It is one of the main sites for the conservation of biodiversity in Ecuador, home to many species of flora and fauna due to its multiple climates and vegetation formations, ranging from tropical forests to Andean moors. Its altitude ranges from 800 meters above sea level to 5,263 at the highest peak, this variation makes it one of the richest ecosystems in Ecuador, with an area of 149,900 hectares, distributed in the provinces of Cotopaxi, Pichincha and Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas.
To enter Los Illinizas from Latacunga, you can do so by heading north, to the parish of San Juan de Pastocalle and also from the Pan-American Highway over the Jambelí bridge, 11 kilometers away, passing through the town of Sigchos. Entrance is free and there are several recreational activities such as mountaineering, camping, and bird watching, among others. To reach the first refuge of the protected area, one must enter the La Virgen parking lot (3,950 masl), which is 2 kilometers from the guardhouse and where there is a camping area for about 50 people. There, the Andean páramo vegetation is abundant and the wind is extremely cold.
History and Cultural Significance
Among the attractions of this natural treasure of the Ecuadorian Andes are the Cerro Corazón, located in the parishes of Aloag and Chaupi, the snow-capped Illinizas, where mountain climbing is practiced; The Cunugyacu hot springs have had a wide mass distribution in recent years, are warm and crystal clear waterfalls located on the slopes of Illiniza Sur and have become popular for having healing and relaxing properties, they are a natural whirlpool in the foothills of Illiniza Sur. Don't let the cold weather stop you from taking a relaxing bath in these natural hot springs, it's worth it!
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