In Quito, discover the Chocó Andino nature reserve

The city of Quito, promotes activities related to conservation, biodiversity and ecotourism to local, national and foreign visitors.

Credit: Mashpi Lodge/Municipio de Quito

Among the attractions of the capital of Ecuador, Quito, is the Chocó Andino Biosphere Reserve, located in the northwestern part of the province of Pichincha, which, with an area of 286,805 hectares, extends mainly (83%) into the Metropolitan District and reaches the cantons of San Miguel de los Bancos and Pedro Vicente Maldonado.

The Chocó Andino reserve is rich in flora and fauna, with 12 types of forests, more than 3,200 species of plants, 5 water basins, more than 140 species of amphibians and at least 270 species of mammals, including the spectacled bear, pumas, olonguitos, among others.

Black-breasted puffleg (Eriocnemis nigrivestis) – Credit: Dario Hipo

In addition, in the Chocó Andino territory located in the Metropolitan District, 55 species of hummingbirds and 542 species of birds have been recorded, 64 endemic at the national level and 1 exclusive endemic at the world level, the Black-breasted puffleg (Eriocnemis nigrivestis), an emblematic bird of Quito.

Credit: Mashpi Lodge/Municipio de Quito

Given the high biodiversity of the region, the Quito Tourism Office is constantly working to promote the country’s capital as a destination for birdwatching and ecotourism. In this context, the XII International South American Bird Fair will be held from 25 to 30 October in Mindo, located one and a half hours northwest of the city.

Birdwatching is a growing form of tourism that helps to diversify the economy, as the level of tourist spending in this segment is high and, in most cases, they return to the destination for another visit.

The Choco Andino Biosphere Reserve is known for its high biodiversity, which attracts birdwatchers from all over the world who come to the Choco Andino region to observe the tremendous variety of birds in the area.

Source: Quito Turismo