Refugio de vida silvestre El Zarza

The reserve extends across 3,643 hectares of mountain forest land, ranging from 1,400 to 1,680 meters above sea level in the Cordillera del Condor.

Established in June 2006 through ministerial agreement No. 077, the reserve forms part of the binational conservation project between Ecuador and Peru.

The Shuar indigenous communities maintain traditional land practices near the reserve, sustaining a balance between resource utilization and environmental protection.

Access to the reserve requires coordination with the Ministry of Environment, and visitors must navigate through guided tours along the river systems.

The protected area contains over 80 tree species per hectare and equals Yasuni National Park in bird diversity with 613 recorded species.

Location: Los Encuentros

GPS coordinates: -3.81335,-78.53574

Latest update: November 19, 2025 05:57