January 6th – Papallacta Hike

12 km hike through the Cayambe Coca Reserve, glacial striations, and hot springs- a typical day in the Ecuadorian Andes. 

Our day began with a hike through the Cayambe Coca Reserve.  We started at 14,200 feet above sea level and descended through various paramos (different types of ecosystems occurring in the Andean Highlands).   There are many species that are endemic (or restricted) to this region.  The descent through the paramos was indicated by different plant types and the removal of layers of clothing (we began the hike in bundled in winter coats, gloves, and hats, and ended in t-shirts and even shorts).

The superparamo consisted of the highest elevation and lowest oxygen level.  This is a harsh climate and plants developed various adaptions in order to survive here.  The lopini is a purple flower that contains ribosomes in its roots.  These ribosomes help to produce nitrogen which is lacking in the atmosphere at such a high elevation.  

The next paramo we encountered was the proper paramo and then the grass paramo.  Here, we saw the ballerina flower, which is white and used by the natives as a tranquilizer.  We also saw “rabbit ears” which were covered in hairs as soft as a blanket.  These hairs protected the plant from harsh temperatures.  The last paramo on our hike was the subparamo or the lower limit. 

After a four and a half hour hike, most of us were tired and a bit sore.   Needless to say we were ecstatic when we arrived at a Hot Springs resort at the base of the mountain.  The girls stayed in one beautiful cabin with 2 floors a (while the boys divided into 3 cabins of five or six).   As soon as we stepped off the bus and got our keys we rushed to put on our bathing suits.  There were 3 spring pools based on temperature.  Most people stayed in the medium temperature, but I ventured with some brave souls into the hottest pool.  Sliding into the steaming water with the mountains in the background was therapeutic and picturesque.  

I can’t believe we have accomplished so much in only one day.  We have only been here for four full days and yet I have already seen fantastic sights and learned about how geologic pressures can form these massive beauties.  It is incredible how these forces have created the landscape which we see today.

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