Welcome to Cotacachi - Cayapas Ecological Reserve

Zone Description

Located in Provinces of: Esmeraldas (Lower Region) and Imbabura (Higher Region)
Established: August 28, 1968 Resolution No. 1468
Area: 204,420 hectares - 505,114 acres
Altitude Range:
Lower Region: 35 -1,600 meters above sea level
Upper Region: 1,600-4,939 meters above sea level

Description of the Region:

The lower region extends from the plains of the Andes to the coast. This region includes rapid rivers that cut through jungle vegetation creating an atmosphere of wildlife adventure. The upper region extends from the high Andes to the Toisán secondary mountain range. Valuable minerals are found here which attract the attention of several large mining companies. The principal reasons for the incredible biodiversity of the reserve are its high altitude and the inclusion of the Chocó region, which is considered to be the most humid biogeographic area in the world.

The Cotacachi-Cayapas Protected Reserve encompasses the greatest number of living zones in the country. Twenty percent of all the vascular endemic plants of Ecuador grow in the western region of this reserve. Although the area has not yet been extensively studied, it is known to be one of the richest ecosystems on the planet.