Ilinizas Ecological Reserve

General Information

• Area: 370.398 acres (149.900 ha)
• Date of Creation: December 11, 1996
• Altitude: 2.625 — 17.274 ft (800 — 5.265 m)

The Ilinizas, two volcanoes located side by side that give the name to the reserve, are in the group of Ecuador’s highest peaks. Together with other elevations of the area they form a geological barrier that condenses the humidity that arrives from the west. This has allowed the reserve to be the birthplace for the Toachi and Pilatón rivers, the main tributaries of wide Esmeraldas River, and the ground for a dense and very humid montane forest, still mostly and a refuge for many species.

Flora and Fauna

The very humid forest is mainly made up of quishuar, pumaqui and romerillo, the three typical species of mountainous Ecuador. The main animal species that can be found are foxes, guantas, small felines, pumas and perhaps even a small population of spectacled bears, the only South American bear species. The dangerous equis serpent is also present in the northeastern part of the reserve.

Tourism

To reach the Ilinizas, one has to go south from Quito in the Pan-American highway, until reaching Machachi, where there is a detour towards the town of El Chaupi. From there it is an hour and a half hike to the refuge, where one can climb the more moderate Iliniza Norte peak, or decide for the defying Iliniza Sur which calls for experienced climbers and technical equipment. The town of Sigchos lies further to the south, where roads start that venture into the reserve or to the green and scenic Quilotoa Lake. A local guide is needed to visit the southernmost subtropical forests of Pangua.