Papallacta--radio antennas Area

High in the Andean páramo at over 4,300 meters (14,000 feet), the Papallacta radio antennas sit atop a windswept ridge within the Reserva Ecológica Cayambe-Coca, surrounded by a hauntingly beautiful landscape of mist, moss, and silence. The terrain is dominated by low, cushiony vegetation adapted to the cold and wet conditions, interspersed with glacial lakes and boggy wetlands that shimmer under fleeting sunlight. The air is crisp and thin, and visibility often shifts dramatically with the rolling fog, revealing dramatic views of nearby volcanoes like Antisana when the clouds part. Despite its utilitarian purpose, the site is a magnet for birders and hikers, offering a rare glimpse into Ecuador’s high-altitude wilderness.