Cayambe Coca Ecological Reserve

Cayambe Coca Ecological Reserve is a nature reserve in Ecuador located along the Equator a little over 60 miles from Quito. The park encompasses an area of 914,270 acres (3,700 km²).

Fauna

Large birds such as the condor and hawk are commonplace in the skies above the reserve. Wolves, foxes, and deer make up some of the larger animals of the reserve. Rabbits and armadillos are the smaller fauna. There are 106 species of mammals (including the Speckled Bear, Cougar and Culpeo), 395 species of birds, 70 reptiles and 116 amphibians.^[1]

Flora

Primary forests are the main base for trees and plants, which means the forest is not as diverse as the rainforest in the neighboring Amazon. Páramo grass, ferns, and lycopodium are the most common plants and ground cover. There are over 100 species of endemic plants.^[1]

Culture

There are indigenous communities living within the protected area such as the Kichwa de Oyacachi community on the western side of the Andes range and the Cofán de Sinangué community in the Sucumbíos Province.^[2]

Tourist Attractions

• The hot springs at Papallacta are visited for relaxing in the spas and the nearby highland prairies are frequented for fishing and bird watching.
• Cayambe Canton includes the Pambamarca Pre-incan Structures, Sun and moon temples in Puntiatsil and part of the Incan Trail.
• The Cayambe volcano is a snow topped volcano and a favorite of mountain climbers.(5790 mts)
• Lake Puruhanta: located in the North, the lake has trails, camping as well as ancient ruins (called "la Mesa") and diverse flora and fauna.
• Lake San Marcos: The lake has a 2 hour nature walk where diverse flora and fauna can be seen.
• Oyacachi community and prairie
• The San Rafael Waterfall with a height of 430 ft (131 m) is one of the most impressive features of the park and the tallest waterfall in Ecuador. It is part of the Quijos river and can be seen from the road.
• Quijos Valley (Cultural and Natural tourism)
• Cofán de Sinangoe community and their plains
• Other Summits: Sarahurco (4725 mts), Reventador Volcano (3485 mts), Cerro Puntas (4452 mts)

See also

List of national parks in Ecuador

References

1. ^ ^{a b} "General Information on Cayambe Coca" (in Spanish). Minstry of the Environment. http://www.ambiente.gob.ec/?q=node/62. Retrieved 2011-07-15. 
2. ^ "Tourist Guide to Cayambe Coca" (in Spanish). Ministry of the Environment. http://www.ambiente.gob.ec/sites/default/files/users/jloartefls/guia%20interpretativa%20cayambe%20coca.pdf. Retrieved 2011-07-15. 

External links

• Tourist Guide to Cayambe Coca (Spanish)
• General Information of Cayambe Coca (Spanish)
• National Park Guide, Cayambe Coca (Spanish)