Palmira Desert & Atillo Lagoons Excursion

Calling all nature lovers! Don't miss this excursion to the Palmira Desert and the Altillo Lagoons. You'll discover two totally opposite Ecuadorian landscapes on the same day - beautiful springs and vast sand dunes await!

Palmira Desert & Atillo Lagoons Excursion

At 7 am we'll pick you up at your hotel in Baños de Agua Santa and drive by minibus to the Palmira Desert, approximately two and a half hours away.

We'll spend an hour walking through the dunes of the Palmira Desert, a unique landscape of the Andean páramo at 9,842 feet (3,000 meters) above sea level. You'll be able to photograph numerous pine trees in this area. We'll discuss the impact of the Spanish colonists on desertification and look for blackbirds, turtledoves, and carunculated caracaras.

Next, we'll head to Sangay National Park to visit the lagoons of Altillo. This includes a hiking route along the banks while sharing legends of the Puruhá Indigenous Peoples, the ancient inhabitants. The name of this area means 'lagoon of punishment'.

Afterward, you'll have an hour of free time for exploration and a picnic consisting of a sandwich, a piece of fruit, and juice.

We'll conclude the tour at 6 pm, returning you to your hotel.