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Ecuador🇪🇨 | national parksPasochoa Wildlife RefugeCrater bowl, mossy forest, summit rim, camping | things to do and best time to go

Explore Pululahua Geobotanical ReserveExplore Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve

Backpacking in Pasochoa Wildlife Refuge
👀 For curious travelersnational park ranked #14
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 19, 2026

Pasochoa’s crater floor is a cloud forest bowl where Andean condors rarely show but tanagers, hummingbirds and the occasional Andean fox keep you scanning the trees. The refuge sits in the Andes of northern Ecuador, on the flank of an extinct volcano south of Quito. I still hear the thin, metallic buzz of hummingbird wings overhead as I stepped out of the mist into the crater. Reserve your entrance ahead of weekends, when school groups crowd the paths, and start early because afternoon cloud kills the views. Pack rain gear and carry cash, since there are no shops. Fit hikers and birders will love it, while anyone wanting easy buses and big vistas will not.

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✨ Why go?
Ranked #14 national park in EcuadorWhy Pasochoa Wildlife Refuge should be on your travel list

Pasochoa Wildlife Refuge works for backpackers who like to wander without a guide, because the paths are marked and the crater loop is easy to follow alone. The volcano, cut open on one side, holds one of the last patches of native Andean montane forest near Quito, so you get real birdlife without a flight or a long bus ride. Camping inside the refuge costs little and lets you wake among the trees, with the Laguna de Pasochoa crater views and quiet mornings to yourself. Serious hikers can push on toward the rim and summit. Guided tours exist, but you do not need one here.

💡 HighlightsDon't-miss highlights and experiences

  1. Crater Forest Interior: The main draw, a rim-ringed bowl of cloud forest dripping with moss, bromeliads and orchids, with quiet trails beneath tall native trees.
  2. Hummingbird Watching: Sparkling violetears, sword-billed and other hummingbirds work the flowering shrubs near the visitor center.
  3. Laguna de Pasochoa: A small seasonal lagoon inside the refuge, good for a calm lunch stop and birds.
  4. Andean Wildlife Spotting: Keep eyes open for Andean foxes, white-tailed deer and rabbits, most active in early morning.
  5. Pasochoa Summit and Rim Views: The tough climb on the volcano’s edge opens to views of Cotopaxi, Illinizas and Rumiñahui on clear days.
  6. Páramo Grasslands: Above the forest, tussock grass and wind-bent shrubs give a different, open landscape.
  7. Camping Area: A simple site beside the trees, good
… read more 👉
  1. Crater Forest Interior: The main draw, a rim-ringed bowl of cloud forest dripping with moss, bromeliads and orchids, with quiet trails beneath tall native trees.
  2. Hummingbird Watching: Sparkling violetears, sword-billed and other hummingbirds work the flowering shrubs near the visitor center.
  3. Laguna de Pasochoa: A small seasonal lagoon inside the refuge, good for a calm lunch stop and birds.
  4. Andean Wildlife Spotting: Keep eyes open for Andean foxes, white-tailed deer and rabbits, most active in early morning.
  5. Pasochoa Summit and Rim Views: The tough climb on the volcano’s edge opens to views of Cotopaxi, Illinizas and Rumiñahui on clear days.
  6. Páramo Grasslands: Above the forest, tussock grass and wind-bent shrubs give a different, open landscape.
  7. Camping Area: A simple site beside the trees, good for dawn bird chorus and night sky.
For a first visit, the crater forest loop is the best pick, since it packs forest, birds and views into one gentle half-day walk.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do near Pasochoa Wildlife Refuge

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Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you.

🌤️ When to go?Seasonal considerations and timing

  • Dry Season (June to September): Pasochoa Wildlife Refuge is driest and busiest on weekends, with mornings of 5 to 10°C (41 to 50°F) and afternoons of 15 to 19°C (59 to 66°F). Trails are firmest, and Andean views open up.
  • Wet Months (October to May): Afternoon rain is common, mud thickens on the forest paths, and clouds close in by midday. Expect 8 to 18°C (46 to 64°F). Weekdays are nearly empty.
  • Holidays: Ecuadorian school breaks and long weekends bring school groups and families, though prices at the gate stay the same.
Daylight stays close to 12 hours all year, so start by 8 a.m. and finish before the afternoon cloud rolls in.

source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: fair for travelingFEBFebruary: fair for travelingMARMarch: fair for travelingAPRApril: fair for travelingMAYMay: fair for travelingJUNJune: excellent for travelingJULJuly: excellent for travelingAUGAugust: excellent for travelingSEPSeptember: excellent for travelingOCTOctober: below average for travelingNOVNovember: below average for travelingDECDecember: below average for traveling
when-to-go

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🛏️ Where to stay?Choosing the right base

The cheapest base is Machachi, about 30 to 40 minutes by road from the refuge, where hostels and small hotels run US$12 to 30 a night. Inside the refuge, a basic lodge and a campground near the entrance serve hikers who want to start early. Camping costs about US$5 to 10 per person and you carry your own food, though a modest kitchen may be available. Bring a warm sleeping bag, because nights drop close to freezing. Quito is the other option, roughly 1 to 1.5 hours away, with far more hostels (dorms from US$10 to 15) and better transport links. Sangolquí and Amaguaña are closer to the park entrance … read more 👉
The cheapest base is Machachi, about 30 to 40 minutes by road from the refuge, where hostels and small hotels run US$12 to 30 a night. Inside the refuge, a basic lodge and a campground near the entrance serve hikers who want to start early. Camping costs about US$5 to 10 per person and you carry your own food, though a modest kitchen may be available. Bring a warm sleeping bag, because nights drop close to freezing. Quito is the other option, roughly 1 to 1.5 hours away, with far more hostels (dorms from US$10 to 15) and better transport links. Sangolquí and Amaguaña are closer to the park entrance and have simple guesthouses and local restaurants. Most backpackers sleep in Quito or Machachi and visit by day.
Best hostels in Ecuador


Best quality hotels in Ecuador

👛 Costs (as of 19 October 2026)Typical daily expenses

A day at Pasochoa Wildlife Refuge costs roughly US$22 to 62 for a backpacker, including transport from Quito.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Entrance feeUS$0Entry is free.
Accommodation (high season)US$10 to 25Quito dorm or Machachi hostel; camping at the refuge is cheaper.
Local transportUS$4 to 12Bus to Amaguaña or Machachi, then a shared truck or taxi to the gate.
Food and suppliesUS$8 to 15Set lunches in town cost US$3 to 5; bring a packed lunch for the trail.
Guide (optional)US$0 to 10Trails are marked, so most hikers go without.
Total Daily BudgetUS$22 to 62About US$38 to 55 is typical.


source: ambiente.gob.ec
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🥾 TrailsHiking Pasochoa Wildlife Refuge national park: highlights and difficulty

Pasochoa Wildlife Refuge offers hiking from easy forest strolls to a hard summit push, with most routes starting at the visitor center.
  • Forest loop: A gentle loop of about 1 to 2 hours on soft forest trail, easy, passing the lagoon and good for birds.
  • Crater Rim and Summit Route: A steep, strenuous climb of roughly 5 to 7 hours round trip through forest into páramo, with muddy sections and big Andean views.
  • Forest Birding Paths: Short, flat branches near the entrance, easy, ideal for hummingbirds and tanagers.
Wildlife includes foxes, deer and many bird species, best seen early. Trails turn slick … read more 👉
Pasochoa Wildlife Refuge offers hiking from easy forest strolls to a hard summit push, with most routes starting at the visitor center.
  • Forest loop: A gentle loop of about 1 to 2 hours on soft forest trail, easy, passing the lagoon and good for birds.
  • Crater Rim and Summit Route: A steep, strenuous climb of roughly 5 to 7 hours round trip through forest into páramo, with muddy sections and big Andean views.
  • Forest Birding Paths: Short, flat branches near the entrance, easy, ideal for hummingbirds and tanagers.
Wildlife includes foxes, deer and many bird species, best seen early. Trails turn slick after rain, so wear boots and bring a waterproof layer. Getting there takes a bus toward Machachi, then a taxi or pickup or a walk along the access road, so plan ahead. Weekdays are quiet, while weekends bring families and school groups. Entry is free, with camping extra.
⚠️ Hiking info can sometimes be outdated or inaccurate. Before you hit the trail, check the latest conditions with locals. If you do spot anything that's off, I'd love to hear from you, so I can update it for fellow travelers.

🛡️ SafetySafety Tips and Common Scams in Pasochoa Wildlife Refuge

Pasochoa is a straightforward, well-managed reserve with marked trails, and the main issues are weather and altitude. The park sits between roughly 2,900 and 4,200 meters (9,500 to 13,800 feet), so go slowly on the climb to the crater rim and drink plenty of water. Mornings are clear, but fog and rain arrive by early afternoon, so carry a waterproof layer and warm clothing. Paths turn slick and muddy after rain, so wear boots with grip. Wildlife is mostly birds, plus the occasional deer or fox, and none is a concern. Keep to the marked routes, as the dense forest makes it easy to lose your bearings.
Check Country Safety

FAQTraveler FAQ

One day is enough for Pasochoa Wildlife Refuge. The main loop trails take 3 to 6 hours, and the crater rim climb adds a few more. Camping at the refuge lets you split the hikes over two days if you want a slower pace or birdwatching at dawn.
Yes, but it takes some effort. From Quito, take a bus to Amaguaña or Machachi (about 1 hour, US$1 to 2), then hire a taxi or shared truck for the final stretch to the gate, usually US$8 to 15. Weekends are easier for finding rides back, and tour operators in Quito can arrange a day trip.
No, entry to Pasochoa Wildlife Refuge is free, as in Ecuador’s other mainland protected areas. No advance permit is needed for day hikes. Camping and the lodge cost extra, around US$5 to 10 per person, and it is wise to carry cash.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Ecuadorian national parks near Pasochoa Wildlife Refuge

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We 💚 feedbackKey takeaways before you go

Give Pasochoa Wildlife Refuge one full day, and start early so the cloud forest is still quiet and the crater rim stays clear. I would skip an overnight unless you want to camp and chase the Andean birds at dawn. Bring rain layers and plenty of water, because there are no shops inside.

✈️ When did I visit Ecuador?
Ecuador I visited during my half year trip through South and Central America back in 2003

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Ecuador, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



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