Oyacachi is unique because it is actually located within the Cayambe Coca Ecological Reserve. At slightly over 400,000 hectares, the reserve is one of the largest in Ecuador. Oyacachi is located in the upper reaches of the reserve high in the rainforest paramo. At 3,200 meters (10,499 ft), only two roads reach Oyacachi. The main entrance passes through Oyacachi on the way to Cayambe. It is a three-hour drive from Quito, half of which leads through pristine paramo, surrounded by beautiful scenery.

There are three options available for getting to Oyacachi:

Bus: Taking the bus can often be an adventure in itself, but many travelers enjoy the challenge—and appreciate the price. Buses from Quito to Cayambe leave every thirty minutes from the bus station called La Ofelia, close to La Casa Blanca (stadium of the soccer team Liga). In Cayambe, you will find the bus leaving for Oyacachi regularly. If you make reservations with the tour operator, the bus driver will know that you are coming. This will bring you directly from Cayambe to Oyacachi.

Bus and Private car: If you would like a little less adventure, you can take the same bus headed to Cayambe from Ofelia Station in Quito. Tell the driver you want to be dropped off at the entrance of Guachala Hacienda (“Por favor deje me en la entrada de Hacienda Guachala”). From there, you can arrange a private car to pick you up and take you into Oyacachi for about $30 US. You can also find trucks in Cayambe that you can rent for the same price. The best way to arrange this is to make a reservation with a tour operator. 

Private Car: Private cars can be hired from Quito to take you directly to Oyacachi. This is the easiest way to get there, but the most expensive.  A private car one-way to Oyacachi costs approximately $80 US.

 

For more details and assistance on planning your transportation to and from Oyacachi, please This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it