Attractions and Places To See in Oyacachi - Top 6

Oyacachi is rich in natural beauty, situated within the biodiverse Cayambe-Coca National Park. You can visit the Cayambe-Coca Park itself, known for its abundant water sources, including numerous waterfalls and over 280 lagoons. The region also features thermal springs, majestic views of the Andes, and unique páramo vegetation. Don't miss the various waterfalls like Turnufakcha, Yurac Faccha, and Salve Faccha.

Yes, Oyacachi offers a deep dive into Kichwa culture and history. You can explore Mawka Llacta, the ruins of Oyacachi's old town, or visit La Cueva de la Virgen, a significant site where the Virgin del Quinche is said to have appeared. The village is also renowned for its local craftsmanship, particularly wood carvings, pyrography, and paintings, recognized by UNESCO.

The area is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy hiking through diverse ecosystems, from cloud forests to open páramos, within the Cayambe-Coca National Park. Sport fishing for rainbow trout is also popular. For cyclists, the Bike path from Tumbaco to Papallacta offers a scenic route away from traffic, reaching altitudes of up to 4000 meters above sea level.

Oyacachi offers several breathtaking viewpoints. The Summit at 3,978 meters within the Cayambe-Coca Park provides expansive vistas. Additionally, the Via a Salve Facha trail offers a suggestive stretch of road with views of the typical páramo landscape after passing a 3,920-meter summit. You can also find a Lakeside Shelter with spectacular views.

The thermal springs (Termas de Oyacachi) are a central attraction, fed by waters from the Cayambe and Antisana volcanoes. These therapeutic waters, ranging from 25 to 42 degrees Celsius, are rich in minerals like iron, sulfur, calcium, and magnesium, believed to have healing properties. The complex includes several hot baths, a sauna, and a Turkish bath, offering a perfect way to relax.

Oyacachi offers a blend of natural and cultural experiences that can be engaging for families. Exploring the thermal springs, gentle hikes to some waterfalls, and learning about the local Kichwa culture and craftsmanship can be enriching activities for all ages. The community-based tourism model also provides opportunities to interact with local traditions.

The Cayambe-Coca National Park is home to diverse wildlife. Keep an eye out for the Andean bear (spectacled bear), mountain tapir, and a variety of bird species, including numerous hummingbirds and eagles, especially in the cloud forests and páramo ecosystems.

Oyacachi operates on a community-based tourism model where revenues generated from attractions, such as the hot springs complex, directly benefit the local Kichwa inhabitants. These funds support communal projects, education, and social welfare initiatives, ensuring that tourism contributes to the sustainable development and preservation of their ancestral way of life.

The Kichwa community of Oyacachi is renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship. They specialize in wood carvings, pyrography, and paintings, often inspired by the region's rich biodiversity. These unique handmade products, frequently made from sustainably replanted aliso wood, were recognized by UNESCO in 2011.

The terrain around Oyacachi is mountainous, featuring diverse landscapes from cloud forests to open páramos. Trails can range from intermediate to challenging, with significant elevation changes. For example, the Summit at 3,978 meters is a challenging mountain pass, and the Bike path from Tumbaco to Papallacta can reach altitudes of 4000 meters above sea level, often experiencing drizzles or sudden rain.

Beyond the general hiking opportunities in Cayambe-Coca Park, you can explore trails leading to various waterfalls like Turnufakcha. The Via a Salve Facha is a particularly suggestive road that crosses the park, offering a unique experience through the páramo landscape.