The forest that guards the soul of the northwestern region of Quito
In the northwestern region of Quito, where the mountains dissolve into clouds and the air smells of damp earth, lies one of Ecuador’s best-kept secrets: the Maquipucuna Reserve.
Just an hour and a half from the city center, this natural sanctuary protects more than 6,000 hectares of cloud forest, home to hundreds of species of birds, mammals, amphibians, orchids, and giant trees.
Maquipucuna is more than just a reserve: it is a living reminder that Quito does not end at its streets, but continues in the forests, in the ravines, and in the communities that maintain an ancestral relationship with nature. It is a refuge where visitors rediscover the value of silence, slowness, and harmony with their surroundings.
A paradise among clouds
The name Maquipucuna comes from Quichua and means “the hand that cares for.” And it couldn’t describe it better. Here, nature is not observed from afar: it is felt, breathed, and listened to.
The forest trails lead to a universe where mist weaves between the trees, the song of birds marks the rhythm of the day, and the murmur of water accompanies every step.
Located between 800 and 2,800 meters above sea level, the reserve is part of the Andean Bear Corridor, an ecological strip that connects the ecosystems of the Andes with the tropical forests of the Chocó biogeographic region.
This strategic location makes Maquipucuna one of the most biodiverse places in the Metropolitan District of Quito. Its boundaries encompass temperate, humid, and cold climates; each of which harbors a surprising variety of species.
More than 400 species of birds have been recorded here, along with 45 species of mammals, including the emblematic spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus), symbol of the tropical Andes and emblem of conservation in Ecuador.
The encounter with the spectacled bear
Every year, between the months of July and November, a very special visitor roams the slopes of Maquipucuna: the Andean bear.
Attracted by avocado trees, their favorite food, these animals descend from the paramo to the cloud forest, offering visitors a unique opportunity to observe them in the wild, a privilege that only occurs in a few places in the world.
The guides of the reserve organize early morning walks for responsible bear watching, following strict conservation protocols that ensure the safety of both the animal and the tourists.
Seeing it among the trees, moving calmly and powerfully, is a transformative experience: a meeting that reminds us that the forest is still home to wildlife.
Maquipucuna is one of the few places on the planet where this species can be seen without cages or artifices, and where tourism becomes a tool for active protection.
The funds generated by visits are reinvested in camera trap monitoring, reforestation, and environmental education for nearby communities.
Bear watching is not just a tourist attraction: it is a symbol of the balance between conservation, science, and responsible tourism. The scientists working in the reserve have identified more than 50 distinct individuals in recent years, demonstrating the success of preservation efforts.
A paradise for birdwatchers
For birdwatching enthusiasts, Maquipucuna is a true paradise.
The sunrises are filled with impossible trills and colors: the Gallito de la Peña, the Golden Quetzal, the Chocó Toucan, as well as dozens of tanagers, treecreepers, trogons, and hummingbirds flutter among the trees creating a spectacle that seems painted with watercolors.
The reserve has natural viewpoints and stations where local guides—experts in avifauna—help identify species and share information about their behaviors.
In just one day, it is possible to record more than 80 different species; while in a complete week, more than 200 observed species can be surpassed. This has led Maquipucuna to become an active part of the Chocó Andino Network along with other reserves such as Pambiliño Amagusa Santa Lucía, thus consolidating a unique scientific tourist route.
Between September and January during this migratory season, new surprises arrive when North American Amazonian birds cross Andean skies creating fascinating biodiversity mosaics for both amateur and professional ornithologists alike.
Trails that tell stories
Exploring Maquipucuna is walking through the natural history of the Andes.
The network of trails—from easy to medium difficulty—allows you to explore waterfalls, crystal-clear rivers, viewpoints, and centuries-old trees covered in moss.
One popular trail is Sendero Oso, which crosses primary forest areas and leads to strategic points for observing wildlife. There is also the Sendero Orquídeas, where more than 250 different species bloom, some so tiny that they can only be seen with a magnifying glass.
Each path reveals a different story: giant leaves provide shelter for endemic frogs, bioluminescent mushrooms illuminate the night, and butterflies seem like fragments of the sky.
The sound of insects, the song of birds, and the constant humidity create an almost magical atmosphere.
Maquipucuna does not walk, it breathes.
Maquipucuna does not walk, it breathes.
Responsible tourism with local essence
Unlike other natural destinations, Maquipucuna seeks not mass tourism but conscious and transformative tourism.
The reserve is managed by the Maquipucuna Foundation, which has been working hand in hand with local communities in Nanegal, Nanegalito, and Yunguilla for more than three decades, promoting a conservation model based on education, research, and community development.
The accommodation within the reserve combines comfort with respect for the environment.
The ecological cabins built with local materials such as bamboo, recycled wood, and stone offer panoramic views of the forest.
The electricity supply comes from solar panels and clean energy systems, and the cuisine is based on organic products grown in the area.
Visitors can enjoy menus made with local ingredients, tropical fruits, artisanal coffee, and chocolate.
They also organize workshops on traditional cooking, coffee production, and chocolate making guided by the inhabitants of neighboring communities.
In this way, each tourist experience generates direct economic benefits for rural families, strengthening their sense of belonging and reducing pressure on natural resources.
In addition, Maquipucuna develops educational projects for children and young people, teaching them conservation practices such as reforestation and recycling. Many of these young people later become guides or environmental technicians, turning education into a real engine for change.
The value of water is life
Beyond its beauty, Maquipucuna plays a vital role in the ecological balance and water supply for Quito.
The rivers and streams that originate in the reserve feed important watersheds such as the Guayllabamba River, which in turn supply the capital.
The cloud forests act as natural sponges, capturing moisture from clouds, storing water in the soil, and slowly releasing it in the form of streams.
Walking alongside one of these crystal-clear rivers, you can understand how the city and nature are connected by the same invisible thread of water.
That’s why every visit to the reserve has a positive impact.
A portion of the income is allocated to restoration projects for watersheds, control of invasive species, and climate monitoring.
Thanks to these efforts, Maquipucuna has become a living laboratory where Ecuadorian and foreign scientists study the effects of climate change on tropical ecosystems.
A bridge between science and community
In Maquipucuna, science is not confined to laboratories; it walks along the trails.
Biodiversity researchers, ornithologists, botanists, and university students conduct ongoing research on the flora, fauna, and dynamics of the forests.
This shared knowledge helps communities learn to use scientific knowledge as a tool to improve agricultural and forestry practices.
The reserve is also part of international conservation networks such as Chocó Andino Pichincha, which has been declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
This international recognition highlights the global value of the area not only for its biodiversity but also as a model for coexistence between nature and human beings.
How to get there and what to bring
From Quito, take a private vehicle for a journey of about one hour and thirty minutes to Maquipucuna.
The common route via Nono – Nanegalito is a scenic drive that crosses valleys, forests, and natural viewpoints.
It is recommended to bring:
- Lightweight comfortable clothing but warm for the afternoons
- Rain poncho or waterproof jacket
- Non-slip hiking shoes
- Binoculars and camera
- Eco-friendly insect repellent and sunscreen
The weather varies drastically; mornings are usually sunny while afternoons bring fog and drizzle.
The reserve is open all year round, but the best time to visit is between June and November when there is more wildlife activity, especially bears and migratory birds.
Experiences leave a mark
Beyond the trails and landscapes, what makes Maquipucuna unique is the emotion and connection it awakens in each visitor.
Those who come here only to take photographs live a transformative experience.
Many foreign tourists, especially from the United States, Europe, and Japan, return every year to continue exploring the forest, collaborate as volunteers, and participate in reforestation programs.
The Maquipucuna volunteering program allows you to get involved in tasks such as planting native trees and monitoring.
More than 400 species of birds have been recorded here, along with 45 species of
mammals, including the emblematic spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus), symbol
of the tropical Andes and emblem of conservation in Ecuador.
The encounter with the spectacled bear
Every year, between the months of July and November, a very special visitor roams
the slopes of Maquipucuna: the Andean bear.
Attracted by avocado trees, their favorite food, these animals descend from the
paramo to the cloud forest, offering visitors a unique opportunity to observe them
in the wild, a privilege that only occurs in a few places in the world.
The guides of the reserve organize early morning walks for responsible bear
watching, following strict conservation protocols that ensure the safety of both the
animal and the tourists.
Seeing it among the trees, moving calmly and powerfully, is a transformative
experience: a meeting that reminds us that the forest is still home to wildlife.
Maquipucuna is one of the few places on the planet where this species can be seen
without cages or artifices, and where tourism becomes a tool for active protection.
The funds generated by visits are reinvested in camera trap monitoring,
reforestation, and environmental education for nearby communities.
Bear watching is not just a tourist attraction: it is a symbol of the balance between
conservation, science, and responsible tourism. The scientists working in the
reserve have identified more than 50 distinct individuals in recent years,
demonstrating the success of preservation efforts.
A paradise for birdwatchers
For birdwatching enthusiasts, Maquipucuna is a true paradise.
The sunrises are filled with impossible trills and colors: the Gallito de la Peña, the
Golden Quetzal, the Chocó Toucan, as well as dozens of tanagers, treecreepers,
trogons, and hummingbirds flutter among the trees creating a spectacle that seems
painted with watercolors.
The reserve has natural viewpoints and stations where local guides—experts in
avifauna—help identify species and share information about their behaviors.
In just one day, it is possible to record more than 80 different species; while in a
complete week, more than 200 observed species can be surpassed. This has led
Maquipucuna to become an active part of the Chocó Andino Network along with
other reserves such as Pambiliño Amagusa Santa Lucía, thus consolidating a unique
scientific tourist route.
Between September and January during this migratory season, new surprises arrive
when North American Amazonian birds cross Andean skies creating fascinating
biodiversity mosaics for both amateur and professional ornithologists alike.
Trails that tell stories
Exploring Maquipucuna is walking through the natural history of the Andes.
The network of trails—from easy to medium difficulty—allows you to explore
waterfalls, crystal-clear rivers, viewpoints, and centuries-old trees covered in moss.
One popular trail is Sendero Oso, which crosses primary forest areas and leads to
strategic points for observing wildlife. There is also the Sendero Orquídeas, where
more than 250 different species bloom, some so tiny that they can only be seen
with a magnifying glass.
Each path reveals a different story: giant leaves provide shelter for endemic frogs,
bioluminescent mushrooms illuminate the night, and butterflies seem like
fragments of the sky.
The sound of insects, the song of birds, and the constant humidity create an almost
magical atmosphere.
Maquipucuna does not walk, it breathes.
Maquipucuna does not walk, it breathes.
Responsible tourism with local essence
Unlike other natural destinations, Maquipucuna seeks not mass tourism but
conscious and transformative tourism.
The reserve is managed by the Maquipucuna Foundation, which has been working
hand in hand with local communities in Nanegal, Nanegalito, and Yunguilla for
more than three decades, promoting a conservation model based on education,
research, and community development.
The accommodation within the reserve combines comfort with respect for the
environment.
The ecological cabins built with local materials such as bamboo, recycled wood,
and stone offer panoramic views of the forest.
The electricity supply comes from solar panels and clean energy systems, and the
cuisine is based on organic products grown in the area.
Visitors can enjoy menus made with local ingredients, tropical fruits, artisanal
coffee, and chocolate.
They also organize workshops on traditional cooking, coffee production, and
chocolate making guided by the inhabitants of neighboring communities.
In this way, each tourist experience generates direct economic benefits for rural
families, strengthening their sense of belonging and reducing pressure on natural
resources.
In addition, Maquipucuna develops educational projects for children and young
people, teaching them conservation practices such as reforestation and recycling.
Many of these young people later become guides or environmental technicians,
turning education into a real engine for change.
The value of water is life
Beyond its beauty, Maquipucuna plays a vital role in the ecological balance and
water supply for Quito.
The rivers and streams that originate in the reserve feed important watersheds
such as the Guayllabamba River, which in turn supply the capital.
The cloud forests act as natural sponges, capturing moisture from clouds, storing
water in the soil, and slowly releasing it in the form of streams.
Walking alongside one of these crystal-clear rivers, you can understand how the
city and nature are connected by the same invisible thread of water.
That’s why every visit to the reserve has a positive impact.
A portion of the income is allocated to restoration projects for watersheds, control
of invasive species, and climate monitoring.
Thanks to these efforts, Maquipucuna has become a living laboratory where
Ecuadorian and foreign scientists study the effects of climate change on tropical
ecosystems.
A bridge between science and community
In Maquipucuna, science is not confined to laboratories; it walks along the trails.
Biodiversity researchers, ornithologists, botanists, and university students conduct
ongoing research on the flora, fauna, and dynamics of the forests.
This shared knowledge helps communities learn to use scientific knowledge as a
tool to improve agricultural and forestry practices.
The reserve is also part of international conservation networks such as Chocó
Andino Pichincha, which has been declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
This international recognition highlights the global value of the area not only for its
biodiversity but also as a model for coexistence between nature and human beings.
How to get there and what to bring
From Quito, take a private vehicle for a journey of about one hour and thirty
minutes to Maquipucuna.
The common route via Nono – Nanegalito is a scenic drive that crosses valleys,
forests, and natural viewpoints.
It is recommended to bring:
Lightweight comfortable clothing but warm for the afternoons
Rain poncho or waterproof jacket
Non-slip hiking shoes
Binoculars and camera
Eco-friendly insect repellent and sunscreen
The weather varies drastically; mornings are usually sunny while afternoons bring
fog and drizzle.
The reserve is open all year round, but the best time to visit is between June and
November when there is more wildlife activity, especially bears and migratory
birds.
Experiences leave a mark
Beyond the trails and landscapes, what makes Maquipucuna unique is the emotion
and connection it awakens in each visitor.
Those who come here only to take photographs live a transformative experience.
Many foreign tourists, especially from the United States, Europe, and Japan, return
every year to continue exploring the forest, collaborate as volunteers, and
participate in reforestation programs.
The Maquipucuna volunteering program allows you to get involved in tasks such as
planting native trees and monitoring.
