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D5 PAHUMA Pahuma is a small, private cloudforest reserve located on the northwestern slopes of Pichincha mountain at around 2000m altitude. The reserve boasts of many diverse plants, especially orchids and bromeliads, which are also on display in small garden exhibition. Many birds, ranging from toucans to cock-of-the-rocks can be seen. On this day visit we will hike in the forest to two smaller waterfalls. 8.00 a.m.: We leave in the morning and drive northwest passing the Equator Line Monument and Pululahua crater. From then on the road drops rapidly from 3000m to 2000m and we arrive in another hour at the entrance, which is right beside the main road going on to Esmeraldas. 10.00 a.m.: We start exploring the reserve on small trails leading through the forest. First we explore the trail along a small river called, Cock-of-the-Rock, as on the opposite rock face female birds of this species put their nests. Also many plants of the Araceae family with their huge leaves can be seen on the way to a small waterfall where the trail ends and we have to turn back. Afterwards we hike up the steep trail, leading to a second and larger waterfall. On this trail we admire orchids and bromeliads which often sit on the trees along with ferns and mosses. After enjoying the waterfall, we hike down to the entrance again. 1 p.m.: Before leaving we admire the orchids and other plants in the reserve's orchid garden. Many are on display tagged with their proper names and there are always some which are in bloom at our visit. 2 p.m.: We turn back by car driving up the Western Cordillera and reach the town of Calacali, where the equator line runs right through their main plaza. This event here is only marked by a blue line but in contrast to the yellow one of the famous Mitad del Mundo, that one is correct. 3 p.m.: We drive back to Quito with a short stop at the viewing spot of Pululahua Crater, where you can observe this immense volcanic crater.
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