The modern pollen deposition in high tropical mountains was studied by the pollen analysis of 18 surface samples collected between 3 100–4340m elevation. The relative value among the pollen types as well as the absolute value of the main types were estimated for each sample. Pollen and spore assemblages reflect well the vegetation types, and their distribution. Each type of páramo studied has a characteristic assemblage. The dispersion power and the quantity of deposition for the montane plants was evaluated by counting the number of grains per mg of sediment. The long-distance type are: Podocarpus, Hedyosmum, and psilate Cyathea (moderate dispersion power); Alnus (high dispersion power). The main adjacent source of pollen deposition is provided by Gramineae and Compositae. Other pollen types have low or very low dispersion power, among them the characteristic páramo herbs. Polylepis sericea, a tree which grows high above the common tree line, has very low pollen dispersion power, and low pollen deposition; its presence can be detected only if the trees grow near the deposition site.