Oyacachi

Oyacachi is a Kichwa community of a few hundred people in a deep cloud forest valley inside the Cayambe Coca reserve, reached by a rough road that climbs over paramo from Cangahua and drops steeply into the trees. Thermal springs feed a set of community-run pools that are the main reason visitors make the journey, sitting in warm water with forest walls rising around. The community is known for carving wood, particularly bowls and utensils from local timber, sold from workshops in the village, and it makes and sells cheese. An old trail, the Camino de los Yumbos or Oyacachi to El Chaco route, runs on down the valley toward the Amazon and is walked in two or three days with guides from the village.

What you actually see

• Community thermal pools - warm water in a cloud forest valley.
• Wood carving workshops - bowls and utensils made in the village.
• The paramo road over and down - the crossing from the highlands.
• The trail toward the Amazon - the old route down the valley.

When to go

June to September for the road and the trail. A day, better overnight given the journey. The valley is wet at any time. Four-wheel-drive is close to necessary after rain.

Honest expectations

The road in is rough, steep and slow, and impassable at times in the wet season. Facilities are basic community lodging and pools. It rains often. The trail to El Chaco needs guides and proper gear.

Nearby

Papallacta is south over the ridge; Cayambe lies west.