The caldera floor is approximately 1,500 meters in diameter, resulting from a massive eruption roughly 100,000 years ago.
The refuge is home to more than 120 species of birds, including the endangered Andean Condor.
It contains over 50 species of trees and more than 100 species of orchids native to the Andean forest.
The name 'Pasochoa' is derived from local indigenous languages, likely meaning 'the one that makes the path' or 'hidden pass'.
Unlike neighboring volcanoes like Cotopaxi, Pasochoa is considered permanently extinct.
The reserve acts as a critical watershed for the surrounding valley.
Pasochoa Wildlife Refuge is a private protected area located within the caldera of an extinct volcano in the Andes Mountains of Ecuador. The reserve sits at an elevation ranging from 2,800 to 4,200 meters above sea level. It preserves one of the last remaining high-altitude Andean cloud forests in the Pichincha province. The refuge features a collapsed crater that has created a unique microclimate supporting diverse flora and fauna. Visitors can traverse various ecosystems, including primary forest, secondary forest, and paramo grasslands. The site is part of the private Hacienda Los Mortiños area. It serves as a significant biological corridor for endemic Andean species. The terrain is characterized by steep ravines and ridges shaped by ancient volcanic activity. Most trails involve significant elevation gain due to the caldera's topography.
The ridgeline lookout point providing a panoramic view into the lush, bowl-shaped interior of the crater.
Acclimatize to Quito's altitude for at least two days before attempting the hike to avoid altitude sickness.
Bring high-quality binoculars as the dense canopy makes bird sightings challenging without magnification.
Carry a high-SPF sunscreen and sunglasses, as UV radiation is significantly stronger at these altitudes even on cloudy days.
Do not attempt to hike to the highest ridges if you have not properly acclimatized; do not feed local wildlife.
Stay strictly on marked trails to protect the fragile endemic vegetation; pack out all waste; maintain silence to avoid disturbing wildlife.
