Los
Ilinizas
Sector
The
side
road
from
the
Pan-American
highway
leads
to
the
refuge
from
Machachi
towards
El
Chaupi.
There
is
a
pathway
closer
to
the
Reserve,
which
takes
around
an
hour
and
a
half
by
foot
to
reach
the
refuge.
The
same
route
leading
to
Sigchos
is
also
accessible
by
car,
towards
the
south
of
the
Reserve.
It’s
possible
to
visit
the
north
eastern
sector
along
this
route,
including
mountain
El
Corazon,
one
of
the
areas
main
attractions.
From
the
Pan-American
highway,
near
the
village
of
Lasso
,
there
is
a
second
access
point
to
the
Reserve
towards
the
south
of
Machachi.
The
route
borders
the
south
eastern
outskirts
of
Ilinizas,
eventually
joining
with
the
first
route
of
access.
Laguna
de
Quilotoa
(Lake
Quilotoa)
This
lake
is
of
volcanic
origin,
measuring
approximately
three
kilometres
in
diameter.
It’s
green
colouration
and
circular
shape
make
it
easy
to
recognize
especially
from
the
air.
On
a
clear
day
its
easy
to
see
the
lake
from
a
commercial
liner
heading
towards
Quito
from
the
south.
The
lake
is
approximately
a
fifteen
minute
drive
from
Zumbagua,
a
village
located
along
the
Latacunga-Quevedo
road.
Arrival
practically
at
the
edge
of
the
lake
is
possible
if
driving
in
a
4-by-4.
This
road
also
leads
to
Sigchos
where
there
are
several
pathways
leading
into
the
Reserve.
A
local
guide
is
essential
if
wishing
to
enter
the
Reserve.
Pangua
and
Subtropical
Rainforests
(South
western
sector)
The
two
principle
access
routes
originate
along
the
Latacunga-Quevedo
road.
Signposting
is
minimal,
nevertheless,
with
the
help
of
the
locals
it’s
easy
to
arrive
at
Pucayacu,
towards
the
north,
or
Chonsilli,
in
the
south
of
the
area,
near
to
the
sector
known
as
Pangua.
There
are
a
series
of
pathways
and
trails
originating
in
these
aforementioned
areas
leading
to
the
interior
of
the
forests.
Before
entering
these
sectors,
it’s
recommended
to
confirm
the
condition
of
the
pathways
as
occasionally
access
can
prove
impossible.
Last
Updated
18th
July
2006
