Refugio de vida silvestre Pasochoa, Conservation area in Mejía Canton, Ecuador.

Refugio de vida silvestre Pasochoa protects the collapsed caldera of the extinct Pasochoa volcano, from its 4,200 m summit down the western flank to about 2,800 m. The 6.19 km² reserve, established in 1996, holds one of the last remnants of inter-Andean forest in north-central Ecuador, with primary vegetation on the steepest slopes inside the crater.

The refuge was established in 1996 and initially managed by Fundación Natura. It protects one of the last remnants of inter-Andean forest in north-central Ecuador, where primary vegetation survives on the steep slopes inside the collapsed volcanic crater.

The refuge serves as a learning space where visitors encounter the native Andean forest through walks and observation. People come here to understand how mountain ecosystems work and to connect with the natural world that once covered this region.

The refuge spans from the 4,200 m summit of the collapsed Pasochoa volcano down its western flank to about 2,800 m, drained by the Río San Pedro. Trails climb through steep forest and páramo, so allow time for the altitude gain. Access is from the Uyumbicho and Tambillo parishes in Mejía Canton, south of Quito.

The area serves as a refuge for less common bird species, including several hummingbird types found in the higher forest zones. The orchid diversity here is noteworthy and draws nature watchers from across the region.