Cayambe Coca National Park (Baños Ranger Control) - Papallacta Ecuador
NAPO-QUIJOS-BAEZA
(FREE, 3788 MSL, M-SU 8AM-5PM, 7.5km from Papallacta)
The National Park "Baños" Ranger Control is one of the 5 controls of the Cayambe-Coca National Park. It is named by the lagoons called "Baños" which are close to the Ranger Control. The place is located 7.5Km from Papallacta city or 5Km from "Termas de Papallacta" spa. From Papallacta to "Termas de Papallacta spa" is a paved road and then 5km more by a third level road. Even when a small vehicle can reach the place is much better get a 4WD. There is a guard ranger, a parking zone and information about the place.
From the "Baños" Ranger Control you can walk to some places like: Milagrosa waterfall (1Km del control), Baños Lagoons (1.6 Km), Loreto lagoon (1.5Km), Anteojos lagoon (2Km), Parcacocha lagoon (4Km). There is recommend to use hiking shoes and protection for cold, sun and water and fog. Some parts can be muddy.
Finally, there is a third level road of around 36Km which reaches Oyacachi. This road is only for administrative purpose in order to avoid hunters. So, an special authorisation is needed to drive there. However, many people choose to do mountain bike. It will take around 4-5 hours to reach the hot springs in Oyacachi by bicycle.
FROM QUITO TO BAÑOS RANGER CONTROL (CAYAMBE-COCA NATIONAL PARK)
You can take a bus from Quito to Papallacta ($2.5, 2 hours). The, take a taxi to reach the control point ($10, 30 min, 7.5Km). If you prefer, the taxi wait for you a couple of hours and then returning to Papallacta ($30). A cheaper option is to take a share taxi from the main road to "Termas Papallacta" spa ($1 per person or $3 solo) and then walk upstream the 5Km with wonderfull views.
Caverna de Jumandy Tena - Ecuador turismo Saturday 22 February 2025
Tourism
