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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.
Details
Access
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.