a

Reserva Yanacocha

Pichincha  >  Ecuador

Yanacocha Reserve protects an excellent example of high Andean Cloud forest and is close to Quito. Very easy trail to walk and fantastic birding.

Ajouté* par Luis Die
Dernière actualisation 3 mars 2026

Description

Yanacocha Reserve is a high‑altitude cloud‑forest sanctuary of 1200 hectares on the western slope of the Pichincha volcano, about an hour from Quito. It is known for its exceptional hummingbird diversity, quiet trails, and the chance to see rare Andean wildlife. Yanacocha is a private conservation area managed by Fundación Jocotoco. It protects elfin Polylepis forest and mature cloud forest between 3,200 and 3,500 meters. This ecosystem is the core habitat of the Black-breasted Puffleg, a critically endangered hummingbird found almost exclusively around Pichincha.

Despite the altitude and the terrain, the trail is very easy and the birdwatching is excellent. You can see many species of hummingbirds. For example Sword-billed Hummingbird, Great Sapphirewing, Golden-breasted Puffleg, Sapphire-vented Puffleg, and the endemic Black-breasted Puffleg). Also you can spot Mountain tanagers, Flowerpiercers, Antpittas, Guans, etc. More than 250 species have been recorded.

Yanacocha Reserve is one of the few sites near Quito where you can birdwatch at this altitude in a well-preserved forest.

Détails

Accès

Yanacocha Reserve is located only 1h20 by car from Quito central district, it can be reached by car. From Av. Occidental, take the Machala Avenue overpass and enter the Mena del Hierro neighborhood, heading toward Nono. Approximately 9 km into the route, after passing the Rundupamba Church, you'll see a sign for the Yanacocha Reserve and a dirt road that begins on the left side of the main road. Follow this road for 8 kilometers until you reach the Quito Municipal Drinking Water and Sanitation Company (EPMAPS) facilities, then continue for another 2 kilometers to reach the entrance of the reserve.

You can spend a full morning birding at the reserve. The Reserve is open from 7 AM to 3:0 PM. Entry costs USD 6 for foreigners and USD 3 for Ecuadorians and residents.

Terrain et Habitat

Forêt , Prairie

Conditions

Montagneux , Plat

Boucle

Non

Avez-vous besoin d'une longue-vue?

Peut être utile

Saison idéale pour observer

Toute l'année

Itinéraire

Sentier large

Niveau de difficulté de l'itinéraire

Facile

Accessible via

A pied

Observatoire/hutte d'observation

Non

Liens

Voir les sites d'observation voisins publiés sur Birdingplaces

Carte

Top 5 oiseaux

Autres oiseaux que vous pouvez observer ici

Afficher plus d'oiseaux Afficher moins d'oiseaux
Afficher plus de photos Afficher moins de photos

Commentaires

Publier un commentaire, un conseil ou une observation d'oiseau
Évaluer ce spot
Ajouter à mes favoris
Retirer de mes favoris