Ilinizas Ecological Reserve, also known as Ilinizas National Park, is a protected area about 149,000 hectares (368,187 acres.) The reserve is located between Cotopaxi and Pichincha provinces in Ecuador. It is 34 mi (55 km) south of Quito and extends through the Quilotoa Loop area. Ilinizas Ecological Reserve contains different volcanoes, springs, streams, rivers, a deep canyon, and some very attractive scenery. Ilinizas are two snow-capped volcanoes: South Iliniza 17,218 ft (5,248 m) and North Iliniza 16,818 ft (5,126 m). Another attraction is the Quilotoa is a volcanic lagoon filled with uniquely colored water, which glistens like an emerald green. On the other hand, the cloud forest is also the habitat for epiphytes such as orchids, ferns, and bromeliads.

From Quito, by car, take the Panamericana Sur to Machachi (34 mi - 55 km). Take the road that leads to El Chaupi; from there take a second order road to arrive at La Virgen area. If going by bus, take a bus to Machachi, at the Quitumbe Bus Terminal; south of Quito. Get off the bus at Mercado Central de Machachi. From there, catch another bus to El Chaupi. Once you see the statue of a woman milking a cow, you know that you have arrived.