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 desert of Palmira, about two and a half hours away.
We'll spend an hour walking through the dunes of the Palmira Desert, a curious landscape of the Andean páramo located 9,842 feet (3,000 meters) above sea level. You'll be able to take hundreds of photos and admire the numerous pine trees that grow in this area. We'll explain why the arrival of the Spanish colonists caused the desertification of this area and, with a little luck, we'll get to see blackbirds, turtledoves and carunculated caracaras.
Next, we'll return to the vehicle and head to Sangay National Park, where we'll find the lagoons of Altillo. Here, we'll go on a hiking route along the banks of these springs as we tell you the legends told about the Puruhá Indigenous Peoples, the ancient inhabitants of these lands. Fun fact: the name of this area means 'lagoon of punishment'.
Afterward, you'll have an hour of free time to continue exploring the area and refuel with a delicious picnic that includes a sandwich, a piece of fruit and juice.
We'll finish the tour at 6 pm leaving you back at your hotel.