Reserva biológica El Quimi, Nature reserve in Bomboiza, Ecuador.
El Quimi Biological Reserve is a protected area in the Condor Mountain Range with cloud forests and limestone-sandstone plateaus at varying elevations. The landscape features dense vegetation, steep slopes, and distinct ecological zones created by changes in altitude.
The reserve was officially established in 2006 following a 1999 peace agreement between Ecuador and Peru. This agreement led to the creation of protected areas along their shared border to conserve the region's natural resources.
The Shuar people who live nearby have strong ties to this mountain landscape and use traditional paths that connect their settlements to the high forests. Their way of life has always been linked to these slopes, making the reserve an extension of their ancestral territory.
Visitors need advance permission from the Ministry of Environment to enter, as the area has limited facilities and controlled access. The terrain requires guides and preparation, making it suited mainly for researchers and experienced hikers.
The area has surprising geological similarities to the tepui formations found in Venezuela and Guyana, with sheer cliffs and isolated plateaus. These rare landforms in the Andes demonstrate how varied mountain geology can be across South America.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
