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Protected Areas
Located just outside the settlement of Angel, in the northern Ecuadorian
province of Carchi, El Angel Ecological Reserve is a great place to discover
the unique flora and fauna of the paramo ecosystem. The Reserve’s
cool climate and frailejone-covered landscape make it a great place for
hiking. Moreover, the Reserve has countless lakes, a thriving bird population,
and extensive forests of the rather rare polylepys. Some of the more notable
mammals that live within the Reserve are deer, rabbits, and the paramo
fox.
Moreover, the nearby 40-hectare Santa Marta de Cuba Myrtle Forest with
its thick foliage, flourishing orchids, and thriving bird populations
is another hot spot for trekkers and nature-lovers.
In western Carchi, alongside the Maldonado-El Chical route, Tobar Donoso,
located 145 km from Tulcán, is a popular launching point for trips
into a nearby woodland reserve containing a variety of flora and fauna
species. Here, it is possible to observe the Paletón, the Macaw,
the Guantín, and the Red Flower (Anturio). The tree species Chandul
and Guaiacum are also found here. This area, protected by the State, is
home to the Awa indigenous community, who conserve their autonomous identity.
The province of Imbabura contains one of the most visited protected areas
- Cotocachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve.. It has become a favorite stop
for tourists who visit the Andes. A few minutes from Cotocachi, you’ll
find Lake Cuicocha (3,068 m), one of the area’s major attractions.
A boat trip around the small islands in the center of the Lake allows
visitors to experience the flora and fauna of the area firsthand, getting
a close-up glimpse of colonies of birds and diverse plant life. The protected
area includes humid forests and paramos home to herbaceous plants, lianas,
and ferns. From the highest points, where the icy air circulates constantly
below a powerful sun, you can get spectacular views of the entire area.
In Pichincha, the protected areas are numerous. Located forty minutes
to the northwest of Quito, “Puluahua”, as it is popularly known,
is an unique extinct volcano whose crater has been populated and sown
by local farmers. Its setting is unparalleled in beauty and can be taken
in from the views offered by the reserve’s various lookout points.
Further on, on the road to Calacalí, you’ll find the Mindo-Nambillo
Woodland Reserve. This area is home to the most important natural bird
reserve in the country, ideal for the observation of over 500 species
that flock through the skies of the Andes. There are also humid subtropical
forests, as well as primary and secondary forests, all suitable for walking
tours. In the midst of the area’s exuberant flora dwell mammals,
birds, reptiles, and colorful butterflies. The rivers and waterfalls help
travelers to enjoy the countryside and partake in water sports.
In route to the Amazon is the Cayambe-Coca Ecological Reserve, comprised
of more than 400,000 ha.. It stretches across the provinces of Pichincha,
Imbabura, and Sucumbíos. The snowcapped mountain Cayambe (5,790
meters) is a central attraction, especially for climbers, who can scale
its faces to the peak. This protected site also boasts lakes and forests.
At the beginning of the reserve you find the hot springs of Papallacta,
filled with visitors every weekend. Also, partially located in the province
of Napo, is Antisana Ecological Reserve. Its principal attraction is the
volcano of the same name which reaches a height of 5,758 m and is easily
accessible to visitors. Scientific research is one of the main reasons
people visti the area. The area’s primary vegetation type is paramo
and among the diverse species that dwell there, the area is most well
know for the presence of the Andean Condor, a majestic species in danger
of extinction.
Cotopaxi National Park and its main feature, the Volcano Cotopaxi (the
world’s highest active volcano) are located 60 km from Quito. At
5,897 m, Cotopaxi offers amazing views not to be missed by adventurous
visitors to the country. Despite its extreme altitude, the area is nonetheless
home to a large variety of mammals, birds, and endemic species such as
the Paramo Rabbit. The area is also home to the Boliche Recreation Area,
an exuberant forest with a variety of vegetation, animal reserves, and
camping areas. Other noteworthy sights in the reserve include lakes, such
as Limpiopungo, and pine forests. Snow-capped Cotopaxi is home to a refuge
that can accommodate dozens of tourists.
The province of Tungurahua is home to another national park of great importance,
El Sangay. This park extends from the Amazon Rainforest to the Andes.
It covers almost 520,000 ha and belongs to the provinces of Chimborazo
and Morona-Santiago. Its altitude varies from between 800 and 5,400, fostering
the existence of diverse wildlife such as the Mountain Tapir, the Spectacled
Bear, and the Ocelot. Many of the nations highest peaks, such as the active
Sangay Volcano, El Altar, and the active Tungurahua, are concentrated
in the reserve. The temperature fluctuates between 6 and 24 degrees centigrade.
The Park’s entrance is found near the town of Baños. In Chimborazo,
we find the Chimborazo Fauna Production Reserve, whose territory, with
an area of 58,560 ha, is split between the provinces of Bolívar
and Tungurahua. Its principal attraction is Volcano Chimborazo, suitable
for experienced, acclimatized climbers who are accompanied by sufficiently
specialized guides. Another important nearby peak is Carihuairazo. The
central objective of the reserve is the preservation of its species belonging
to the Andean ecosystem, such as the Vicuña, the Llama, and the
Alpaca.
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Private Reserves
Pasochoa Woodland Reserve, with an area close to 1,000 ha. and very near
to Quito (one hour approximately), is habitat to a large quantity of birds
and mammals. Approximately 120 types of birds, like blackbirds, “plateros”
and turtledoves are found in this forest. The site, with its abundance
of vegetation (pumamaquis, alder...), has two types of trails: self guided
and guided, each with varying levels of difficulty. There is a souvenir
shop, a museum and camping sites. The area is under the care of the Nature
Foundation. Antisana Reserve extends over an area of 185,325ha. It is
a territory of high altitude with paramos, lakes, rivers and a large variety
of native fauna. Its most representative bird is the Condor. Sports such
as mountain climbing are among the preferred activities by visitors.
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Sport and Adventure Tourism
The Andean Mountain Range is interesting and seductive. One of the most
spectacular treks for adventurers is ¨The Condor Trail¨, whose
distance is marked by lakes, paramos, and forests that offer spectacular
views of snow-capped peaks and volcanoes. The trail crosses Antisana Ecological
Reserve, among others, and offers the opportunity to see the Condor, the
majestic bird of the Andes which is regrettably in danger of extinction.
The adventure can last several days. You can reach Quilotoa crater on
foot or by bicycle. Located in the Illinizas Ecological Reserve, it is
another unforgettable sight set between picturesque villages, deep canyons,
and vertiginous heights. The most common sport of the area is the varied
and challenging mountain climbing made possible by the majestic peaks
of the Andes - Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, Pasochoa, Cayambe, Illinizas, Chiles,
Carihuairazo, El Altar, and more. The help of specialized guides makes
for the safest journey. Other options include sailing on Lake San Pablo
or fishing in Lake Mojanda, at the foot of colossal Imbabura, or in Lake
Piñán in the extensive paramos of the western part of Imbabura
Province. In the same area, near old haciendas and rustic hotels, it is
possible to arrange horseback riding or long hikes in paramo. Observing
Quito and Volcano Pichincha from a paraglider is another spectacular sporting
adventure. There are paragliding schools that offer intensive courses
to help visitors to safely observe the beauty of the Andes from the heavens.
But there are areas where nature changes little by little, regions where
species and geography of various regions meet. These sights offer a variety
of activities to the traveler. For example, Baños, the threshold
crossed to reach the Amazon, offers the opportunity to partake in various
sports, such as rafting or mountain biking. One of the routes that takes
you past the waterfall Paílon del Diablo eventually reaches Puyo.
On the route towards Mindo, to the northwest of Quito, there are many
spots to fish, as in other parts of the Andes, in lakes such as Voladero,
San Marcos, Papallacta, Mica, and Colta. In the Mindo-Nambillo Woodland
Reserve, there are many trails to be discovered wandering through primary
and secondary forests. Also, there are the rafting routes of the gushing
rivers that cross the area. The dense vegetation and birdsong constantly
accompany travelers and tourists on their journeys.
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Rural Tourism
Imbabura, Pichincha, Tungurahua, and Chimborazo are noteworthy for their
colonial haciendas, constructed as far back as the 16th century. Some
were the sites of historical meetings and hosted important figures such
as Simón Bolívar. Alongside the rustic hotels you can find
entrances to national parks such as Sangay or Chimborazo. The haciendas
are characterized by their production of milk and dairy products, not
to mention their agricultural production. They offer excellent accommodations
and delicious traditional cuisine based on the products of their gardens.
Nearby Incan ruins are another popular rural attraction. From many of
these points it is possible to arrange horseback rides, hikes, and within
minutes to find oneself in the endless vegetation of the Andes: forests,
waterfalls, páramos, filled with the song of humming birds, Andean
gulls, curiquingues, and other numerous bird species. Journeys can also
be arranged to the area’s small towns to better experience the cultural
festivals and activities of the Andean communities. The old train line,
constructed at the beginning of the 20th century, traversing the Andes
from Quito to Riobamba, passes many such traditional communities.
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| Protected
Areas | Private Reserves |
| Adventure Tourism | Rural Tourism
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Culture
