2-day hiking tour El Palmar from Sucre: Andean wildlife

Two days tracking endangered species in a cloud forest reserve

A 2-day hiking tour from Sucre into El Palmar National Protected Area, where you trek through cloud forest with a private guide and stay overnight in a community shelter. The itinerary adjusts to what you want to see: Andean bears, red-fronted macaws, the Andean condor, and the palm tree that grows higher above sea level than any other on earth. All transportation, meals, guides and a traditional local souvenir are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: Travel and explore El Palmar

• Leave Sucre by car
• Drive approximately 4.5 hours
• Explore El Palmar area
• Have full meals throughout the day
• Stay at community shelter

Day 2: Continue tour and return to Sucre

• Tour within protected area
• Visit sites based on preferences
• Have full meals throughout the day
• Return to Sucre

The experience

The drive from Sucre takes roughly four and a half hours by car, heading into the protected area where the itinerary shifts based on what you want to find. A private guide and a community guide travel with you, and the route itself gets decided with them once you arrive, whether that means tracking wildlife through the forest, moving at a pace that suits your interests, or spending time in sections of the reserve that matter most to you. You stay overnight in a community shelter, eating dinner there and waking to continue the next day.

On day two, the tour continues within the protected area, again shaped by what you choose to explore. You return to Sucre by the end of the afternoon. Transportation between Sucre and El Palmar, all meals, both guides, and a traditional souvenir from the community are part of the package. The guides speak English and Spanish, so language is not a barrier to asking questions or adjusting the route on the fly.

What’s included

• Private transportation to and from Sucre.
• overnight stay in a community shelter.
• dinner and meals during the tour.
• private guide and community guide fluent in English and Spanish.
• traditional local souvenir.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (17 to 70 years) · Youth (13 to 16 years) · Child (5 to 12 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 20 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancy

Operated by 24/7 Viajes y Turismo Sucre

Is this one for you?The route adjusts to your pace and interests each day, which is what makes it possible to explore at your own rhythm rather than follow a fixed schedule. Book this if you want the flexibility to spend time on what matters to you instead of racing through a set itinerary.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 16 years); Child (5 to 12 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What kind of wildlife might I see in El Palmar?

El Palmar is home to the Andean bear, the Andean condor, and the red-fronted macaw, all endangered species. The reserve also protects the palm tree that grows at the highest altitude of any palm species in the world.

How much walking and hiking is involved over the two days?

The itinerary is flexible and set with your guide based on your fitness level and interests, so the amount of walking varies. A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended to get the most from the reserve.

Where do I sleep, and what meals are provided?

You stay overnight in a community shelter within the protected area. Dinner is included on day one. Meals on day two depend on the timing of your return to Sucre, which happens by end of day.

Do I need to arrange my own transportation from Sucre?

No, private transportation from Sucre to El Palmar and back is included in the tour price. The drive is approximately four and a half hours each way.