Cotacachi-Cayapas (Ecological Reserve)

A significant portion of the land area of Ecuador has been earmarked as a reserve park and to prevent exploitation of its considerable resources of flora and fauna by men. One of the most important regions is the Cotacachi Cayapas Ecological Reserve, located in the Imbabura province in the northwest of the country. The isolation of this region has helped to ensure its preservation. While it is relatively close to Quito (about 85 miles north), the area does not have many roads and more than 100 miles from the Pacific coast inhabited.

With its more than 750,000 acres of land, ranging from steam tropical forests in lowland areas until the cold Andean mountain region, the Cotacachi Cayapas Ecological Reserve is home to a surprising amount of plant and animal species, many of whom are in danger of extinction outside this shrine protected. Large mammals, such as jaguars, tapirs and spectacled bears, can live and reproduce in their natural environments, relatively smoothly, although there are situations of illegal hunting and fishing, but on a scale that can handle.

The Ecuadorian government has established a successful company with Cayapas, a tribe of Indians whose ancestral lands are within the boundaries of the reserve. The Cayapa make guides and guards, and lead to tourists through the reserve while keeping an eye alert to possible intruders and illegal hunters. One of the most comprehensive tours that can be contracted with a native guide is a journey of 8 days with hikes in elevations ranging from 100 to 15,000 feet above sea level. Along the way, will delight the eye with stunning panoramas that surround the volcano Cotacachi. The bubbling hot springs, and centelleantes volcanic lakes and waterfalls are just some of the features of this idyllic landscape of another world.

Highlights: Lake Cuicocha of 600 feet deep, found in the crater of an extinct volcano. Three peaks covered with lush vegetation vaulted disrupt the serene surface of the mirror lake. For those who look for different holidays, it will be difficult to leave behind the Cotacachi Cayapas Ecological Reserve in the warm and friendly Ecuador