Pasochoa: A Life Reserve Originated From a Boiling Caldron

When you try to imagine the remains of a millenary volcanic eruption, the first thing that comes to mind is a harsh, arid landscape of rocks and earth. However, in the province of Pichincha, 40km (24 miles) away from the city of Quito, you will find a place that didn’t turn out the way you would have thought. In this place lies the Pasochoa volcano, the protagonist of a great eruption that took place 100,000 years ago. Ironically, that destructive eruption gave place to one of Ecuador’s most beautiful valleys: The Pasochoa Wildlife Reserve, a place with as many green tones as you could imagine.

Located 2800m (9186ft) above the sea level, a place that once burned in flames and was the scene of the cracking down of the Pasochoa Volcano is now a place where lava and ashes have, throughout the centuries, become a very fertile soil creating one of the few naturally originated forests of the Andes with a diverse fauna and flora. This valley is also perfect for horseback riding and picture-taking.

Seeing this forest for the first time from a panoramic view, you’ll notice it looks like a caldron in the shape of a horseshoe. You will discover the 520-hectare reserve through 5 pathways with unique attractions found only on this side of the Andean mountain range. One of them leads to the peak of the volcano at 4200m (13780ft) above the sea level. Throughout this path, you will be able to observe the more than 120 different bird species, among of which is the Great Condor, a representative bird of the country.

The adventures you will live at Pasochoa will make you want to to stay over the night at the area designated for camping. After having spent the night in contact with nature, you will wake up willing to keep on discovering this exciting reserve.

Photo: Pictures from Heather