Cotacachi Cayapas Ecological Reserve, Nature reserve in Imbabura Province, Ecuador.
Cotacachi Cayapas Ecological Reserve spans multiple ecological zones, ranging from the Sierra Mountains down to the western lowlands near Esmeraldas. These different environments support distinct plants, animals, and water systems.
The reserve was created in 1968 to protect landscapes that had escaped intensive farming and development. This protection allowed plant species that needed special care to survive in their original state.
The Cayapa communities live within the reserve and have shaped how the landscape is used and understood by people who visit. You can see this presence in local trails, settlements, and the way the land is managed today.
You can enter the reserve from several different access points and join guided treks that take several days to walk through the zones. Weather conditions change quickly depending on altitude, so bring layers and be ready for muddy trails.
Cuicocha Lake sits within a volcanic crater and features three dome islands rising from its waters, creating an unusual landscape. The lake reaches significant depths, making it a striking sight surrounded by mountain terrain.
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