Cayambe Coca National Park is a protected area of damp forests and high grass plains. It extends throughout the provinces of Imbabura, Pichincha, Napo, and Sucumbios. Located about 24 mi. (38 km.) West of Quito. The reserve protects several volcanoes such as Cayambe 18,996 ft. (5,790 m.), Sarahurco 11,433 ft. (3,485 m.), Puntas 14,517 ft. (4,425 m.), and the Reventador 11,686ft. (3,562 m.) Cayambe is Ecuador's third-highest peak through which the equator passes. While the Reventador is an active volcano, generally avoided due to constant eruptions.
Cayambe Coca has three separate entrances Cayambe in Pichincha, Papallacta in Napo, and East Slope near Lago Agrio in Sucumbios. Each entrance offers access to a different ecological region. In general, the reserve has a variety of different biodiversity and climates. Besides the volcanos, other attractions are the Papallacta and Oyacachi hot springs. As well as the Puruhanta lake and the San Rafael waterfall 430 ft. (131 m.) San Rafael is the tallest waterfall in Ecuador.
Popular activities are hiking, fishing, and bird watching. Visitors may see birds such as condors, hummingbirds, parrots, and toucans. They may also spot animals such as bears, Andean foxes, rabbits, and more. There is no entrance fee to access the Cayambe Coca National Park.
