Although
set in pastoral
hills at 1850m,
Baeza identifies
itself very
much with
the lowland
Oriente to
the extent
that hotels
are named
after jungle
themes and
the talk in
town never
strays far
from oil and
the nearby
pipelines.
Colonisation
along the
main highways
nearby has
replaced the
forests of
old with farming
landscape,
but patches
of cloudforest
remain on
the steeper
slopes, where
birding is
still reported
to be good.
Other larger
areas of pristine
forest are
also within
reach, as
it's surrounded
by protected
areas, the
Cayambe-Coca
reserve directly
to the north,
Sumaco Napo-Galeras
to the east
and Antisana
to the southwest,
so it's a
convenient
starting point
for walks
into the hills
and expeditions
into the more
remote depths
of the three
reserves.
The
road to Tena
From Baeza
a seven-hour
journey takes
you along
the scenic
route to Tena
directly via
Loreto to
Coca. Bordering
the road are
several National
Parks and
reserves.
The
Guacamayos
Ridge belongs
to the Reserva
Ecologica
Antisana,
located in
Cosanga, twenty
minutes away
from Tena.
The stone
path by the
antennas leads
into the cloudforests
and its wide
variety of
bird life
and orchids,
unique to
this area.
The Guacamayos
Ridge has
marvellous
views over
the Oriente.
Further
down on the
Baeza-Tena
road, southeast
of the Guacamayos
antennas,
a plethora
of forests
await the
enthusiastic
bird-watcher
and budding
botanist.
From the upper
part of the
path on the
Hollin-Loreto
road you
can spot exotic
multi-coloured
wonders such
as butterflies
and birds
including
macaws if
you're lucky.
This is a
must for most
travellers.
Finally, the
view through
the gorge
from the River
Hollin is
definitely
worthy of
a visit. It's
only possible
by car though
as buses are
not frequent
in this area.
The
road to Lago
Agrio
There is a
road that
goes to Lago
Agrio from
Baeza following
the Rio Quijos
and passing
by the villages
of Borja,
El Chaco and
the slopes
of the Volcan
Reventador.
At El Chaco
you'll find
some restaurants
and basic
accommodation
should you
decide to
stay.
Last
updated 14th
June 2006
