Mache-Chindul Ecological Reserve, Ecological reserve in Atacames, Ecuador
Mache-Chindul Ecological Reserve covers mountainous land that transitions from dense rainforest in the north to drier forest in the south. The different forest types create distinct zones where various plants and animals find their homes.
The reserve was established in 1996 to protect important natural resources and water sources in this mountain region. This step brought the area into Ecuador's network of protected lands.
Local communities near the reserve practice farming methods that work with nature rather than against it. These daily practices show how people have learned to live alongside the land they depend on.
You can reach the reserve from Quito by two routes: one through La Independencia to Quininde, or another through Santo Domingo to Quininde. Each route passes through different towns and terrain, so choose based on where you want to go.
Within the reserve lies Cube Lagoon, a wetland of international importance that shelters a remarkable range of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. This lake is a special place for nature lovers seeking to spot rare animals.
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