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The Achupallas Protected Forest, located in the canton of Alausí in Chimborazo province, is a territory where Andean nature blends with the ancestral history of the Cañari people. Featuring vast páramo plains, hidden lagoons, and ancient routes, Achupallas is an ideal destination for travelers seeking adventure, culture, and a deep connection with the Ecuadorian Andes.
A high-altitude páramo full of life
At over 3,600 meters above sea level, the Achupallas páramo is one of the most representative ecosystems in southern Ecuador. The vegetation is dominated by tall grasses, chuquiragua flowers, cushion plants adapted to the cold, and patches of high Andean forest in protected zones.
This ecosystem is home to emblematic Andean wildlife, including:
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White-tailed deer
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Andean wolf
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Andean skunk
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Páramo rabbit
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Birds such as the curiquingue, caracara, Ecuadorian hillstar hummingbird, and Andean blackbird
The climate is cold, windy, and unpredictable—adding a sense of adventure to every hike.
Hidden lagoons among the mountains
Achupallas is renowned for its glacial lagoons surrounded by rolling hills and páramo vegetation. Some of the most notable are:
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Culaguazo Lagoon, known for its clear, peaceful waters
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Altarillo Lagoon, a perfect spot for photography
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Páramo Mayor Lagoon, surrounded by wildlife-rich highlands
These lagoons are ideal for half-day hikes, birdwatching, and quiet nature breaks.
Ancestral Cañari territory
Achupallas is also an important area in the ancient Cañari cultural landscape. Portions of the historic Inca Trail run through this region, connecting southern Ecuador with the archaeological complex of Ingapirca. Many local communities preserve traditions inherited from these ancestral cultures, such as:
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Ancient agricultural practices
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Sheep-wool weaving
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Ceremonies honoring Pachamama
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Oral storytelling about Andean history
Walking these paths is like stepping into the pre-Columbian past of the Andes.
Trails and hikes for all levels
The Achupallas Protected Forest offers trekking routes for different interests and abilities:
Inca Trail – Achupallas Section
A remarkable hike along one of the most iconic segments of the ancient Andean road network.
Route to Culaguazo Lagoon
A moderate trail ideal for photography and wildlife observation.
Ascent to the páramo viewpoints
More challenging hikes with panoramic vistas of Chimborazo and the southern Andes.
Local guides often join visitors, sharing knowledge about the region’s flora, fauna, and history.
Communities as guardians of the páramo
The communities of Achupallas manage the protected forest through initiatives such as:
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Páramo conservation
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Community-based tourism
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Environmental education
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Preservation of Cañari culture
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Monitoring of Andean species
Their efforts protect this fragile ecosystem while supporting sustainable local development.
A destination for lovers of altitude and history
The Achupallas Protected Forest offers a unique combination of Andean nature, scenic hikes, and cultural heritage—making it an exceptional destination for travelers seeking authentic experiences far from conventional tourist routes.