Quito, Ecuador Off the Beaten Path
Scenic Views and Archeaological Sites only Two Hours from the City
Aug 29, 2008
Nature-lovers, along with others who want to understand Ecuador’s pre-Inca cultures, will be fascinated by the following destinations, all a comfortable two-hour (or less) drive from the capital city.
Papallacta and Baeza
Called the threshold of the Amazon, this region offers amazing scenic views, from highlands full of native flora to breathtaking views of the majestic snow-capped Antisana volcano. There are numerous lakes in the area, all part of the Cayambe-Coca Natural Reserve .
Outside of the town of Papallacta, tourists will be pleased by the various hot-springs resorts that are available. Travel about an hour east to reach the small sub-tropical town of Baeza, where expert and intermediate rafters can experience world renown white-water rafting on the Quijos River.
How to get there: Take the Interoceánica Highway east through the valley of Tumbaco. On this highway you will pass the highest point accessible by a major Ecuadorian highway. The spot is marked by a small grotto holding a statue of the Virgin Mary and is at an impressive 4200 m above sea level. Here there is a road leading tourists to the lakes of Sucus, Loreto, and Baños.
Archaeological Park Cochasquí
Once the religious center and astronomic observatory of the pre-Inca Quitu-Cara culture (500-1500 A.D.), Cochasquí is a pristine 84-hectare archaeological site. It is the home of 15 unfinished pyramids and 21 funeral monuments, or circular mounds (tolas). The pyramids have been largely untouched, but the guide's explanations and a few excavation pits will give tourists a real sense of what the grounds looked like over 1000 years ago. The tours are only given in Spanish, so those who do not know Spanish should get an interpreter for the trip.
Onsite are a few museums with artifacts from this little known culture, including musical instruments and weapons. The destination is located at a high altitude (3100 m above sea level), so tourists should take the necessary precautions when visiting.
How to get there: Take the Pan-American Highway north from Quito (take the Tabacundo Via), for about 44 km, until you reach the Peaje Cochasquí (Cochasquí Toll). After passing the toll, you will notice a sign leading to a small road on the left-hand side of the highway. The road is well-marked and will lead you directly to the pyramids.
Oyacachi, the Lost Valley
The ancient Quichua establishment Oyacachi is also part of the Cayambe-Coca Natural Reserve. The ecotourism in this area is managed by the local community. Activities include bird-watching and dips in the hot springs right next to the river. Trekkers and hikers can take paths to El Chaco in the rain forest (allow two days).
How to get there: Take the Interoceánica Highway east from Quito. At the town of Papallacta, take the road north to Oyacachi Valley.
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