A FEW MINUTES SOUTH OF QUITO, THE RESERVE IS AN IDEAL WEEKEND DESTINATION
September 06, 2009
The Pasochoa Wildlife Refuge is one of the eleven protected areas located in the central Andean regions of Ecuador. The slopes of this ancient and eroded volcanic caldera, as well its surrounding hills and valleys host a magnificent variety of native forests, hundreds of species of native and endemic plants, birds, mammals, insects and flowers.
Pasochoa is an old volcano with an elevation of 4210 meters above sea level, located some 40 minutes south of Quito, the capital city of Ecuador. Its slopes provide some important water sources which later become the main tributaries of the San Pedro River. The Reserve covers a surface of 500 hectares and possesses several microclimates such as cloud forest, primary green forest, humid bushes and pasture covered moorlands.
The Reserve’s Administration was granted to Fundacion Natura, Ecuador’s leading environmental, non-for-profit organization, since 1982 and has become an open air text book and learning natural exhibit, especially for students, biologists and nature lovers. However, it is increasingly becoming a nearby attraction for national and international tourists.
Its proximity with Quito allows for easy day trips, full of adventure and contact with mostly untouched nature. Facilities have been implemented in order to permit overnight stays for those who want a more direct, prolonged and intense contact with this natural habitat. For this purpose, a well equipped camping area has been installed, complete with toilets and cooking facilities.
Visitors to the Pasochoa Reserve must comply with obligatory rules and regulations in order to ensure a proper protection of the unique ecosystems of the area. A Visitors Center greets all visitors, who may obtain here the most ample information about the area and its value as well as the importance to preserve it. Specialized naturalist Guides are available to accompany the guests on six trails of varying degrees of difficulty and duration; ranging from a 15 minute walk, designed mainly for children or elders; to full circuits involving up to 8 hours of duration which can bring you to the old caldera’s rim. Each circuit
has a designated color code and a complete system of signaling and communications provide with enhanced safety and comfort for the visitors.
One of the main purposes of the Reserve’s Administration is to promote environmental education and awareness about the importance of nature’s conservation.
This is one more of the many alternatives to explore and discover all the natural richness and extraordinary biodiversity of Ecuador. We can certainly arrange for a tailor made tour to suit your particular interests.
SHARE
PRINT
Related Trips
About Adventure Associates
