Maquipucuna Reserve

Maquipucuna protects some six thousand hectares of cloud forest on the western slope north-west of Quito, part of the Choco-Andes corridor, with the biodiversity that implies: several hundred bird species including cock-of-the-rock and a long hummingbird list, orchids, and trails from a lodge on the reserve edge. What has made its name is the bears: each year, typically between September and November, spectacled bears descend from higher forest to feed on wild avocados, and Maquipucuna is one of the most reliable places anywhere to see this shy species, with sightings on many days in the season. The reserve is community-linked and research-active, and the lodge arranges guiding.

History

Archaeological studies show that the pre-Inca Yumbo people once lived on the land that is now Maquipucuna, and their paths, burial mounds and pottery can still be found. The main pre-Inca trail through the reserve is thought to lead to Cachillacta, the land of salt, and the area was important long before colonial times as one of the main sources of salt for the chiefdom of Quito (Wikipedia, Maquipucuna).

What you'll find

• Spectacled bears in season - drawn down by the wild avocado crop.
• Choco cloud forest - one of the richest forest corridors anywhere.
• Cock-of-the-rock and hummingbirds - the bird list of the western slope.
• Trails from the lodge - guided walks into the reserve.

When to go

September to November for the bear season, though it shifts with the avocado crop; birding is good year round. A day, better overnight. Book ahead in bear season.

Things to know

Bear sightings are likely in season but never guaranteed, and outside it they are rare. The access road is rough. Trails are muddy and steep in places. The lodge is comfortable but not cheap.

Nearby

Mindo is south-west; the Tulipe site lies on the road in.

Key facts