Vicki's Travel Journals

Reserva Yanacocha, Cordillera de Los Andes

Australia | Wednesday, April 3, 2013 | flickr photos

This morning we were up with the birds. We travelled with local girls Catalina Batallas and Sandra Newman to Reserva Yanacocha, on Pichincha volcano, which forms part of Cordillera de Los Andes. On the way the girls kept us entertained with informative banter about our destination, and other must see places in Ecuador. One hour of battling through Quito peak hour traffic, and another 30 minutes of driving on a steep, winding, cobblestone and gravel road, lined by a patchy, living fence of ficus trees, and other native shrubbery. Viewed through the hedge were picturesque farmlands with happy docile cows grazing in richly grassed fields, and the most spectacular vistas of the Cordillera de Los Andes. These views amazed us with gorgeous marshmallow clouds shifting back and forth, teasing us with glimpses of huge mountain tops and deep forested valleys. Once we arrived at Reserva Yanacocha, at an altitude of 3500 metres, we were immediately welcomed by the vibrating hum and brief glimpses of iridescent green of hummingbirds whizzing and flitting about. The forest rangers top up nectar feeding stations at several points along the relatively easy ( 2.5 out of 5) walking track, that slowly meanders around the Pichincha volcano just above the cloud forest. Many species of birds live in the forest. It is a bird watcher's paradise. However, the stars of the show have to be the hummingbirds. Their petite and fragile wings flap at up to 200 beats per second, which causes one's ear drums to vibrate in an odd way. They are extremely territorial. We were told that the male hummingbirds have been known to fight to the death. This is understandable as these little super fast, jewelled beauties expend a great deal of energy just to fly. The nectar feeding stations allow visitors the opportunity to see these special little birds up close and ensures a regular food supply for many bird species. Strangely enough we only saw birds along our trail, no reptiles, or mammals, not even a sneak peak at a Spectacled Bear. But we did see many orchids, hibiscus, daisies, and other diverse flora. A thoroughly enjoyable and relaxing stroll through this beautiful nature reserve with bella vistas at every turn.