The Chimborazo, the highest mountain in Ecuador, is the face of this reserve. The Colossus measures 6,310 meters of altitude and is surrounded by an immense arenal with a rather dry wasteland, different from the majority. The reserve, however, provides water to the three provinces where it sits: here are the sources that feed the rivers Ambato, Chambo and Chimbo. The waters of the Chimbo end in the great Río Guayas, a link that is represented in the national shield. The connection between the Chimborazo and the Guayas River is the symbol of the unit between coast and Sierra. The reserve houses an important population of vicuñas reintroduced from Peru and Chile in 1988. There are also llamas and alpacas, native domestic animals of Ecuador and they were used by the ancient inhabitants of the Andes before the Spaniards introduced horses, sheep, cows and donkeys. The reserve was created to protect these animals and their historical legacy, as well as the strange moor they are part of.
From Quito: Take the Panamericana sur to the city of Ambato. From here, continue along via Ambato – Guaranda, which crosses the reserve.
From Riobamba: Take the Via Riobamba-Guaranda (30 km) until you reach the entrance to the reserve.
Parque Nacional Chimborazo Friday 21 February 2025
Tourism
