Termas de los Ilinizas – Laguna de los Patos Hiking Trail
Description
The Cunucyacu natural hot springs and its twin Yancayacu springs are at the foot of Iliniza Sur inside Los Ilinizas Ecological Reserve National Park. This hiking trail begins next to the hot springs stream and climbs through the sandy slopes until it reaches Laguna de los Patos at 4724m, very close to the steep rocks of the South Iliniza. it's a similar hike to the ordinary route that reaches the refuge, presents a great beauty, although it can also shows its tougher side when the weather is bad. The biggest attraction is the dazzling view of the South Iliniza with its sharp and ice-laden edges.
Data Table
| Place | Elevation |
|---|---|
| Pastocalle | 3140m |
| Parking lot 1 | 3595m |
| Los Ilinizas Ecological Reserve Guardianship | 3650m |
| Parking lot 2 (natural hot springs) | 4053m |
| Los Patos lagoon | 4724m |
| Highest point without climbing | 4933m |
National Park
Photos
Cunucyacu Parking lot 2
Los Patos Lagoon
South Iliniza rocks
- How to get
- Distances
- Recommendations
How to get
Western Cordillera; 12 kilometers in a straight line northwest of Lasso; 56 kilometers southwest of Quito.
- “Pastocalle” Approach:: Take the Panamericana Sur Hw from Quito until you almost reach Lasso, then turn west towards Pastocalle (the full name is San Juan de Pastocalle). Once in town it's convenient to ask about the “vía a las termas de Cunucyacu”. The road is paved until Pastocalle, beyond the town it's cobblestoned and ballasted, better for high traction vehicles.
