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Experience a single uphill trail to a lake through open country and a wet paramo campsite at 3500m.


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Map Key

6.5

Miles

10.5

KM

77%

Runnable

11,925' 3,635 m

High

8,868' 2,703 m

Low

3,179' 969 m

Up

172' 52 m

Down

10%

Avg Grade (6°)

38%

Max Grade (21°)

Dogs Unknown

Features Lake · Views

Description

This run starts around 2 km north of the small town of Gualel, a remote community located a little less than 20km from the religious town of El Cisne. It would be best to get transport to the beginning of the trail from Gualel as it is a 2km uphill road from the town centre.

The trail starts with a short descent and a river crossing, and then the rest of the run is almost completely uphill. The trail is fairly straightforward and the only turn to be careful on is around the 5 km mark where you need to keep heading uphill toward a saddle 1/2 km further up.

Past this point, keep to the single trail that flattens out and heads toward the campsite. The campsite is not a well marked spot, however there is space for around 4-6 tents in a small flat spot off to the left of the track once you get past a rocky section of the trail. From the campsite, you can see a trail heading uphill to the lake, which is located around 20 minutes uphill.

The lake contains plenty of fish and is said to be a place where locals throw in valuable items as a kind of wishing well. There is a clear, rocky path that leads to the lake.

The campsite has no running water, but is not far from the overflow of the lake so you can replenish supplies and clean up after a hard uphill run. There are three tanks along the trail that bring water downhill from an unknown water source. The water looks good, however, using a filter is recommended. There is a fenced off dam that is noticeable on the map; from this point to the campsite there is no water available so make sure you carry sufficient water for the last 7 km.

Shared By:

John Woldhuis

Trail Ratings

  3.0 from 1 vote

#1

in Gualel

#32643

Overall
  3.0 from 1 vote
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Trail Rankings

#1

in Gualel

#7

in Ecuador

#32,643

Overall
3 Views Last Month
153 Since Nov 5, 2017
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Photos

The view from the campsite.
Nov 5, 2017 near Zaruma, EC
Heading along the final section of the walk. This section will likely get covered with cloud and so caution is needed to stay on the track.
Nov 5, 2017 near Zaruma, EC
This is looking down at the campsite from the trail leading to the lake at the end of the trail.
Nov 5, 2017 near Zaruma, EC
A view downhill towards Gualel
Nov 5, 2017 near Portovelo, EC

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