Location: 60 miles Northeast of Quito Map
Area: 914,270 acres (3,700 km2)
Cayambe Coca Ecological Reserve is a nature reserve situated 60
miles Northeast of Quito in Ecuador. It covers a total area of
914,270 acres (3,700 km2). Large birds such
as the Andean condor and the brown eagle are common in the skies
above the reserve. Bears, foxes and deer are some of the largest
animals in the reserve. Rabbits and armadillos are the smallest
fauna. There are 106 species of mammals (including the Andean tapir,
puma and culpeo), 395 species of birds, 70 reptiles and 116
amphibians.
Flora
Habitats vary from the grasslands of the
moorland to the montane rainforests. Ichu, ferns and lycopodia are
the most common plants. There are more than 100 species of endemic
plants.
Culture
There are indigenous communities that live
within the protected area, such as the Kichwa of the Oyacachi
community on the western side of the Andes Mountains and the Cofan
of the Sinangué community in the province of Sucumbíos.
Attractions
Papallacta hot springs are visited to relax in the
spas and the nearby meadows of the highlands are frequented for
fishing and bird watching.
Canton Cayambe includes the pre-Inca
structures Pambamarca, Temple of the Sun and the Moon in Puntiatsil
and part of the Inca Trail.
The Cayambe volcano: active volcano
covered with snow and favorite of the climbers, which presents a
seismic anomaly that indicates a possible reactivation after 230
years of lethargy, but still, tourism continues. (5790 masl)
Puruhanta Lake: located in the north, the lake has roads, camping,
as well as ancient ruins (called "La Mesa") with diverse flora and
fauna.
San Marcos Lake: it has an observatory where the diverse
flora and fauna of nature can be seen.
Oyacachi: its main
attraction is the community and the meadow
The San Rafael
Waterfall: with a drop height of 131 m, it is one of the most
impressive features of the park and the highest waterfall in
Ecuador. It is located on the Quijos river and can be accessed by
road.
Quijos: cultural and natural tourism
Buga waterfall and
Paquiestancia primary forests
Sinangoe Cofan: Prairie Community
Other summits: Sarahurco (4725 masl), El Reventador volcano (3485
masl), Cerro Puntas (4452 masl)