Contents. Map of Ecuador s Natural Heritage Sites (PANE) Chimborazo Fauna Production Reserve Graceful vicuñas graze the mountain closest to the sun

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2 One of the main objectives of Chimborazo Reserve is to manage populations of vicuñas, the most graceful of the Andean camelid family. Contents 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 Map of Ecuador s Natural Heritage Sites (PANE) Chimborazo Fauna Production Reserve Graceful vicuñas graze the mountain closest to the sun Geographic map of the Reserve Faces and traces Indigenous 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 b

3 GALÁPAGOS 1 GALÁPAGOS NATIONAL PARK 2 GALÁPAGOS MARINE RESERVE PACIFIC COAST 3 GALERA SAN FRANCISCO MARINE RESERVE 4 MACHALILLA NATIONAL PARK 5 MANGLARES CHURUTE ECOLOGICAL RESERVE 6 MACHE CHINDUL ECOLOGICAL RESERVE 7 SANTA CLARA ISLAND WILDLIFE REFUGE 8 MUISNE RIVER ESTUARY MANGROVES WILDLIFE REFUGE 9 EL SALADO MANGROVES FAUNA PRODUCTION RESERVE 10 SANTA ELENA PENINSULA MARINE FAUNA WILDLIFE REFUGE 11 EL MORRO MANGROVES WILDLIFE REFUGE 12 PACOCHE WILDLIFE REFUGE 0 o 1 2 Pto. Baquerizo Moreno Esmeraldas Ibarra Tulcán 44 Colombia Nueva Loja 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 O N E 15 Sto. Domingo 24 Quito Francisco de Orellana PAMBILAR WILDLIFE RESERVE LOS SAMANES NATIONAL RECREATION AREA PLAYAS DE VILLAMIL NATIONAL RECREATION AREA EL PELADO MARINE RESERVE S 12 Portoviejo Latacunga 37 Tena 42 COAST - ANDES 24 LOS ILINIZAS ECOLOGICAL RESERVE 4 32 Ambato Puyo 25 COTACACHI CAYAPAS ECOLOGICAL RESERVE ANDES 26 EL ÁNGEL ECOLOGICAL RESERVE 27 PULULAHUA GEOBOTANICAL RESERVE 28 PASOCHOA WILDLIFE RESERVE 29 ANTISANA ECOLOGICAL RESERVE 30 EL BOLICHE NATIONAL RECREATION AREA 31 COTOPAXI NATIONAL PARK 32 CHIMBORAZO FAUNA PRODUCTION RESERVE 33 CAJAS NATIONAL PARK 34 YACURI NATIONAL PARK 35 QUIMSACOCHA NATIONAL RECREATION AREA ANDES - AMAZON 36 PODOCARPUS NATIONAL PARK 37 LLANGANATES NATIONAL PARK 38 SANGAY NATIONAL PARK 39 CAYAMBE COCA NATIONAL PARK AMAZON 40 CUYABENO FAUNA PRODUCTION RESERVE Pacific Ocean Santa Elena Babahoyo Guayaquil 5 Machala Guaranda Riobamba 33 Azogues 35 Cuenca Macas Perú MAP of NATURAL HERITAGE SITES LIMONCOCHA BIOLOGICAL RESERVE YASUNÍ NATIONAL PARK EL ZARZA WILDLIFE REFUGE Loja 36 Zamora Patrimonio de Áreas Naturales del Estado, PANE 44 COFÁN BERMEJO ECOLOGICAL RESERVE SUMACO NAPO-GALERAS NATIONAL PARK EL CÓNDOR BIOLOGICAL RESERVE EL QUIMI BIOLOGICAL RESERVE 100 km CERRO PLATEADO BIOLOGICAL RESERVE 3

4 Chimborazo Fauna Production Reserve Chimborazo, a colossus 20 kilometers in diameter. Graceful vicuñas graze the mountain closest to the sun 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. The normal way of determining an elevation is to calculate its distance above sea level, but if we measure instead 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. 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 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. Biodiversity and endemic species in CFPR Flora Mammals Birds Amphibians CFPR no. of species % of endemism 50% n/d n/d n/d Ecuador / no. of species 15, , % of national total 1.5% 4.5% 3.7% 2.4% Source: Freile, * These figures are, of necessity, estimates and subject to change. 4 5

5 The Andean wolf, Ecuador s largest wild canid. 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. CHIMBORAZO IN BRIEF Location: 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 settlements: Guano, Guaranda, Riobamba and Ambato Established in: 1987 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 volcano in the central Andean provinces of Chimborazo, Tungurahua, and Bolívar. The Reserve promotes the conservation and reproduction of wildlife, specifically vicuña and other camelids, Andean relatives of the camel. The plains surrounding the volcano curiously 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 Vicuñas, like llamas and alpacas, are relatives of the camel. Unlike their cousins, vicuñas only live in wild herds and are difficult to domesticate. 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 contrasts 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. 7

6 Rayo Pamba Cochapamba Peñas Negras Blanco Salhuaycu PROVINCE OF TUNGURAHUA Tisaleo Montalvo Yuracsha Pachancho Rumicorral Huañuna Ambato To Ambato Callanarumi Santa Lucía Yanahurcu Salinas Natahuapamba Cununyacu Quinchicoto Verde Pungu Carihuairazo m Mocha PROVINCE OF BOLIVAR Capadía To Guaranda Cruz de El Arenal To Riobamba Mechahuasca Colorado Mocha 12 de Octubre N Huangaló Alto Siche Chico Cuatro Esquinas Quindigua Alto Pucará Pamba access to Reserve Pulinguí San Pablo San Juan Whymper refuge (5 060 m) Chorrera Carrel refuge (4 850 m) Chimborazo Pical Chico Chimborazo m Campanaloma San Rafael To Baños Cochapamba O S E city village interest site Panam. Highway main road secondary road river province limit railway Reserve limit summit Elevation El Tejar Padre Rumi Murachaca Illangama Guaranda El Erazo Queseras San Antonio Ayaloma PROVINCE OF CHIMBORAZO Cachipamba Santa Isabel Nitilvisa Guabo To Riobamba Moya Guano CHIMBORAZO FAUNA PRODUCTION RESERVE MAP Sources: ETI, 2011; Jarvis, 2008; MAE, 2011 Credits: S. Crespo, P. Cabrera, X. Cordovez Ecuador Terra Incognita km 8 9

7 Faces and traces In the shadow of Chimborazo thrives a culture that has learned to live on the resources of the páramo. 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. 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 selfdetermination. 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 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 environment. One peculiar local profession is that of the icemen, who with a great deal of determination climb up to Chimborazo s glaciers to chip off chunks of ice to carry down and sell in villages in the valleys. 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

8 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 suggested that the name means snow from the other side (perhaps because of the mythical relationship to Mama Tungurahua, the volcano on the other side of the mountain range), or possibly snowy crossing. Endless curiosity about the giant of the earth It is possible to spend a workday with someone who still practices the centuriesold profession of retrieving ice from the glaciers of Chimborazo (see page 23). 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. Before the Himalayas were explored at the beginning of the 20 th 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 ones to reach the summit in 1880 are closely associated with the colossal mountain. Even Simón Bolívar was overcome by its presence and asked himself 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. Recently, 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. A Chimborazo Hillstar, endemic to the central 12 Ecuadorean 13Andes.

9 N O E information lodging Rayo Pamba Peñas Negras Cochapamba Blanco To Ambato S Tisaleo archaeological area restaurant horseback riding comunitary tourism lookout point camping Pachancho Yuracsha Rumicorral Salinas Huanuña Ambato Cunuyacu (hot spring) Callanarumi PROVINCE OF TUNGURAHUA Natahuapamba bird watching tourist cycling volcano excursion PROVINCE OF BOLÍVAR Verde Pungu Carihuairazo m Mocha Cruz del Arenal Colorado panoramic view climbing Capadía Mocha flora refuge forest hot spring handicraft fauna 14 Ambato Guaranda Riobamba To Guaranda 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 Quindigua Alto Pucará Pamba Padre Rumi access to Reserve Pulinguí San Pablo San Juan Chorrera PROVINCE OF CHIMBORAZO Ayaloma Solitary Tree Chimborazo Whymper refuge Hermanos Carrel refuge Inca Fortress Pical Chico Chimborazo m Templo Machay To Riobamba Santa Isabel Ice mine Guano Murachaca Cachipamba Moya Nitilvisa Campanaloma San Rafael To Riobamba main road secondary road trail railway province limit river protected area summit To Baños village interest site Panam. Highway TOURISTIC MAP OF CHIMBORAZO FAUNA PRODUCTION RESERVE Sources : ETI, 2011; Jarvis et al., 2008; MAE, 2011 Credits: Esteban Garcés y Ximena Cordovez Ecuador Terra Incognita

10 Not to be missed Chimborazo (6,310 meters above sea level). The Volcano Chimborazo Excursions through clouds and snow Reaching 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

11 El Arenal Mountaineering animals and plants The rugged plains of Chimborazo are ideal for observing plants and animals adapted to the cold climate, intense isolation, 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. Certain 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. The cliffs of San Juan offer numerous rock-climbing routes. Pulunguí San Pablo and Chorrera Mirador Herds of vicuñas brought in from the south With 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 ideal sites for enjoying the elusive vicuñas, diverse crops, sheep, guinea pigs, and 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

12 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 beginning 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 projects. 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 industry, 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. 20 Rock climbing at the cliffs of San 21Juan.

13 Things to do View of Chimborazo from the slopes of Carihuairazo (5,116 meters above sea level). Hikes and thermal baths in Cunuyacu Even though Chimborazo is not considered an active volcano, the persistent volcanic forces in the region make it possible to enjoy 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 unusual 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. / Excursions by foot, on horseback, and by bicycle, and communitybased tourism In 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 offers 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 37 th 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) / 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. Visiting the ice mines strange, moving story is that of A 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 ageold 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) / 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

14 Getting there Enjoying a warm respite in the Carrel Brothers refuge (4,800 masl). 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 cities. 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 activities. 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 unfamilar 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 unpredictably. 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, visitors 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. Entrance to all PANE continental protected areas is free for residents and foreigners. 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 various 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 TURISMO ( ) - Chimborazo Reserve: (03) ext Ministry of Tourism, Riobamba: (03) Bus terminal, Riobamba: (03) Hospital, Riobamba: (03) Police, Riobamba: (03)

15 Directory Lodging address reference price Riobamba Activities 2. Horseback riding 3. Guided hikes 6. Cultural tourism Riobamba Altar Climbing Ciclo Tours (03) probici@ecnet.ec 4 Expediciones Andinas (03) Julio Verne (03) / info@julioverne-travel.com Puruhá Razurku (03) category Prices are per guest and include breakfast and taxes unless otherwise indicated. Tour Operators 1. Camping contact Hostería Cerro Blanco 4. Biking 5. Hiking and climbing 7. Community tourism Soultrain Expeditions (03) Ecuadorean Alpine Institute (02) eai@andinanet.net Veloz Expeditions (03) info@velozexpeditions.com Positiv Turismo (02) info@positivturismo.com Guaranda Blue Bird (03) Quito Ecoandes Travel Andesadventure (02) quito@ecoandestravel.com Palmarvoyages (02) info@palmarvoyages.com Terranova Trek (02) tnt@terranovatrek.com Kleintours (02) destinos@kleintours.com.ec Surtrek (02) info@surtrek.com Rumipamba km (03) second Hotel Montecarlo 10 de Agosto and García Moreno 22 (03) montecarloriobamba@andinanet.net Albergue Estrella del Chimborazo Comunidad Pulinguí San Pablo 26 for a double room (03) Hostería Rosaspamba Sector Rosaspamba, plot 3, Quisintol 30 (03) Hotel Chimborazo Internacional Los Nogales and Argentinos 43 (03) / hotelchimborazo@andinanet.net Hotel El Molino Duchicela 4213 and Unidad Nacional 61 (03) / info@hotelelmolino.com.ec Hostal Mansión Santa Isabella José Veloz 2848, between Carabobo and Magdalena Dávalos 55 (03) info@mansionsantaisabella.com Guano Hostería Quinta Aidita Marcos Montalvo 919, San Roque 54 (03) hosteriaquintaaidita@hotmail.com Hostería Hacienda La Andaluza Vía Riobamba Ambato, km (03) welcome@hosteriaandaluza.com Guaranda Hotel Los Espejos García Moreno and 7 de Mayo 17 (does not include breakfast) (03) Hostal de las Flores Pichincha 402 and Rocafuerte 25 (03) second Hostería El Refugio Via thermal baths, Salinas 28 (02) second Hotel Tambo Libertador Av. Guayaquil, across from the regional transit authority 30 (03) pages/hotel-tambo-ellibertador/ Hotel La Colina Guayaquil 117 and Bellavista 40 (03) contactos@complejolacolina.com second Hotel Márquez 10 de Agosto w/n and Eloy Alfaro 17 (does not include breakfast) (03) second 27

16 si no quiere guardar este ejemplar, por favor compártalo 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! Mammals Andean White-eared Opossum Didelphis 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 Bat Histiotus montanus Puma Puma concolor Andean fox or wolf Lycalopex culpaeus Llama Lama glama Alpaca Vicugna pacos Vicuña Vicugna vicugna White-tailed Deer Odocoileus virginianus Birds Andean Condor Vultur gryphus Variable Hawk Buteo polyosoma Carunculated Caracara Phalcoboenus carunculatus Ecuadorean Rail Rallus aequatorialis Andean Lapwing Vanellus resplendens Great Horned Owl Bubo virginianus Band-winged Nightjar Caprimulgus longirostris Sparkling Violet-ear Colibri coruscans Ecuadorean hillstar Oreotrochilus chimborazo Stout-billed Cinclodes Cinclodes excelsior Tawny Antpitta Grallaria quitensis White-tailed Shrike-tyrant Agriornis andicola Páramo Ground-tyrant Muscisaxicola alpinus Chiguanco Thrush Turdus chiguanco Black Flowerpiercer Diglossa humeralis Blue-and-yellow Tanager Thraupis bonariensis Golden-bellied Grosbeak Pheucticus chrysogaster Aquatic birds Slate-coloured Coot Fulica ardesiaca Andean Teal Anas andium Andean Gull Larus serranus Amphibians and reptiles Andean Marsupial Frog* Gastrotheca riobambae Robber Frog Pristimantis spp. Whorltail Iguana or Huagsa Stenocercus guentheri Mountain lizard Pholidobolus montium Plants Devil Fingers Huperzia crassa Andean Horsetail Equisetum bogotense Pincushion or Almohadilla Azorella aretioides Golden Eye or Ñachag Bidens humilis Chuquiragua Chuquiraga jussieui Snow Frailejon Culcitum nivale Cat s Ear or Achicoria Hypochaeris sessiliflora Kishwar Buddleja incana Deer s Antlers Halenia weddeliana St. John s Wort Hypericum laricifolium Sunfo Satureja nubigena Lupine or Chocho Lupinus bogotensis Polylepis or Paper Tree Polylepis reticulata Valerian Valeriana microphylla Puya or Achupalla Puya hamata Páramo grass Stipa inconspicua Calamagrostis intermedia Series director: Andrés Vallejo Editorial design and edition: Nadesha Montalvo Texts: Patricio Mena Design: Esteban Garcés Photographic research: Martina Avilés and Alegría Acosta Maps: Susana Crespo and Pablo Cabrera Map coordination: Ximena Cordovez English translation: Amanda Blewitt Text 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 Figueroa Revision, Ministry of Tourism: Undersecretaryship for Tourism Management, Undersecretaryship for Tourism Promotion and Undersecretaryship for Information and Communication Revision, Ministry of the Environment: National Biodiversity Directorate and Area Chief References ECOLAP and MAE, Guía del Patrimonio de Áreas Naturales Protegidas del Ecuador. ECOFUND / FAN / DarwinNet / IGM, Quito Ecuador Terra Incognita, Ecuador: Turismo en Áreas Protegidas. Ministerio de Turismo, Quito Freile, Juan Fernando, Reserva de Producción Faunística Chimborazo: guía interpretativa. Manuscript García, Emilia and Stephan G. Beck, 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), Los Páramos del Mundo. IUCN Holanda/Ecociencia, Quito Mena, Patricio, Galo Medina and Robert Hofstede (eds), Los Páramos del Ecuador: Particularidades, Problemas y Perspectivas. Proyecto Páramo / Abya Yala, Quito This document may be cited as: Ecuador Terra Incognita, 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: * species endemic to Ecuador species mentioned in the text

17 Distributed free of charge CONSCIOUS TOURISM Is Love for life 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. El Telégrafo E7-58 and Av. de los Shyris Av. 6 de Diciembre N and Manuel Zambrano Quito-Ecuador Telephone: (02)