San Pedrito is a family hummingbird lookout in Sector Alejandría, Cuyuja, on the E20 road between Papallacta and Baeza. It is an easy day trip from Quito or a stop on your way to the Amazon.
Opening soon. We're finishing the trail up to the lookout and planting native flowers. Birding guides and tour operators: message us on WhatsApp to hear when we open.
Getting here by car
From Quito, take the road east through Tumbaco and Pifo toward Papallacta. After the pass above Papallacta the road (E20) drops into the cloud forest. Continue past the turn-off for the Papallacta hot springs, past Guango Lodge and through Cuyuja village. San Pedrito is about 4.4 km after the village, on the way to Baeza.
- From Quito centre: 93 km, 1 h 45 – 2 h depending on traffic.
- From Quito airport (UIO): 76 km, about 1 h 20 – 1 h 30 — the road to Papallacta leaves close to the airport.
- From Papallacta: 23 km, about 30 minutes.
- From Baeza: 18 km, about 20 minutes back toward Quito.
Getting here by bus
Inter-provincial buses leave from Terminal Quitumbe in south Quito. Any bus going to Baeza, Tena, Coca (El Coca) or Lago Agrio uses this road. Tell the driver you are going to Sector Alejandría, Cuyuja, about 4 km after Cuyuja village. The ride takes roughly 2 to 2½ hours. Fares change, so confirm the price at the ticket window. For the trip back, flag down a Quito-bound bus on the same road.
Road conditions: check before you go
This is a mountain road through very wet terrain. In 2025 landslides closed the Papallacta–Baeza section several times (for example in June and July, as reported by Primicias), with traffic detoured through Ambato and Puyo. The day before you travel, check the Ministry of Transport (MTOP) or ECU 911, or simply message us.
Drive slowly: Andean bears are sometimes seen crossing this road. If you meet one, keep your distance, never feed it, and report it to ECU 911.
A one-day plan from Quito
- Early morning: leave Quito and cross the Papallacta páramo while the light is good.
- Morning: hummingbirds at San Pedrito, when the birds are most active.
- Late morning: a forest walk or birding stop at Guango, 10–15 minutes away.
- Afternoon: soak in the Papallacta hot springs on your way back.
- Evening: back in Quito.
Weather and what to bring
Cuyuja is cool and humid all year — about 10–16 °C — and it can rain in any month. May to August are the wettest months; December to February tend to have more dry spells.
- Rain jacket and a warm layer (it is colder on the pass).
- Shoes with grip — the trail climbs a slope.
- Binoculars and a camera. For sharp wings you need about 1/2000 s or faster.
- Some cash — this is a rural area.
Contact us
Birding guides, tour operators and travellers: the fastest way to reach us is WhatsApp. Tell us your date, group size and whether you are coming by car or bus.
Visiting San Pedrito: FAQ
How far is San Pedrito from Quito?
About 93 km from Quito's historic centre (1 h 45 – 2 h by car) and 76 km from Quito airport (around 1 h 20 – 1 h 30), along the E20 road through Pifo and Papallacta.
Can I get there by public bus?
Yes. Buses from Quito's Quitumbe terminal heading to Baeza, Tena, Coca or Lago Agrio all pass by. Ask the driver to drop you at Sector Alejandría, Cuyuja — about 4 km after Cuyuja village. Confirm the fare at the terminal.
Will I get altitude sickness?
The road crosses a páramo pass at around 4,000 m above Papallacta, but you then descend: San Pedrito is at about 2,330 m, lower than Quito (about 2,850 m). If you have just arrived in Ecuador, take it easy on the pass and drink water.
Is the road from Quito to Baeza open?
Usually, but landslides closed the Papallacta–Baeza section several times in 2025. Check the Ministry of Transport (MTOP) or ECU 911 the day before you travel, or message us.
What is the best time of day to see hummingbirds?
Early morning is usually the most active time, when birds refuel after the cold night. Mornings are also often clearer before clouds build up in the valley.
Can I combine San Pedrito with Papallacta hot springs and Guango Lodge?
Yes — all three are on the same road. Papallacta is about 30 minutes back toward Quito and Guango Lodge about 10–15 minutes away, so a full day from Quito can include hummingbirds, a forest walk and a hot-spring soak.