chimborazo reserve is to manage contents - gob · 2017-02-23 · chimborazo quindigua alto pucará...
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Contents
Map of Ecuador’s NaturalHeritage Sites (PANE)
Chimborazo Fauna Production ReserveGraceful vicuñas graze the mountainclosest to the sun
Geographic map of the Reserve
Faces and tracesIndigenous communities brave the rugged surroundings of the ice giant
Tourist map
Not to be missed
Things to do
Getting there
Directory
List of outstanding wildlife species
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This brochure offers a panoramic view of the biological and cultural diversity of Chimborazo Fauna Production Reserve (CFPR), as well as practical information for the visitor: a geographic and a tourist map, sites you do not want to miss, outstanding tourist activities, some useful recommendations for your trip, and a directory of services.
One of the main objectives of Chimborazo Reserve is to manage populations of vicuñas, the most graceful of the Andean camelid family.
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N
S
O E
Pacific Ocean
GALÁPAGOS NATIONAL PARK
GALÁPAGOS MARINE RESERVE
GALERA SAN FRANCISCO MARINE RESERVE
MACHALILLA NATIONAL PARK
MANGLARES CHURUTE ECOLOGICAL RESERVE
MACHE CHINDUL ECOLOGICAL RESERVE
SANTA CLARA ISLAND WILDLIFE REFUGE
MUISNE RIVER ESTUARY MANGROVES WILDLIFE REFUGE
EL SALADO MANGROVES FAUNA PRODUCTION RESERVE
SANTA ELENA PENINSULA MARINE FAUNA WILDLIFE REFUGE
EL MORRO MANGROVES WILDLIFE REFUGE
PACOCHE WILDLIFE REFUGE
PARQUE LAGO NATIONAL RECREATION AREA
ARENILLAS ECOLOGICAL RESERVE
ISLAS CORAZÓN Y FRAGATAS WILDLIFE REFUGE
CAYAPAS MATAJE ECOLOGICAL RESERVE
ESMERALDAS RIVER ESTUARY MANGROVES WILDLIFE REFUGE
LA CHIQUITA WILDLIFE REFUGE
ISLA SANTAY AND ISLA DEL GALLO NATIONAL RECREATION AREA
PAMBILAR WILDLIFE RESERVE
LOS SAMANES NATIONAL RECREATION AREA
PLAYAS DE VILLAMIL NATIONAL RECREATION AREA
EL PELADO MARINE RESERVE
LOS ILINIZAS ECOLOGICAL RESERVE
COTACACHI CAYAPAS ECOLOGICAL RESERVE
EL ÁNGEL ECOLOGICAL RESERVE
PULULAHUA GEOBOTANICAL RESERVE
PASOCHOA WILDLIFE RESERVE
ANTISANA ECOLOGICAL RESERVE
EL BOLICHE NATIONAL RECREATION AREA
COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK
CHIMBORAZO FAUNA PRODUCTION RESERVE
CAJAS NATIONAL PARK
YACURI NATIONAL PARK
QUIMSACOCHA NATIONAL RECREATION AREA
PODOCARPUS NATIONAL PARK
LLANGANATES NATIONAL PARK
SANGAY NATIONAL PARK
CAYAMBE COCA NATIONAL PARK
CUYABENO FAUNA PRODUCTION RESERVE
LIMONCOCHA BIOLOGICAL RESERVE
YASUNÍ NATIONAL PARK
EL ZARZA WILDLIFE REFUGE
COFÁN BERMEJO ECOLOGICAL RESERVE
SUMACO NAPO-GALERAS NATIONAL PARK
EL CÓNDOR BIOLOGICAL RESERVE
EL QUIMI BIOLOGICAL RESERVE
CERRO PLATEADO BIOLOGICAL RESERVE
GALÁPAGOS
PACIFIC COAST
COAST - ANDES
ANDES
ANDES - AMAZON
AMAZON
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Quito
Tulcán
Ibarra
Nueva Loja
Francisco de Orellana
Esmeraldas
Pto. BaquerizoMoreno
Sto. Domingo
Latacunga
Ambato
Riobamba
Macas
Azogues
Guayaquil
Machala
Portoviejo
Santa Elena
Cuenca
Loja Zamora
Guaranda
Babahoyo
Puyo
Tena
100 km
Perú
Colombia
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MAP ofNATURAL HERITAGE SITES
Patrimonio de Áreas Naturales del Estado, PANE
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ChimborazoFauna ProductionReserve
Graceful vicuñas graze the mountain closest to the sun
The normal way of determining an elevation is to calculate its distance above sea level, but if we measure in-
stead from the center of the Earth, Chimborazo is the highest elevation in the world. This is because our planet widens at the equator and flattens at the poles. Our great mountain, located very close to the equator, is in this way higher than Mt. Everest. But Chimborazo is more than a geographical oddity; its history, culture, and natural environment make it an awe-inspiring destination.
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The immense volcano, revered by locals since ancient times, is visible from the Ecuadorean coast, more than 400 kilometers away. As it is the point farthest from the center of the earth, its icy peaks are closer to the sun than any other place on earth.
Land of counterpoints: while the plains below the volcano are quite dry, the ice and snow atop the mountain provide water to adjacent areas. Likewise, the brittle, rocky slopes of Chimborazo contrast with the smooth plains in El Arenal.
The huge snowcapped mountain stands at 6,310 meters in the middle of a relatively low mountain range. To the north is another snowy volcano called Carihuairazo (5,116 masl). On a clear morning, the enormous white cap of Chimborazo can be seen from Guayaquil on the coast and from various points along the Andean range. Its meltwaters nourish the páramos (high mountain plains located between 3,000 meters and the glacial limit) as well as the surrounding
Biodiversity and endemic species in CFPR
Flora
Mammals
Birds
Amphibians
CFPRno. of species
220
17
60
11
15,306
380
1,616
464
1.5%
4.5%
3.7%
2.4%
Ecuador / no. of species
50%
n/d
n/d
n/d
% of endemism
% of national total
Source: Freile, 2009. * These figures are, of necessity, estimates and subject to change.
Chimborazo, a colossus 20 kilometers in diameter.
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Vicuñas, like llamas and alpacas, are relatives of the camel. Unlike their cousins, vicuñas only live in wild herds and are difficult to domesticate.
communities, which use it for irrigation, energy, and drinking water. The Guayas River, which ends in Guayaquil, begins on Chimborazo. Both the river and the mountain are represented in the Ecuadorean national coat of arms.
Chimborazo Fauna Production Reserve encompasses the area surrounding the vol-cano in the central Andean provinces of Chimborazo, Tungurahua, and Bolívar. The Reserve promotes the conservation and re-production of wildlife, specifically vicuña and other camelids, Andean relatives of the camel. The plains surrounding the volcano –curiously
The ecosystems of Chimborazo Reserve
High-mountain evergreen forest: actually the lowest part of the páramo, populated by low shrubs and trees native to these altitudes; herbaceous páramo: the typical tall-grass páramo, blended with shrubs and small wetlands; dry páramo: characteristic of Chimborazo, especially on the western slope, with sandy soil, tall grasses, and small bushes; and gelidophyta: meaning “plants of the ice” found in the highest zones close to the glaciers; they include grasses and sparse, resistant shrubs.
dry– are a habitat similar to the Peruvian and Bolivian highlands that vicuñas prefer. Herds of vicuña have adapted to the environment in Chimborazo and are a major attraction there. In the ring around the volcano, within and outside of the Reserve, live indigenous communities
that are heir to an ancient culture. Today, these communities are linked to the Reserve through their agriculture, work raising alpacas and llamas for wool, and community tourism.
The climate in the Reserve is cold, from the peak of the volcano through the páramos and to the Andean forests (3,200 meters). The páramos are semi-arid because they are far from the rain source: the eastern clouds. Their dryness con-trasts with the moistness characteristic of most of Ecuador’s páramos. The western zone of the Reserve, known as El Arenal, is particularly dry, as Chimborazo’s own great mass creates a “rain shadow,” preventing clouds from the Amazon from advancing further west.
Getting to the Reserve is easy. The highway that connects Ambato to Guaranda passes by it. To enter the habitat of the vicuñas and approach the volcano, take the road that begins at kilometer 56 (from Ambato). From Riobamba, the Reserve can be reached via the road to San Juan. From this route, take the road to the volcano; along the way, one can visit communities, observe vicuñas, and enjoy the landscapes.
The Andean wolf, Ecuador’s largest wild canid.
CHIMBORAZO IN BRIEFLocat ion : Riobamba county (Chimborazo province), Mocha and Ambato (Tungurahua) and Guaranda (Bolívar)
Area : 58,560 hectares
Altitude range: 3,200 to 6,310 masl
Temperature range : 0 to 10 ºC
Nearby sett lements : Guano, Guaranda, Riobamba and Ambato
Established in: 1987
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Am
bato
Colorado
Blanco
Chimborazo
Guano
Mocha
Rayo Pamba Cochapamba
Peñas Negras
Salhuaycu Montalvo
Tisaleo
Yuracsha Rumicorral
Natahuapamba
Huañuna
Verde Pungu
CallanarumiSanta Lucía Yanahurcu
Quinchicoto
Mocha
12 de Octubre
Huangaló Alto
Campanaloma
San Rafael
Nitilvisa
Moya
Cochapamba
Guabo
Santa Isabel
Cachipamba
Murachaca
Guaranda
Queseras
San AntonioAyaloma
El Erazo
El Tejar
Cuatro Esquinas
Siche Chico
Chimborazo6 310 m
Carihuairazo5 020 m
To G
uara
nda
To Ambato
PROVINCE OF BOLIVAR
PROVINCE OFTUNGURAHUA
PROVINCE OFCHIMBORAZO
Quindigua Alto
Pucará Pamba
Padre Rumi
Pachancho
Pical Chico
Salinas
Capa
día
Illan
gam
a
To Riobamba
To Riobamba
To B
años
Cruz de El Arenal
Cununyacu
Mechahuasca
San Juan
Pulinguí San Pablo
Chorrera
N
S
O E
Whymper refuge (5 060 m)
Carrel refuge (4 850 m)
Panam. Highway
riverprovince limitrailway
summit
Elevation
Reserve limit
CHIMBORAZO FAUNA PRODUCTION RESERVE MAP
Sources: ETI, 2011; Jarvis, 2008; MAE, 2011Credits: S. Crespo, P. Cabrera, X. Cordovez
Ecuador Terra Incognita
villageinterest site
city
secondary road
main road
access to Reserve
0 5 102.5 km
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Chimborazo Fauna Production Reserve occupies part of the territory of the Puruháes, ancient inhabitants who
tenaciously opposed the Incan invasion five centuries ago. Subsequent rule by the Spanish and mestizos weakened their legacy, but this population, historically marginalized, has undergone an important process of cultural revitalization and self-determination. Many communities speak Kichwa, which, even though it was the language imposed upon them by the Incas in the 15th century, is the tongue linked to their identity. Characteristic names
Indigenous communities brave the rugged surroundings of the ice giant
From time immemorial, Chimborazo has challenged people from near and far; travelers have tried to reach its summit in centuries past, fighting the cold and the snow, and, today, the fragile páramos shape daily life for the local populations.
Faces and traces
Chimborazo dominates the landscape and is a source of spirituality across the region. It figures into the rites of the indigenous communities, which emphasize that human beings are part of and connected to their natural environment.
of local sites like Puñalica, Tisaleo, and Chibuleo bear witness to the Puruhá legacy.
The numerous indigenous communities of Chimborazo are an example of people who struggle but thrive in a vast, inclement envi-ronment. One peculiar local profession is that of the icemen, who with a great deal of deter-mination climb up to Chimborazo’s glaciers to chip off chunks of ice to carry down and sell in villages in the valleys.
In the shadow of Chimborazo thrives a culture that has learned to live on
the resources of the páramo.
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The roots of the name “Chimborazo” are lost in history; it is said that its origin is Puruhá or Kichwa, but it has also been linked to the ancient cultures of Chimú, from the area that is currently the north of Peru, as well as Tsáchila, from the group of the same name that today is settled in Pichincha. The meanings attributed to “Chimborazo” range from “snowy hill” to “protective shade.” In Kichwa, chimpa means “the other side” and rasu means “snow;” thus it has been sug-gested that the name means “snow from the other side” (perhaps because of the mythical relationship to Mama Tungurahua, the volca-no on the other side of the mountain range), or possibly “snowy crossing.”
Endless curiosity about “the giant of the earth”
Before the Himalayas were explored at the beginning of the 20th century, Chimborazo was considered the tallest mountain on earth and one of the most difficult to climb. This turned the volcano into a mecca for important expeditions. Names of famous naturalists and travelers such as Meyer, Humboldt, the Carrel brothers and Whymper –who became the first ones to reach the summit in 1880– are closely associated with the colossal mountain. Even Simón Bolívar was overcome by its presence and asked him-self in his well-known work My Delirium on Chimborazo: “And will I not be able to tread on the grey hair of the giant of the earth?”
Much research has been conducted on the area of the current Reserve since then. Re-cently, attention has been focused on a project to reintroduce camelids for the use of nearby communities. The alpacas, llamas, and vicuñas seem to feel very comfortable in this landscape, although the goal of generating alternatives for the local people through the sustainable use of these animals –mainly producing high-quality fibers– has yet to come to fruition.
Legend has it that Chimborazo and Carihuairazo –both males of great stature– fought for the love of Tungurahua, the temperamental female nearby. Chimborazo won after a fierce battle, and Carihuairizo, heartbroken, collapsed into its current shape.
It is possible to spend a workday with someone who still practices the centuries-
old profession of retrieving ice from the glaciers of Chimborazo (see page 23).
A Chimborazo Hillstar, endemic to the central
Ecuadorean Andes.
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PROVINCE OFCHIMBORAZO
PROVINCE OF BOLÍVAR
PROVINCE OFTUNGURAHUA
Carihuairazo5 020 m
Chimborazo6 310 m
To Rio
bamba
To A
mbat
o
To G
uaran
da
Ambato
Riobamba
Guaranda
restaurant
information lodging
refuge
camping
excursion
archaeologicalarea
comunitarytourism
volcano
N
S
O E
Natahuapamba
YuracshaRumicorral
PachanchoHuanuña
Rayo Pamba
Peñas Negras
Cochapamba
Callanarumi
Verde Pungu
Pical ChicoPucará Pamba
Padre Rumi
Quindigua AltoCampanaloma
Murachaca
San Rafael
Tisaleo
Mocha
Cachipamba
Ayaloma
To Riobamba
Am
bato
Colorado
Blanco
Salinas
Capadía
Chimborazo
Guano
Mocha
railway
trail
main roadsecondary road
province limit
Sources : ETI, 2011; Jarvis et al., 2008; MAE, 2011Credits: Esteban Garcés y Ximena Cordovez
Ecuador Terra Incognita
river
summit
protected area
To B
años
TOURISTIC MAP OF
Whymperrefuge
Cruz del Arenal
Templo Machay
San Juan
Pulinguí San Pablo
Chorrera
forest
HermanosCarrel refugehot spring
handicraft
�ora
Nitilvisa
MoyaSanta Isabel
Ice mine
Cunuyacu (hot spring)
Solitary Tree
Inca Fortress
access to Reserve
villageinterest site
fauna
Panam. Highway
CHIMBORAZO FAUNA PRODUCTION RESERVE
lookout point
horseback riding
bird watching
tourist cycling
panoramic view climbing
Ambato-Riobamba: 52 km
Riobamba-Guaranda: 61 km
Ambato-Guaranda: 99 km
Ambato-Reserve: 96 km
Guaranda-Reserve: 48 km
Riobamba-Reserve: 99 km
Quito-Reserve: 207 km
Guayaquil-Reserve: 282 km
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The Volcano Chimborazo
Excursions through clouds and snow
R eaching the summit of Chimborazo requires thorough preparation, as
the ascent is long and entails demanding passages; moreover, the rarefied air can cause altitude sickness. The lower refuge or Carrel Brothers refuge (4,800 masl) is accessible by automobile or by foot from the Guaranda-Riobamba highway. From there, a hike of about two hours brings you to the Whymper refuge (5,000 masl). In order to continue to the summit, the Whymper route is the most advisable; in eight hours you can reach the Veintimilla summit (6,270 masl) or, in one more hour, the Whymper summit (6,310 masl). The best time to climb the volcano is between December and February; during the dry months (June-August) you will not find much snowfall, but the strong winds can be daunting.
Not to be missed
Chimborazo (6,310 meters above sea level).
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El Arenal
Mountaineering animals and plants
The rugged plains of Chimborazo are ideal for observing plants and animals
adapted to the cold climate, intense isola-tion, and drastic temperature changes: dense fur to trap heat, glossy leaves to reflect the intense ultraviolet light, deep roots to search for water, large lungs to compensate for the lack of oxygen... On the western slopes of the Reserve, extreme water scarcity is added to all the other challenges. One inhabitant is the “hibernating” hummingbird –the Chimborazo hillstar– that lowers its metabolic rate almost to nothing during the coldest hours; in the páramo, it is as if it were summer every morning and winter every evening. Cer-tain insects appear only when the sun goes down, but the extreme cold still has not set in. Species that stand out among the abundant plants are flowers with curled petals to keep out the cold and retain moisture. Birds like the carunculated caracara live together with rabbits, wolves, and lizards, and the Andean condor flies over the plains.
Pulunguí San Pablo and Chorrera Mirador
Herds of vicuñas brought in from the south
W ith one of the finest and most delicate coats in the world, vicuñas
are the most graceful members of the
Andean camelid family, which also includes alpacas and llamas. Unlike their docile relatives, vicuñas are very difficult to domesticate. Their presence in Chimborazo –they were brought in from Perú– is an indisputable attraction for the tourist. The communities of Pulunguí San Pablo and Chorrera Mirador are ide-al sites for enjoying the elusive vicuñas, diverse crops, sheep, guinea pigs, and
The cliffs of San Juan offer numerous rock-climbing routes.
Conjectures about Chimborazo’s name are multiple. One of the most accepted, traces it to the Kichwa words chimpa, which signifies “beyond”, and rasu, for “snow”. The volcano’s name, therefore, would mean something like “snow-covered crossing”.
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for participating in community-based tourism. Visitors can also take part in ancient celebrations such as tarpuy, a sowing ritual in September, or murut anday, a harvesting ritual at the be-ginning of the year. Both communities are along the route to the refuge of the Carrel brothers.
IN THE SURROUNDING AREA
Salinas de Bolívar
Ancient mines and new endeavors
To the west of the Reserve, the people of Salinas are well-known for their
community-based agroindustrial proj-ects. The name comes from the salt mines that have been active since the times of the Puruhá (about 850 A.D.). Before the dawn of the sea-salt indus-try, mines were salt’s only precious source, but the dynamic salt market declined just as the local inhabitants gained ownership of the mines. These days, the town thrives on the production of other goods such as dairy products, cured meats, and mushrooms.
One can travel to Salinas by bus from Guaranda. Take a bus (US$ 1) or pickup truck (US$ 5) from the Plaza Roja. Another point of access is El Empalme. In Salinas, visitors can appreciate the ancient mines and modern operations (US$ 3), as well as take fascinating hikes through the surrounding páramos.
Rock climbing at the cliffs of San Juan.
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Hikes and thermal baths in Cunuyacu
E ven though Chimborazo is not considered an active volcano, the persistent volcanic
forces in the region make it possible to en-joy thermal baths such as those in Cunuyacu (3,600 meters above sea level). Near the thermal baths, visitors can take hikes in a landscape dominated by the great mass of rock and ice. The vegetation is typical of the páramos that cover much of the Reserve, but there are also small forests, especially of yahuales or “paper trees.” The tree has un-usual bark that resembles crumpled sheets of reddish paper as well as twisting branches that evoke forests of fairy tales.
Coming from Riobamba along the road to San Juan, take the old road to Ambato for 11 kilometers. There is a sign on the left that points to the road to the baths. Other dry páramos border this road and the Riobamba-Guaranda and Ambato-Guaranda highways. From the Riobamba-Guaranda road, one can access the refuge and nearby communities. From the west side, visitors can enter Urbina, just before arriving to Riobamba from the north. Here, a signposted highway goes to the old train station (currently Posada La Estación) and the sloping páramos, with views of the volcanoes Altar and Tungurahua.
www.cordtuch.org.ec / www.altamontana.net
Excursions by foot, on horseback, and by bicycle, and community-based tourism
I n the parish of San Juan, outside of Riobamba, one can observe everyday
community life and enjoy lookout points with spectacular views of Chimborazo and the rest of the mountain range. The location of-fers hikes, horseback rides, spiritual activities, biking, mountain climbing, and observation of native wildlife. Some sites to visit include the lonely tree (a large, isolated kishwar among the grasslands), a polylepis forest, the thermal baths of Cunuyacu, and the Machay temple (a rock formation where rituals are performed). The Casa Cóndor inn, managed by its host community, offers crafts and traditional dishes.
This community is located on the 37th kilometer on the highway from Riobamba to Guaranda. Various bus companies depart every hour from Riobamba’s terminal for Guaranda (US$ 1). The trip takes about an hour. Travelers must pay attention to be let off at the bus stop in Pulunguí San Pablo.
More information: Casa Cóndor (08) 795 4899 / www.cordtuch.org.ec
Meals, US$ 5 per person; lodging, US$ 12 a night per person. The price of tours depends on the selected activities, length of stay, and the number of visitors.
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Things to do
Visiting the ice mines
A strange, moving story is that of the people who used to climb to
Chimborazo’s glaciers to chip off chunks of ice for the settlements of the valley and, for a time, transported the ice to the coast. These tough workers removed large blocks of ice with pickaxes and shovels and covered them with straw so they would arrive intact to their destinations. In Riobamba, it is actually still possible to find shaved ice and juice made with ice brought down from Chimborazo on the back of a donkey. These days, this age-old activity is carried out by only one person: Don Baltasar Ushca. Tourists can directly witness his work; the adventure to the mines includes meals, lodging, and transportation from and to Riobamba. It is essential to bring warm clothing, snow goggles, and sunblock,
and to be in good physical condition since the mines are at an altitude of almost 5,000 meters. The weather is highly variable, so trekkers must be prepared for rain even when the sun is shining.
These excursions are organized by the community enterprise Puruhá Razurka, whose office is located in Riobamba (Av. Conónigo Ramos, ciudadela Los Álamos, block E, House 6; go after lunch). Transportation is provided to a point close to the mines; from there, tourists reach their destination after a hike of approximately two hours.
Puruhá Razurku (03) 260 6774 / 098 179 0109 Up to four passengers, US$ 127 per
person; from five to nine passengers, US$ 92 per person; more than ten passengers, US$ 63 per person.
View of Chimborazo from the slopes of Carihuairazo (5,116 meters above sea level).
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Getting there
Transportation
A good base of operations from which to explore the Reserve is the city of Riobamba, which can be reached via the Pan-American Highway that connects various Andean cit-ies. From Guayaquil, take the Pallatanga road that joins the Pan-American Highway south of Riobamba. In Quito, the Andina, Chimborazo, Condorazo, Ecuador Ejecutivo, Patria Riobamba, Riobamba Express, and Transvencedores bus companies depart from Quitumbe bus terminal from 3:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. The trip takes about four fours and costs approximately US$ 5.
Safety and health
• Take precautions against the cold and high altitude, especially when doing climbing ac-tivities. Even the lowest parts of the Reserve are at an altitude above 4,000 meters; as such, it is important to acclimate oneself before the trip.• To hike to the glacier, it is essential to hire professional guides who know how to find their bearings along the glacier.• Lemon balm tea can ease the effects of altitude sickness.• Hikers must be prepared with warm clothing, including a hat and gloves, but also be prepared to remove some items during the day, when the heat can be
intense. They should use hiking boots for traversing irregular surfaces as well as snow goggles.• Because of the intensity of ultraviolet rays even on cloudy days, it is essential to use sunblock.• While there are not poisonous plants or animals near Chimborazo, visitors should always take care not to eat un-familar wild fruits or hurt themselves on sharp or spiky leaves.• It is recommended that hikers carry durable bottles or canteens with plenty of water and avoid using disposable plastic bottles.• In general, the weather in the Reserve is highly unpredictable, and visitors should be prepared for sun, rain, fog, and even snow every day.
When to visit
Even though the ecosystem of the Reserve is considerably dry, there are occasionally strong rains, occurring ever more unpre-dictably. Theoretically, the best time to visit is the dry season (June to September) and the dry period near the end of the year. Additionally, the dry period coincides with local harvests and the beginning of the year with planting, which makes these dates good times for participating in community activities.
Sustainable tourism tips
• The páramo is a particularly fragile ecosystem, even more so in the dry conditions on Chimborazo. Thus, visi-tors must be very careful with trash and fires. Regarding trash, we must not leave any trace of our presence; it is essential to collect all waste and carry it with us out of the park. Regarding fires, they should only be built in marked areas and must be completely extinguished before moving on.• It is prohibited to take anything away from the Reserve except for photographs, memories, and of course purchases or gifts from the communities.• Walking should only be done on marked trails, as highland vegetation can take hundreds of years to regenerate.
Money matters
In Riobamba, it is possible to use credit cards at many establishments, and there are banks and ATMs in the city center. Payments for var-ious activities can be made via telephone or online. Cash is needed for all transactions in the smaller communities. Transportation must almost always be paid for in cash.
Important contact information
- 1 800 TURISMO (1 800 887 476)- Chimborazo Reserve: (03) 261 0029 ext. 103
- Ministry of Tourism, Riobamba: (03) 294 1213
- Bus terminal, Riobamba: (03) 296 2005
- Hospital, Riobamba: (03) 296 1386- Police, Riobamba: (03) 294 2811
Enjoying a warm respite in the Carrel Brothers refuge (4,800 masl).
Entrance to all PANE continental protected areas is free for residents and foreigners.
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Riobamba
Hostería Cerro Blanco Rumipamba km 19 16 (03) 293 3217 second
Hotel Montecarlo10 de Agosto 25-41 and García Moreno22 (03) 295 3204
[email protected] www.hotelmontecarlo-riobamba.com
first
Albergue Estrella del Chimborazo Comunidad Pulinguí San Pablo 26 for a double room (03) 296 4915 first
Hostería Rosaspamba Sector Rosaspamba, plot 3, Quisintol 30 (03) 296 8403 first
Hotel Chimborazo InternacionalLos Nogales and Argentinos43(03) 296 3474 / 296 3475
first
Hotel El MolinoDuchicela 4213 and Unidad Nacional61(03) 294 1372 / 294 2232
first
Hostal Mansión Santa Isabella
José Veloz 2848, between Carabobo and Magdalena Dávalos
55(03) 296 2947
first
Guano
Hostería Quinta AiditaMarcos Montalvo 919, San Roque54(03) 290 1727
first
Hostería Hacienda La AndaluzaVía Riobamba – Ambato, km 1654 - 71(03) 294 9370
first
Guaranda
Hotel Los EspejosGarcía Moreno and 7 de Mayo17 (does not include breakfast)(03) 298 1968first
Hotel Márquez10 de Agosto w/n and Eloy Alfaro17 (does not include breakfast)(03) 298 1306second
1. Camping 2. Horseback riding 3. Guided hikes 4. Biking 5. Hiking and climbing
6. Cultural tourism 7. Community tourism
Lodging
Tour Operators
Activities
address categoryreference price contact
Directory
Riobamba
Altar Climbing 099 424 [email protected] 3 4 5 6
Ciclo Tours(03) 295 [email protected]
Expediciones Andinas(03) 236 4279099 973 3646www.expediciones-andinas.com1 3 5 6
Julio Verne(03) 296 3436 / 099 416 [email protected] 4 5 Puruhá Razurku(03) 260 6774www.puruharazurku.com2 3 4 5 6 7
Soultrain Expeditions(03) 296 2696099 803 8958www.facebook.com/pages/soul-train-expeditions/2570480743133 4 6
Veloz Expeditions(03) 296 [email protected] www.velozexpeditions.com1 3 5 6
Guaranda
Blue Bird(03) 298 49103 5 6
Quito
Palmarvoyages(02) 256 [email protected] 4 6
Kleintours(02) 226 [email protected] 5 6 7
Prices are per guest and include breakfast and taxes unless otherwise indicated.
Hostal de las Flores Pichincha 402 and Rocafuerte25 (03) 298 4396second
Hostería El Refugio Via thermal baths, Salinas28(02) 973 1975second
Hotel Tambo LibertadorAv. Guayaquil, across from the
regional transit authority 30(03) 298 5999
www.facebook.com/pages/Hotel-Tambo-El-Libertador/156586227687380
first
Hotel La Colina Guayaquil 117 and Bellavista40(03) 298 0666
second
Ecuadorean AlpineInstitute(02) 256 [email protected] 2 3 4 5 6 7
Positiv Turismo(02) 600 [email protected] 4 5 6
Ecoandes TravelAndesadventure(02) 222 [email protected] 2 3 4
Terranova Trek(02) 225 [email protected] 3 5 6
Surtrek(02) 250 [email protected] 3 4 5 6
Series director: Andrés VallejoEditorial design and edition: Nadesha MontalvoTexts: Patricio MenaDesign: Esteban GarcésPhotographic research: Martina Avilés and Alegría AcostaMaps: Susana Crespo and Pablo CabreraMap coordination: Ximena CordovezEnglish translation: Amanda BlewittText revision: David Padgham
Photo credits:Pete Oxford and Reneé Bish (contents, 12:ice harvester);José Cobo / Afuera Producciones (5, 20:climber); Robert Gibson (6);Pete Oxford / Archivo Criollo (11); Murray Cooper / Archivo Criollo (13:hummingbird);David Oleas (17); Patricio Hidalgo (18:cliff);Bernard Francou (23); Andrés León (25)
Coordination, Ministry of Tourism: Mónica Burbano Montalvo and Liliam FigueroaRevision, Ministry of Tourism: Undersecretaryship for Tourism Management, Undersecretaryship for Tourism Promotion and Undersecretaryship for Information and CommunicationRevision, Ministry of the Environment: National Biodiversity Directorate and Area Chief
References
• ECOLAP and MAE, 2007. Guía del Patrimonio de Áreas Naturales Protegidas del Ecuador. ECOFUND / FAN / DarwinNet / IGM, Quito• Ecuador Terra Incognita, 2010. Ecuador: Turismo en Áreas Protegidas. Ministerio de Turismo, Quito• Freile, Juan Fernando, 2009. Reserva de Producción Faunística Chimborazo: guía interpretativa. Manuscript• García, Emilia and Stephan G. Beck, 2006. Puna. In: Mónica Moraes, Benjamin Øllgaard, Peter Kvist, Finn Borchsenius and Henrik Balslev (eds). Botánica Económica de los Andes Centrales. Universidad Mayor de los Andes, La Paz• Hofstede, Robert, Pool Segarra and Patricio Mena (eds), 2005. Los Páramos del Mundo. IUCN Holanda/Ecociencia, Quito• Mena, Patricio, Galo Medina and Robert Hofstede (eds), 2001. Los Páramos del Ecuador: Particularidades, Problemas y Perspectivas. Proyecto Páramo / Abya Yala, Quito
This document may be cited as:Ecuador Terra Incognita, 2012. Informative brochure for sustainable tourism in Chimborazo Fauna Production Reserve. Ministry of Tourism / Ministry of the Environment, Quito
© Ministry of Tourism of Ecuador, 2012
Produced by:
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Mammals Andean White-eared OpossumDidelphis pernigra
Haggard’s Leaf-eared mouse*Phyllotis haggardi
Unexpected Cotton Rat*Sigmodon inopinatus
Rabbit •Sylvilagus brasiliensis
Ecuadorean Small-eared Shrew*Cryptotis montivaga
Small Big-eared Brown BatHistiotus montanus
PumaPuma concolor
Andean fox or wolf •Lycalopex culpaeus
Llama •Lama glama
Alpaca •Vicugna pacos
Vicuña •Vicugna vicugna
White-tailed DeerOdocoileus virginianus
Birds
Andean Condor •Vultur gryphus
Variable HawkButeo polyosoma
Carunculated Caracara •Phalcoboenus carunculatus
Ecuadorean RailRallus aequatorialis
Andean LapwingVanellus resplendens
Great Horned OwlBubo virginianus
Band-winged NightjarCaprimulgus longirostris
Sparkling Violet-earColibri coruscans
Ecuadorean hillstar •Oreotrochilus chimborazo
Stout-billed CinclodesCinclodes excelsior
Tawny AntpittaGrallaria quitensis
White-tailed Shrike-tyrantAgriornis andicola
Páramo Ground-tyrantMuscisaxicola alpinus
Chiguanco ThrushTurdus chiguanco
Black FlowerpiercerDiglossa humeralis
Blue-and-yellow TanagerThraupis bonariensis
Golden-bellied GrosbeakPheucticus chrysogaster
Aquatic birds
Slate-coloured CootFulica ardesiaca
Andean TealAnas andium
Andean GullLarus serranus
Amphibians and reptiles
Andean Marsupial Frog*Gastrotheca riobambae
Robber FrogPristimantis spp.
Whorltail Iguana or HuagsaStenocercus guentheri
Mountain lizard •Pholidobolus montium
Plants Devil FingersHuperzia crassa
Andean HorsetailEquisetum bogotense
Pincushion or Almohadilla •Azorella aretioides
Golden Eye or ÑachagBidens humilis
Chuquiragua •Chuquiraga jussieui
Snow FrailejonCulcitum nivale
Cat’s Ear or AchicoriaHypochaeris sessiliflora
Kishwar •Buddleja incana
Deer’s AntlersHalenia weddeliana
St. John’s WortHypericum laricifolium
SunfoSatureja nubigena
Lupine or ChochoLupinus bogotensis
Polylepis or Paper Tree •Polylepis reticulata
ValerianValeriana microphylla
Puya or AchupallaPuya hamata
Páramo grass •Stipa inconspicuaCalamagrostis intermedia
* species endemic to Ecuador • species mentioned in the text
Below is a short list of some outstanding wildlife found in Chimborazo. Given the extraordinary diversity in this area, it is, of necessity, an incomplete list. Enjoy filling it in!
Conscious tourism is a life-transforming experience that leads to personal growth, making us better human beings.
This new concept is based on principles of sustainability and ethics, and promotes peace, friendship, respect, and love for life as the essence of tourism.
It is a pact to live together in a responsible, mutually respectful fashion, in communion with tour agents from sending and receiving communities, the tourist, and the natural and cultural heritage.
Conscious tourism is a living, dynamic concept in constant development. It is an experience in giving and receiving.
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CONSCIOUS TOURISMIs Love for life
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