The best walks and hikes in Plaza Gutierrez (Calvario)

Plaza Gutierrez (Calvario) offers a selection of 4 hiking routes, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging moderate ascents. These trails provide diverse experiences within the mountainous cloud forest environment.

Hikers in Plaza Gutierrez (Calvario) will primarily experience a lush, mountainous cloud forest environment, nestled within the Andes and Toisán mountain ranges. The region is part of the Chocó bioregion, known for its dense, verdant ecosystems, streams, and crater lakes like Cuicocha. You can expect trails that wind through rich biodiversity, with opportunities to see various plant species and unique geological formations.

Yes, there is an easy hiking trail available. For a less strenuous option, consider the Cuicocha Lake Trail – Cuicocha Crater Lake loop from Quiroga. This 1.4-mile (2.2 km) route can be completed in about 37 minutes, offering a gentle introduction to the lower sections of the cloud forest.

Many of the trails in Plaza Gutierrez (Calvario) are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the popular Cuicocha Lake Trail – View of Lake Cuicocha loop from Quiroga is a moderate 7.6-mile (12.3 km) circular route offering expansive views of Lake Cuicocha.

The region is rich in natural beauty. You can expect to see stunning cloud forest landscapes, the unique crater lake of Cuicocha, and various streams that often lead to picturesque waterfalls. The trails also offer viewpoints overlooking the surrounding Andes mountains and the diverse ecosystems of the Chocó bioregion.

Absolutely. The cloud forests of Plaza Gutierrez (Calvario) are part of a global biodiversity hotspot. The area is home to spectacled bears and tapirs, and is particularly renowned for birdwatching, with hundreds of species including emblematic ones like the cock-of-the-rock and nocturnal oilbirds. Keep an eye out for diverse flora and fauna during your hike.

The hiking routes in Plaza Gutierrez (Calvario) are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 5.0 stars from over 90 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the stunning views of Lake Cuicocha, the immersive experience of the cloud forest, and the diverse ecosystems encountered along the trails.

Yes, for those seeking a more challenging experience, there are moderate routes available. The Cuicocha Lake Trail loop from Parqueadero Laguna Cuicocha is an 8.9-mile (8.9 km) moderate hike that takes around 3 hours to complete, offering a good workout amidst beautiful scenery.

Beyond hiking, you can explore local culture. Plaza Gutierrez is known for handicrafts made from cabuya fiber. Visitors can also learn about organic coffee production by visiting local farms and processing factories. Women's associations in the parish welcome visitors, offering insights into their daily lives, traditional food, and crafts.

Yes, after a day of hiking, you can relax at the Nangulvi Thermal Baths. These baths are fed by hot springs from the Cotacachi Volcano and are located within pristine cloud forest, offering a perfect way to unwind.

Yes, you can undertake walks to nearby communities. For instance, a 3-hour round trip walk to Plaza Gutierrez itself, or a longer 4-hour walk to Apuela, offers a blend of natural exploration and cultural immersion into local life.

The cloud forest in Plaza Gutierrez (Calvario) is particularly special because it's part of the Chocó bioregion, recognized as a global biodiversity hotspot. It features dense, verdant ecosystems with mature trees laden with epiphytic plants, abundant orchids, philodendrons, and anthuriums, making it a unique and ecologically significant area for hiking.