The reserve belongs to the parish of Nono and constitutes a source that generates crystalline water which serves to supply the vital liquid to the northern zone of Quito. The landscape is dominated by an area of pajonales, Andean forest and Polylepis or "paper trees", if it is clear you can see the Pichincha Volcano, to cross it there is a wide main path and along the way you can see the subtle fins of hummingbirds.The ecological reserve Yanacocha comprises an area of 964,000 hectares of forests that protect a great biodiversity of Andean flora and fauna, with an altitude ranging from 2,800 to 4,000 meters above sea level, is home to hundreds of hummingbirds, of the 21 species They live in the area, including the "black-eared shag" (Eriocnemis nigrivestis), declared in 2005 by the Municipality of Quito, the emblematic bird of the city for being one of the rarest hummingbirds in the world, as there are only 200 individuals left.
In this area, which is the home of the spectacled bear, deer, rabbits and species that are even in danger of extinction, you can also see a wide variety of orchids and bromeliads.
In Yanacocha walking 2.5 km. Offers the wonderful opportunity to visit one of the most known reserves of the Jocotoco Foundation, created to protect the birds in danger of extinction that live in this part of the Andes.
The road to Yanacocha begins near El Condado, north of Quito at the intersection of Machala Street and Mariscal Sucre Avenue or Occidental Avenue. Cross the overpass of Machala street uphill to the west, always staying on the main street towards Nono until you find a detour, where there is a sign for the Yanacocha Reserve. The exact site is 10 kilometers from the mentioned detour.
Cascada río Pita Saturday 22 February 2025
Tourism
