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Cotacachi-Cayapas

 
Overview

Cotacachi Cayapas Reserve contains 752,235 acres (3,044 km2) of land and is located in the Imbabura and Esmeraldas provinces of Ecuador 87 miles (140 km) from Quito.

Description

This reserve protects a huge swath of the western Andes. The range of altitudes, from Volcán Cotacachi to the lowland rainforests, means tremendous biodiversity. Crossing the park from highland areas to lowland areas is nearly impossible due to vegetation density; most visit the lowlands from San Miguel on Río Cayapas or the highlands from Cotacachi. Near Laguna de Cuicocha, a rangers’ booth marks the entrance to the reserve (the road to Intag divides here).



Address
Quito, Esmeraldas
Ecuador
URL:
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/ecuador/reserva-ecologica-cotacachi-cayapas-1327285