This reserve, which is bordering the Reserva Ecológica Cotacachi-Cayapas, is about 6,400 hectares in size. It is, in fact, one of the only access points to the southern Chocó area, which is known for its biodiversity, one of a kind in this world. There are more than 240 species of birds, 400 species of orchids and over 960 species of nocturnal moth.

Getting there
This uniqueness makes the whole place very popular among tourists, although the reserve is quite hard to access. The starting point is at the village of Chontal, and you will need to take a four to six hour hike though the Madgalena river valley to the Cordillera de la Plata after that. It is advisable to call and reserve everything in advance. Getting here by bus is possible, you can get the bus from Otavalo, directly to the village of Chontal. There are buses available from Quito and Intag as well.