El Ángel Ecological Reserve

The high-altitude reserve spans 15,715 hectares between 3,644 and 4,768 meters, featuring expansive moorlands filled with towering Frailejones plants.

Established in 1992, the protected area preserves ancestral territories of the Pastos indigenous people who defended their lands against Inca and Spanish invasions.

Local communities of La Libertad and 23 de Julio maintain traditional practices while managing the reserve through sustainable conservation programs.

The reserve contains numerous marked trails, including the 2.5-kilometer El Voladero path that circles a lagoon and offers opportunities for wildlife observation.

The reserve houses specialized plant species with adaptations like hairy leaves that capture moisture and protect against extreme temperature variations.

Location: Carchi Province

Elevation above the sea: 3,216 m

GPS coordinates: 0.75514,-77.90522

Latest update: May 27, 2025 13:20