes. The area around Guango Lodge turned out to be an excellent spot to see a torrent duck and a white-capped dipper. Unfortunately grey-breasted mountain toucan which used to visit feeding station above the lodge did not appear, but thanks to excellent skills of my guide we tracked it down in the forest.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful and detailed review! We are truly happy to hear that Papallacta Pass and the Cayambe-Coca area became one of the highlights of your trip with us. Having close encounters with Rufous-bellied Seedsnipes in the high Andes and later observing a family of Spectacled Bears with two cubs, along with a solitary male, is indeed an unforgettable experience and a very special day in the Ecuadorian páramo. These moments are exactly what make this region so extraordinary for wildlife lovers and photographers. We are also glad you enjoyed the beautiful scenery and the birding around Guango Lodge, including Torrent Duck and White-capped Dipper. And while the Grey-breasted Mountain Toucan did not cooperate at the feeders that day, we’re thrilled that your guide was still able to track it down in the forest sometimes those unexpected searches become the most rewarding moments in the field! Thank you again for trusting Neotropical Nature & Birding Trips to organize your Ecuador adventure. It was a pleasure sharing these incredible ecosystems with you, and we hope to welcome you back again for more wildlife experiences in Ecuador and South America in the future!
via Tripadvisor
Best ever!
Santiago is the BEST guide ever and my favorite guide I’ve ever had. I’ve been on excursions with him 6 times. The thing I love the most is that he doesn’t just know birds. He knows about ecosystems, insects, flowers, plants, everything to do with nature. I have food allergies and he was always very attentive to making sure there was food I could eat. The trip was amazing. We saw tons of birds, The food was amazing. Everything was just wonderful!!
Response from the operator: Dear Kelly, Thank you so much for your heartfelt words and for your continued trust in our team! It means the world to us that you’ve chosen to travel with us six times — what an honor. We’re especially happy to know that our guides broad knowledge of nature and dedication to creating a safe, enjoyable experience for all guests — including those with food allergies — made your trip both memorable and comfortable. It’s always our goal to deliver meaningful, immersive journeys, and we’re thrilled to hear everything from the birding to the food exceeded your expectations. We truly look forward to many more adventures together in the future! Warmest regards, Gabriela General Manager Neotropical Nature and Birding Trips
via Tripadvisor
Expert and friendly guide, highly recommended!
Santiago was an outstanding guide for our day trip into the Andes. He was friendly and easy to be around. His ecology knowledge was expert and yet he explained concepts to us in a way my 11-year-old daughter could understand. His SUV was super clean and comfortable. He took us to spots we never could have found on our own, making this tour well worth the price. Santiago went above and beyond to help us have an incredible experience. Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful part of Ecuador with us!
Response from the operator: We're delighted to hear about your exceptional experience during your day trip into the Andes! It's wonderful to know that our guide made your journey both enjoyable and informative. Our commitment is to provide top-notch service to our customers. We're truly grateful for your kind words and for allowing us the opportunity to showcase the beauty of Ecuador. We hope to welcome you back soon for more unforgettable adventures!
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $255 to $440
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 5
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Neotropical Nature and Birding Trips, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 65.7.
See everything Neotropical Nature and Birding Trips runsWhy this scores 65
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Papallacta Pass - Cayambe Coca National Park & Guango Cloud Forest Reserve: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Quito.
How much does Papallacta Pass - Cayambe Coca National Park & Guango Cloud Forest Reserve cost?
+
Prices start at $255 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Quito usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Papallacta Pass - Cayambe Coca National Park & Guango Cloud Forest Reserve take?
+
Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Quito is not rushed.
Is Papallacta Pass - Cayambe Coca National Park & Guango Cloud Forest Reserve worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 65 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 15 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Quito, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Papallacta Pass - Cayambe Coca National Park & Guango Cloud Forest Reserve?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Papallacta Pass - Cayambe Coca National Park & Guango Cloud Forest Reserve suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Papallacta Pass - Cayambe Coca National Park & Guango Cloud Forest Reserve?
+
Around 5 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Quito can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Quito and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Papallacta Pass - Cayambe Coca National Park & Guango Cloud Forest Reserve start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Quito within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Quito?
+
On Outty we rank every Quito experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Cotopaxi Volcano full day tour with all the entrances, every day, Cotopaxi tour from Quito -horseback ride and hike-NO TOURISTY way, Baños Full Day Tour from Quito Including Entrances and Activities. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Quito?
+
Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Quito?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Papallacta Pass - Cayambe Coca National Park & Guango Cloud Forest Reserve?
+
Included: Certified bilingual naturalist, birding, photography guide; Coffee and tea at Guango; Lunch; Private transportation; and All activities. Not included: TIPS; and PERSONAL EXPENSES. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Papallacta Pass - Cayambe Coca National Park & Guango Cloud Forest Reserve include hotel pickup?
+
Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 2 listed pickup locations in and around Quito. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Papallacta Pass - Cayambe Coca National Park & Guango Cloud Forest Reserve offered in?
+
It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Papallacta Pass - Cayambe Coca National Park & Guango Cloud Forest Reserve?
+
Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
What happens to Papallacta Pass - Cayambe Coca National Park & Guango Cloud Forest Reserve if the weather is bad?
+
It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Quito. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Papallacta Pass - Cayambe Coca National Park & Guango Cloud Forest Reserve?
+
Across 15 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Papallacta Pass - Cayambe Coca National Park & Guango Cloud Forest Reserve?
+
There are 2 options to choose from, including Hot Springs add-on, Papallacta Pass - Cayambe Coca National Park & Guango Cloud Forest Reserve. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Papallacta Pass - Cayambe Coca National Park & Guango Cloud Forest Reserve.
Pick your date
