Foto proporcionada por la gerencia de Aventour Ecuador.
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Pasochoa Wildlife Refuge

4.7
·1k reviews·Hacienda Tasourco, Ecuador

Explore an ancient Andean forest within an extinct volcano's crater, offering challenging hikes and breathtaking summit views.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Wildlife is most active

CrowdLow
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Foto proporcionada por la gerencia de Aventour Ecuador.

Pasochoa Wildlife Refuge

Best Time

Early mornings

Wildlife is most active

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore an ancient Andean forest within an extinct volcano's crater, offering challenging hikes and breathtaking summit views.

4.7
(1k reviews)

"Awesome place to picknick all day!! Filling up my lungs with clean air, my eyes with stunning views."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential

Wear good hiking boots; trails can be steep and slippery. Med-evacs have occurred due to falls.

🚗 Rugged Vehicle Recommended

The access road can be rough and washed out. A 4x4 or rugged truck is best if driving up.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.7 · 1,219 reviews

Type

Nature Preserve

👶 Good for kids

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Andean Forest Ecosystem

Andean Forest Ecosystem

Western flank amphitheater

Explore a unique Andean forest ecosystem thriving within an extinct volcano's crater.

Panoramic Summit Views

Panoramic Summit Views

Summit of Pasochoa volcano

Hike to the top for breathtaking, sweeping views of the surrounding landscapes.

Birdwatching Paradise

Birdwatching Paradise

Throughout the refuge

Discover diverse birdlife in this protected natural habitat, a treat for any ornithologist.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything

Plan your visit for cooler parts of the day to maximize wildlife sightings and enjoy comfortable hiking. Early mornings or late afternoons are best for spotting animals and avoiding the midday heat.

Trail Preparedness

The trails at Pasochoa can be steep and challenging, with some areas posing a risk of falls. Wear sturdy hiking boots and be mindful of your footing, especially after rain. Consider a rugged vehicle if you plan to drive further up the access road.

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Wildlife is most active
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Cooler temperatures
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

How to Visit Nisqually Refuge: Easy Driving Guide! We're taking you on a journey to the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge! Follow our directions from I-5, discover the entrance, and see the beautiful boardwalk. Learn about park fees and the Norm Dicks Visitor Center. Your adventure starts now! #NisquallyRefuge #WildlifeRefuge #NisquallyBoardwalk #PacificNorthwest #PNW #I5 #TravelGuide #NatureWalk...
@edward_yamut
5.7K likes • 80.8K views

👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential

Wear good hiking boots; trails can be steep and slippery. Med-evacs have occurred due to falls. Reddit

🚗 Rugged Vehicle Recommended

The access road can be rough and washed out. A 4x4 or rugged truck is best if driving up. Reddit

✨ Bucket-List Travel Guide to exploring the Wichita Mountains National Wildlife Refuge, Oklahoma ⤵️ Happy Travel Guide Tuesday, everyone! 📌 𝘚𝘢𝘷𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘧𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘔𝘪𝘥𝘸𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘥𝘷𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘭𝘴! ______________ ⛔️⛔️It’s extremely important to know and practice all the Leave No Trace principles to help protect and preserve these beautiful places in nature and to minimize our ...
@mindyonthemove
2.6K likes • 92.5K views
🌿🏔️ ¡No te quedes quieto cuando no tengas nada que hacer! 🌿🏔️ Así que decidimos escalar al Pasochoa 🧗‍♂️. En esta zona, la depresión en forma de anfiteatro de su flanco occidental alberga hoy un importante ecosistema de bosque andino 🌳. El Refugio de Vida Silvestre Pasochoa 🦜🌿 tiene una extensión de 500 hectáreas y es parte del Sistema Nacional de Áreas Protegidas de Ecuador 🇪🇨. ¡Sin duda, es d...
franklinvarelaec
24 likes • 614 views

🎒 Pack for All Weather

Conditions can change rapidly; be prepared for both warm and cold weather. Reddit

🥾 Hike with Caution

Some hills are dangerous. Be mindful of your footing to avoid injuries. Reddit

👨‍👩‍👧🍃💖 📍Pasochoa Wildlife Refuge . . . . . #Pichincha #pasochoa #quito #Ecuador #ecuadortravel #naturegetaway #nature #VisitQuito #naturaleza #plandefindesemana
santi_tourguide.ec
6 likes • 254 views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential

Wear good hiking boots; trails can be steep and slippery. Med-evacs have occurred due to falls. Reddit

🚗 Rugged Vehicle Recommended

The access road can be rough and washed out. A 4x4 or rugged truck is best if driving up. Reddit

🎒 Pack for All Weather

Conditions can change rapidly; be prepared for both warm and cold weather. Reddit

🥾 Hike with Caution

Some hills are dangerous. Be mindful of your footing to avoid injuries. Reddit

🧺 Perfect Picnic Spot

An awesome place to spend the day picnicking and enjoying nature. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Pasochoa Wildlife Refuge for its stunning landscapes and the invigorating hiking experience, particularly the challenging climb to the summit. It's a great spot for picnics and enjoying clean air. However, some trails are noted as dangerous, requiring caution and sturdy footwear.

"Accessed Pasochoa through 4200 Pasochoa. Took 4.5 hours to climb and 2 to descend. Parking available and with a rugged truck you could drive most of the way up but the road can be very rough and washed out."

Julia Adams

"Nice place to go hiking, awesome view and landscape, sometimes it's warm, sometimes it's cold. Be careful on the hiking, some hills can be dangerous, rotor wing - med evacs have been made from the sight because people have fallen from the hill and got injured. Besides that it's an awesome place to picknick all day!!"

feli valdez

"Filling up my lungs with clean air, my eyes with stunning views, my legs muscles supporting the hike in a lovely day"

Diego Naranjo

What People Like

Awesome views
Great hiking
Clean air

What People Dislike

Dangerous trails
Rough access road

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Pasochoa Wildlife Refuge is accessible from Quito. Travelers can drive, and some suggest a rugged truck is beneficial for the access road, which can be rough and washed out. Parking is available. Reddit

While you can drive part of the way, the trails are best explored on foot. Be prepared for steep and potentially dangerous sections. Reddit

Yes, Pasochoa is a great option for a day trip from Quito, offering hiking and nature exploration. Instagram

Information on public transport is limited, but driving is the most commonly mentioned method. Reddit

The refuge is often accessed via 4200 Pasochoa. It's recommended to use GPS navigation for precise directions. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

While specific ticket information isn't detailed in all sources, it's a National Park, so an entrance fee is likely. It's advisable to check for current admission requirements before your visit. Instagram

Specific opening hours are not widely published, but planning for early morning or late afternoon visits is recommended for wildlife viewing. TikTok

As a protected area, there is likely an entrance fee. It's best to confirm the current cost upon arrival or check official park information. TikTok

Advance booking is generally not required for natural parks like this, but it's always good to check if any special permits or reservations are needed, especially for groups. Reddit

Visitors are expected to follow Leave No Trace principles to preserve the environment. TikTok

🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience

The refuge offers varied hiking trails, including a challenging climb to the summit of the extinct volcano. Some trails can be steep and dangerous, requiring careful footing. Reddit

A round trip hike can take approximately 4.5 hours to climb and 2 hours to descend, depending on your pace and the trail chosen. Reddit

Pasochoa is home to diverse birdlife and a unique Andean forest ecosystem. While specific animals like bison or elk are not mentioned, the focus is on natural habitats. TikTokInstagram

Information on facilities is limited, but parking is available. It's advisable to come prepared with your own supplies. Reddit

The stunning views and unique landscapes make Pasochoa an excellent spot for photography, especially from the summit. TikTokReddit

🍽️ 🧺 Food & Dining

There are no specific mentions of restaurants or cafes within the refuge. It's best to pack your own food and drinks for a picnic. Reddit

Dining options would likely be found back in Quito or in smaller towns closer to the refuge. Plan accordingly for meals. Instagram

Yes, Pasochoa is described as an awesome place to picknick all day, making it a great spot for a packed lunch. Reddit

It's advisable to bring your own water supply, as there are no mentions of vendors within the refuge. Reddit

The primary guideline is to practice Leave No Trace principles, which includes packing out all trash, so be mindful of your waste. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The summit offers panoramic views, and the unique Andean forest provides excellent opportunities for nature and landscape photography. InstagramReddit

A wide-angle lens for landscapes and a zoom lens for potential wildlife or distant views would be beneficial. TikTok

While beautiful, some trails are steep and dangerous. Be cautious and prioritize safety while capturing photos. Reddit

Regulations regarding drones in wildlife refuges can vary. It's best to check with park authorities for current drone policies. TikTok

Early morning and late afternoon offer softer light and are also when wildlife is most active, providing great photo opportunities. TikTok

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